Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Utah?
Utah law limits a train to 5 minutes blocking a road crossing, under Utah Code § 41-6a-1204. We found no Utah 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
Utah law says a train may not keep cars from using a road for more than five minutes in a row, with several exceptions. Breaking the rule is an infraction. A federal appeals court that covers Utah ruled in 2022 that a similar Oklahoma law is not enforceable, so this rule is likely not enforceable against railroads either.
Exceptions and local rules
The limit does not apply when a train is following signals for train movement, is stopped to avoid striking an object or person on the track, is disabled, is in motion or switching, or has no vehicle waiting at the crossing. It also does not apply when the train is complying with a government rule, or as a highway authority decides.
A person or government agency may not operate a train in a manner to prevent vehicular use of a roadway for a period of time in excess of five consecutive minutes
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 Utah 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 Utah
Utah has 767 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.