Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in New Jersey?
New Jersey has no state law that limits how long a train may block a crossing. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
New Jersey law sets no minute limit. It says a railroad employee may not run a locomotive, train or crossing gate in a way that unnecessarily blocks or interferes with travel on a highway.
Exceptions and local rules
The rule covers only unnecessary blocking; it names no time in minutes.
No employee of a steam or electric railroad company shall operate a locomotive, train or crossing gate in such a manner as to unnecessarily prevent or interfere with the use of a highway for the purpose of travel.
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 Jersey 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 Jersey
New Jersey has 1,372 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.