How long can a train block a crossing in Nebraska?

The rule

A Nebraska Department of Transportation rule says a railroad may not block a public road crossing for more than 10 minutes, unless the train keeps moving or has stopped for an emergency. A one-time extra 10 minutes is allowed in two cases. A train that runs over the limit without an exception must be cut to open the crossing, and the cut cars must stay at least 250 feet away. A state law (17-225) also sets a 10-minute limit for any public highway, street or alley in an unincorporated village, with a fine of 10 to 100 dollars. Another state law says crew members are not personally liable when they blocked a crossing on their employer's orders; the railroad stays responsible. A 2025 bill for a general 10-minute limit in state law did not pass.

Exceptions and local rules

Does not apply to a train moving continuously forward or backward, or stopped for an emergency such as an accident, derailment, critical mechanical failure, washout, storm or flood. One extra 10 minutes is allowed when a crew cannot finish setting out or picking up cars in time, or when a train waits for a second train that is about to arrive. Re-coupling and required air tests after cutting a train to clear a crossing do not count. Under 74-594, crew members acting on their employer's orders are not personally liable. The 10-minute state law (17-225) covers only unincorporated villages.

A railroad company or a railroad track owner operating trains over tracks within the State of Nebraska shall not block a public highway-rail grade crossing, for a period of time in excess of ten (10) minutes, except if the train is moving in a continuous forward or backward direction, or if the train is stopped for an emergency condition

Read the statute: 415 Neb. Admin. Code ch. 7, § 005 (NDOT rule); Neb. Rev. Stat. § 74-594; § 17-225

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

Nebraska has its own page about blocked crossings: the Nebraska DOT Rail Section page.

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 Nebraska

Nebraska has 2,850 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.

All crossings in Nebraska

Cities with the most crossings

Sources, checked 16 October 2026

Blocked crossing laws by state