Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire law limits a train to 5 minutes blocking a road crossing, under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 373:15, § 373:16, § 373:17. We found no New Hampshire 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
New Hampshire law says a railroad may not occupy a highway grade crossing with its engines and cars for more than 5 minutes at one time unless the state Department of Transportation allows it.
Exceptions and local rules
After a petition, notice and hearing, the Department of Transportation may set a longer maximum time for a crossing, but never more than 9 minutes. The commissioner may also adopt rules on the maximum time.
A railroad shall not occupy a grade crossing over a highway by its engines and cars more than 5 minutes at one time without authority from the department of transportation.
Read the statute: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 373:15, § 373:16, § 373:17
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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
New Hampshire has 342 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.
All crossings in New Hampshire