Can You Legally Walk on Train Tracks in Michigan?

I never really thought about whether it was legal to walk along train tracks in Michigan until the Ann Arbor Police Department shared a video on social media recently.

The video shows Sgt. Pulford doing a ride-along to raise awareness during See Tracks? Think Train Week, which focuses on the dangers of being on or near railroad tracks.

It also highlights how every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. That stat is way higher than I ever imagined.

Can You Legally Walk on Train Tracks in Michigan?

In Michigan, the law is pretty clear: railroad tracks and the land around them are private property. Unless you’re crossing at a designated public or private crossing, or you’ve got written permission from the railroad, walking along the tracks is trespassing. If you get caught, you could be looking at a misdemeanor, up to 30 days in jail, or a fine of up to $100.

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As kids, many of us would walk train tracks all the time without thinking twice about it. Back then, it felt harmless, but the truth is it’s always been illegal and obviously dangerous.