Here’s How Long Trains Can Legally Make You Wait In Michigan

My plan to enjoy a wonderful Taco Tuesday blew up in my face when I got stuck in traffic thanks to a train that took forever to clear the crossing.

I planned to leave work at 11, grab some Adobe, and then book it home before my 11:30 am teams meeting with my bosses.

I headed west from Downtown Grand Rapids to the Adobe located on Fulton and just as I approached the GVSU campus near the Grand River I found myself in a massive line.

At first, I thought it was an accident but instead, it was just a train that was moving at a snail's pace.

I waited so long today that I decided to look up and see if there are any laws about how long a train can legally make you wait in Michigan.

After doing some digging this is what I was able to find out.

Here's How Long Trains Can Legally Make You Wait In Michigan

According to Michigan law, a railroad shall not permit a train to obstruct vehicular traffic on a public street or highway for longer than 5 minutes at any one time.

However, there are exceptions to this rule:

If the train is continuously moving in the same direction at not less than 10 miles per hour for not longer than 7 minutes.

If the incident occurred due to a verifiable accident, mechanical failure, or unsafe condition.

Additionally, successive train movements should not obstruct vehicular traffic until all previously delayed vehicles have cleared the crossing.

Railroad companies are also required to avoid activating traffic control devices at grade crossings without the intention of moving a train promptly.

Trains Can Be Fined

Violations of these rules can result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 depending on the circumstances.

The fines collected from enforcement are put towards railroad grade crossing safety projects. 

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If you find yourself stuck at a train crossing that never ends check out these pictures to help pass the time.