Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Washington?
Washington law limits a train to 10 minutes blocking a road crossing, under Wash. Admin. Code § 480-62-220. Washington's state rail regulator says it cannot enforce this limit against railroads, because federal law controls how trains run. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
A Washington state rule says railroads must not block a road crossing for more than ten minutes in a row if reasonably possible, and must clear it right away for police or emergency vehicles. The state commission that wrote the rule says it cannot be enforced because of federal court rulings.
Exceptions and local rules
The ten-minute limit applies only 'if reasonably possible'. Clearing for police or emergency vehicles is required only where the train movement will not break Federal Railroad Administration rules.
Railroad companies must not block a grade crossing for more than ten consecutive minutes, if reasonably possible.
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
Washington has its own page about blocked crossings: the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission 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 Washington
Washington has 2,201 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.