Safety near railways

Whether you are on foot, in a car, on a bike or in an off-road vehicle, being careless or reckless near Québec railways can have serious consequences. Caution is advised at all times when approaching railways.

Here are the main safety tips to observe near a railway:

• Comply with the prohibition on crossing or driving on a railway other than in designated areas. This intrusion is not only dangerous, but also illegal.
• Use the level crossings or signposted crossings provided.
• Look both ways and listen for an approaching train before crossing at one of these points.
• Comply with railway signals: cross when warning signals are off and when you are sure no other train is approaching.
• Be especially vigilant at all times and keep your distance from railways.

Here are the main prohibitions to observe near a railway:

• Walking, jogging or riding along railways.
• Taking photos or enjoying a recreational activity along railway tracks, tunnels or bridges.
• Crossing tracks other than at designated and authorized level crossings.
• Obstructing or interrupting, by any means whatsoever, the use of railway infrastructure.

Trespassing on railway property or tracks is an offence punishable by fines ranging from $200 to $500 for individuals, and from $400 to $1,000 for corporations.

Safety: a shared responsibility

Like many other railway stakeholders, the ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable is involved with Operation Lifesaver , a Canadian program dedicated to preventing collisions at railway crossings and railway trespassing incidents. The organization offers a number of tools to raise public awareness of rail safety, including the Rail Safety Tips brochure .

Free awareness poster

The following poster (in French only) is available free of charge and can be displayed in municipal libraries or any other suitable location.

Download the rail safety awareness poster (11″ × 17″) (PDF 150 Kb) (in French).