Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Tennessee?
Tennessee has no state law that limits how long a train may block a crossing. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
Tennessee has no state law that sets a time limit for a train stopped at a road crossing. The state transportation department says there are no state or federal rules on blocked crossings and asks people to report them to the federal railroad agency. A 2021 state law (Public Chapter 178) asks the department to report to the legislature each year through 2026 on the blocked-crossing reports made to the federal railroad agency, with a final report due by 1 July 2027.
Currently, there are no State or Federal laws/regulations pertaining to blocked crossings
Citation: No Tennessee statute (FRA state law compilation, 2021; TDOT, 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
Tennessee has its own page about blocked crossings: the Tennessee Department of Transportation rail office page.
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 Tennessee
Tennessee has 2,620 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.