Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Iowa?
Iowa law limits a train to 10 minutes blocking a road crossing, under Iowa Code § 327G.32. We found no Iowa court ruling on this limit. Courts elsewhere have held similar limits preempted by federal law, so it may not be enforceable against railroads. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
Iowa law says a railroad may not run a train in a way that keeps cars from using a road, street or alley for more than 10 minutes, with a few exceptions.
Exceptions and local rules
A train may block longer than 10 minutes when needed to obey train signals, to avoid hitting an object or person on the track, when the train is disabled, or to comply with government rules such as speed limits. A city or county may pass an ordinance setting a time for one specific crossing; Iowa DOT must be notified and can disapprove it after a hearing if someone objects.
A railroad corporation or its employees shall not operate a train in such a manner as to prevent vehicular use of a highway, street, or alley for a period of time in excess of ten minutes except in any of the following circumstances:
Does federal law override it?
No federal law sets a time limit for a train blocking a crossing. Federal law does control how railroads run trains, and courts have used it to set aside state time limits.
When a court holds a state limit preempted, the state cannot enforce it against the railroad. A limit no court has ruled on is still on the books, but railroads may challenge it the same way.
Where to report a blocked crossing
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) takes blocked crossing reports from the public for every state.
Report to the FRA blocked crossing reporter
Iowa has its own page about blocked crossings: the Iowa DOT Rail Transportation Bureau page. You can also call 515-239-1101.
If a train is blocking the crossing right now, call the railroad on the number shown on the blue sign at the crossing.
Crossings in Iowa
Iowa has 4,141 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.