Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law limits a train to 10 minutes blocking a road crossing, under Wis. Stat. § 192.292. Wisconsin'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
Wisconsin law says a train, engine or rail car may not be stopped or left standing on a road crossing outside of cities for more than ten minutes, except after an accident. The fine is up to 500 dollars. The state railroad office says federal law preempts state and city limits, so the rule is not enforceable.
Exceptions and local rules
The rule applies only outside of cities, and it does not apply after an accident.
It shall be unlawful to stop any railroad train, locomotive or car upon or across any highway or street crossing, outside of cities, or leave the same standing upon such crossing longer than 10 minutes, except in cases of accident
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
Wisconsin has its own page about blocked crossings: the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Railroads 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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin has 3,923 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.