What is the crime classification for trespass on a railroad track?

Trespassing on railroad property is usually a misdemeanor, with penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000, and some jail time, depending on the state. If your trespass results in the injury or death of someone else, you could face felony charges.

Is it legal to walk next to train tracks?

Railroad tracks are private property, not public trails. It’s illegal to walk on the tracks unless you’re at a designated crossing. It’s extremely dangerous to walk, run, or drive down the railroad tracks or even alongside them. Trains can’t stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks.

What is railroad trespassing?

• By definition, trespassers are illegally on private railroad property without permission. They are most often pedestrians who walk across or along railroad tracks as a shortcut to another destination.

What are the safety rules around railroad tracks?

Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels. The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing. Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes.

Who polices the railroad?

The Union Pacific Police Department
The Union Pacific Police Department has primary jurisdiction over crimes committed against the railroad. Special Agents have primary jurisdiction over crimes committed against the railroad. The department is responsible for all Union Pacific locations across 32,000 miles of track in 23 states.

What is considered trespassing on a railroad track?

Trespassers are most often pedestrians who walk across or along railroad tracks as a shortcut to another destination. Some trespassers are loitering; engaged in recreational activities such as jogging, taking pictures, hunting, fishing, bicycling or operating recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs).

Is it against the law to walk on a railroad track?

Railroad Trespassing Laws. It is an iconic image, that of a person walking along a lonely stretch of railroad track. It is a path of contemplation, a shortcut, an escape. It’s also dangerous and against the law. Many states have trespassing laws dealing specifically with railroads. Even in the states that don’t, general trespassing laws apply.

What are the risks of walking on train tracks?

That’s the reason people people are not allowed to walk on the train tracks. It’s for their own protection. The real risk is not getting a ticket, but being smashed flat by a fast moving train that they are not expecting. I had an uncle killed by a freight train, although he was in his truck at the time.

What is the community trespass prevention guide?

The Community Trespass Prevention Guide is a program for local, state and national partnerships aimed at reducing trespassing and its related injuries and deaths. A leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S. is suicide.