Minnesota § 219.31 - BUILDING FENCE AND CATTLE GUARD
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 219.31 — BUILDING FENCE AND CATTLE GUARD, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 219.31. BUILDING FENCE AND CATTLE GUARD
Subdivision 1.Duty.
Every railroad company shall build and maintain good and substantial fences on each side of all lines of its railroad, and good and sufficient cattle guards at all road and street crossings and other openings, except at station and depot grounds, and other places which the necessary business of the road or public convenience requires to be open.
When a person's land lying along a railroad right-of-way is enclosed on three sides by a woven wire fence, the railroad company shall erect and maintain a woven wire fence of like character and quality along the right-of-way enclosing the remaining side of the land.
Subd. 2.Standard of care.
The railroad company is held to the exercise of ordinary diligence and care in building and maintaining fences and cattle guards and in keeping cattle guards free from ice and snow.
History:
(4744) RL s 1997; 1907 c 333; 1911 c 309 s 1; 1985 c 265 art 4 s 1
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 219.31
What does Minnesota Statutes § 219.31 cover?
Section 219.31 ("BUILDING FENCE AND CATTLE GUARD") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 219.31?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 219.31" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 219.31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.