Don’t Take Photos at These Illinois Locations – It’s Illegal
Before you head out to snap photos, make sure you aren't breaking any Illinois laws when you get the perfect shot.
Trespassing is Illegal - Even If It's For a Photo
Whether you are scouting the perfect location for some family photos, or you just plan to snap some selfies for Instagram, you'll want to be sure you avoid breaking the law. It's pretty obvious to avoid walking into a stranger's home or sitting on their porch to snap pics. Without their permission, you would be trespassing, and that is illegal.
Don't Take Photos At These Illinois Locations
Residential properties aren't the only locations that are off-limits. There is one place in particular that you may not realize is a no-no when it comes to taking pictures in Illinois. Railroad tracks are off-limits when it comes to taking photos. Not only is it dangerous, it is illegal. The US Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration says that over 400 people are killed each year due to trespassing on railroad tracks.
<p>Trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. Nationally, more than 400 trespass fatalities and nearly as many injuries occur each year, the vast majority of which are preventable. </p><p>It is illegal to access private railroad property anywhere other than a designated pedestrian or roadway crossing. 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). </p>
What Is The Punishment for Criminal Trespass in Illinois
According to Illinois Family Law & Criminal Defense firm Wolfe & Stec, criminal trespass is a serious offense in the state of Illinois and could result in hefty fines and even jail time. Typically, criminal trespass is a misdemeanor. However, Wolfe & Stec say that under some circumstances, it can carry a felony charge.
Criminal Trespass to land is usually considered a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a jail sentence of up to six months and a maximum fine of $1,500. However, it can be a Class A misdemeanor under circumstances such as entering or remaining on agricultural property, fields, barns, and orchards with a motor vehicle.
Not Only Are Photos on Train Tracks Illegal They Could Be Deadly
Railroad company, Union Pacific warns that taking photos or video on train tracks is not only illegal but also dangerous.
But whether it’s a silly selfie or a photo with friends, taking pictures on train tracks is more than illegal – it can be deadly. Walking on train tracks is always dangerous and avoidable. Picture this: It’s a clear, quiet day and you find yourself in a scenic area on a railroad track. Think you’ll hear or see an approaching train? Think again. Most of a train’s sound is behind it, so you might not hear it until it’s too late. <strong>Always </strong>put your safety first and expect a train at all times.
Whether you're a professional photographer or just snapping photos for social media, remember, it is not only illegal but also dangerous to take photos on train tracks.
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