Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Vermont?
Vermont law limits a train to 5 minutes blocking a road crossing, under 5 V.S.A. § 3587. We found no Vermont 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
Vermont law says a railroad may not let an engine or rail car stand on a road crossing at track level for more than five minutes at a time, or block traffic for more than five minutes while switching. The fine is 5 to 50 dollars. Courts in other states have ruled similar laws not enforceable, so this one is likely not enforceable against railroads either.
Exceptions and local rules
Does not apply to crossings in Rutland between the River Street underpass and the Pine Street overpass, or to the Gagnon Road crossing in Norton.
permit an engine or railroad car, or any portion thereof, to stand on any part of such highway or road for a longer period than five minutes at any one time, or in shunting, to obstruct public traffic for a longer period than five minutes at any 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 Vermont 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 Vermont
Vermont has 380 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.