Hey Hoosiers: It’s Illegal to Take Photos at These Indiana Locations
Before you head out to snap photos, make sure you aren't breaking any Indiana 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 in Indiana.
Don't Take Photos At These Indiana 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 Indiana. 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 Indiana
According to the Terre Haute, Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney, Rowdy G. Williams, criminal trespass is a serious offense in the state of Indiana and could result in hefty fines and even jail time. Typically, criminal trespass is a misdemeanor. However, Rowdy G. Williams says that under some circumstances, it can carry a felony charge.
An order to leave is when a property owner refuses to admit someone onto their property in any way. If, after being denied entry, they continue onto the property, they’ll be facing Class A misdemeanor charges. This means that, if convicted, they could be facing up to one year in jail and fines not to exceed $5,000. However, if the property in question is government property, and there is damage caused to the property, the accused will be facing level 6 felony charges and could spend a maximum of two-and-a-half years in prison and pay fines not to exceed $10,000.
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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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals
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