Yes, 'blocking the box" can get you a ticket.

I think 'blocking the box' refers to entering an intersection when you don't plan to turn left and having to stay there after the light changes because the line of traffic ahead of you hasn't moved yet, possibly being blocked by someone who has done the same thing on a cross street at the next intersection.

Edit: addendum

Blocking the box can also result from an attempt to make a left turn if you have no place to go due to the cross street's being similarly blocked. The basic rule is "don't enter an intersection until you have a clear way out of it."