Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Virginia?
Virginia law limits a train to 5 minutes blocking a road crossing, under Va. Code § 56-412.1. We found no Virginia 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
Virginia law says a railroad may not block a street or road with standing cars or trains for more than five minutes. The fine is 100 to 500 dollars. No court ruling on this Virginia law was found, but courts in other states have ruled similar laws not enforceable, so it is likely not enforceable against railroads.
Exceptions and local rules
The limit does not apply to a passenger train taking on or letting off passengers, or to a train stopped by a breakdown, mechanical failure or emergency. After a train is recoupled, up to three more minutes are allowed to pump up the air brakes.
It shall be unlawful for any railroad company, or any receiver or trustee operating a railroad, to obstruct for a longer period than five minutes the free passage on any street or road by standing cars or trains across the same
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 Virginia 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 Virginia
Virginia has 1,819 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.