Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Maine?
Maine has no state law that limits how long a train may block a crossing. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
Maine has no minute limit for a train blocking a crossing. State law says a road may not be unreasonably and negligently obstructed by engines or cars at a grade crossing, and a railroad forfeits up to 100 dollars for each violation.
no way may be unreasonably and negligently obstructed by engines, tenders or cars. Any railroad corporation forfeits not more than $100 for every violation of this section.
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
We found no Maine state page for blocked crossing reports, so the FRA reporter is the place to report.
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 Maine
Maine has 768 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.