How long can a train block a crossing in North Carolina?

The rule

North Carolina has no state law that limits how long a train may block a road crossing. Some towns have their own ordinances.

Exceptions and local rules

Local ordinances exist in some towns; for example, the Town of Murphy code section 70.144 limits how long a train may stand on a public crossing.

Citation: No North Carolina statute (General Statutes, 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina

North Carolina has 3,696 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.

All crossings in North Carolina

Cities with the most crossings

Sources, checked 16 October 2026

Blocked crossing laws by state