Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island law limits a train to 5 minutes blocking a road crossing, under R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-8-4. We found no Rhode Island 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
Rhode Island law says a railroad may not block a street or highway grade crossing with cars or engines for more than five minutes at one time. After a blocking, the railroad must leave the crossing open for at least three minutes so waiting travelers can cross.
Exceptions and local rules
No exceptions are written into the section. A violation carries a fine of 25 to 100 dollars against the railroad corporation.
No railroad corporation, nor its servants or agents, shall willfully or negligently obstruct or unnecessarily use or occupy a highway, city or town way, or street, nor in any case at a street or highway grade crossing, with cars or engines for more than five (5) minutes at one time
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
Rhode Island has 42 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.