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.

Near a railway:

• Comply with the prohibition on crossing or driving on a railway other than in designated areas. Trespassing is both dangerous and 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.

Prohibited activities near a railway:

• Driving, 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 is 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.

Awareness poster

You can participate in the ongoing awareness campaign by sharing the following poster. With the slogan “Don’t play around with your safety, stay away from railway tracks,” this playful and colourful visual reminds people of the proper behaviour to adopt near railway tracks.

Download the rail safety awareness poster (11″ × 17″) (PDF 353 Kb) (in French).