Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in New Mexico?
New Mexico has no state law that limits how long a train may block a crossing. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
New Mexico has no state law that limits how long a train may block a road crossing. In 2025 the House asked the state Department of Transportation to study blocked crossing times and recommend limits.
Citation: No New Mexico statute (NMSA 1978 on NMOneSource, 2026).
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 Mexico 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 Mexico
New Mexico has 723 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.