Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in West Virginia?
West Virginia law limits a train to 10 minutes blocking a road crossing, under W. Va. Code § 31-2A-2 (penalties § 31-2A-6). We found no West 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
West Virginia law says a railroad may not let a train block traffic at a public road crossing for more than ten minutes, except in an emergency. Inside a city that has its own blocked-crossing ordinance, the city rule applies instead. When police, fire or ambulance crews say a crossing must be cleared, the crew must tell the dispatcher and the railroad must clear it right away. Fines start at 150 dollars. No court ruling on this 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 in an emergency, to a continuously moving train, or when the cause is wholly beyond the railroad's control. It does apply to stopped trains and trains switching, loading or unloading. A city ordinance on blocked crossings replaces the state limit inside that city.
It is unlawful for any railroad company, except in an emergency, to order, allow or permit the operation of or to operate or to so operate its system so that a train blocks the passage of vehicular traffic over the railroad crossing of any public street, road or highway of this state for a period longer than ten minutes.
Read the statute: W. Va. Code § 31-2A-2 (penalties § 31-2A-6)
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 West 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 West Virginia
West Virginia has 1,346 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.
All crossings in West Virginia