Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Montana?
Montana law limits a train to 15 minutes blocking a road crossing, under Mont. Code Ann. § 69-14-626. We found no Montana 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
Montana law says a railroad company may not willfully block a public highway crossing outside incorporated cities and towns by stopping a train for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Exceptions and local rules
The rule applies only to crossings outside incorporated cities and towns, and only to willful blocking. The penalty is a misdemeanor fine of 25 to 100 dollars against the company.
It shall be unlawful for any corporation, association, or company to willfully obstruct, blockade, interfere with, or prevent the free use of any public highway within the state where such highway crosses any railroad track outside of incorporated cities and towns by stopping any railroad train, car, engine, or locomotive for more than 15 minutes at any 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 Montana 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 Montana
Montana has 1,351 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.