
How Long Can a Train Legally Hold You Up in Michigan?
Have you ever waited for a train so long that you thought to yourself, 'Is this even legal?'
There’s nothing more frustrating than being in a hurry to get somewhere, only to be stopped by a train. In some cases, you’re there for a couple of minutes, and then you’re back on the road to your destination. But I’m sure you’ve had a time where you just sit, and sit, and sit—for what feels like an eternity.
How Long Can a Train Legally Hold You Up in Michigan?
According to the Michigan Legislature, the general rule is that a train shouldn’t block a street or highway for more than five minutes at a time. However, there are a few scenarios where longer delays aren’t actually considered a violation:
If the train is moving continuously at 10 miles per hour or more for up to seven minutes, then it’s okay. That seems kind of strange because, technically, it’s over five minutes.
There are also situations involving mechanical issues, accidents, or safety concerns. If there’s a verifiable reason, like a breakdown or unsafe conditions, trains can block the road for longer without getting fined.
Another rule states that after one train movement blocks the road, railroads aren’t supposed to stop traffic again with another train until all previously delayed vehicles have cleared out. This is meant to prevent “back-to-back” blockages.
Railroads aren’t supposed to activate crossing signals for more than two minutes if they don’t plan to move a train through within 20 to 60 seconds. If you’re stopped for longer and don’t see a train anywhere in sight, there’s a good chance that’s not supposed to happen.
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If a railroad company doesn't comply with the rules in place, it could face a fine for each offense. When a train violates the five-minute rule without a valid reason, the railroad company can face a $500 fine for each offense. If they’re blocking traffic willfully or negligently, that fine can double to $1,000. However, enforcing these fines can sometimes be tricky since railroads operate under both state and federal rules.
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