Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Maryland?
Maryland has no state law that limits how long a train may block a crossing. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
Maryland has no state time limit for a train blocking a crossing. A 2025 bill (HB 958 of 2025) would have set a five-minute limit for a standing train, but it did not pass.
Citation: No Maryland statute (HB 958 of 2025 did not pass).
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 Maryland 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 Maryland
Maryland has 670 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.