Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law limits a train to 5 minutes blocking a road crossing, under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 160, § 151. We found no Massachusetts 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
Massachusetts law says a railroad may not willfully block a public road with cars or engines for more than five minutes at one time, and after a blockage must allow at least three minutes for waiting travelers to cross before a freight train occupies it again.
Exceptions and local rules
The statute lists no specific exceptions; it also bars willful or negligent obstruction and unnecessary or unreasonable use of a public way. The railroad forfeits 200 to 500 dollars per violation.
or in any case wilfully obstruct, use or occupy it with cars or engines for more than five minutes at one time
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
Massachusetts has 825 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.
All crossings in Massachusetts