Minnesota § 609.85 - CRIMES AGAINST RAILROAD EMPLOYEES AND PROPERTY; PENALTY
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.85 — CRIMES AGAINST RAILROAD EMPLOYEES AND PROPERTY; PENALTY, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.85. CRIMES AGAINST RAILROAD EMPLOYEES AND PROPERTY; PENALTY
Subdivision 1.Intent to cause derailment.
Whoever throws or deposits any type of debris, waste material, or other obstruction on any railroad track or whoever causes damage or causes another person to damage, tamper, change or destroy any railroad track, switch, bridge, trestle, tunnel, signal or moving equipment used in providing rail services, with intention to cause injury, accident or derailment, is guilty of a felony.
Subd. 2.Foreseeable risk.
Whoever intentionally throws or deposits any type of debris, waste material, or other obstruction on any railroad track or whoever intentionally causes damage or causes another person to damage, tamper, change or destroy any railroad track, switch, bridge, trestle, tunnel, signal or moving equipment used in providing rail services, which creates a reasonably foreseeable risk of any injury, accident or derailment, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Subd. 3.Shooting at train.
Whoever intentionally shoots a firearm at any portion of a railroad train, car, caboose, engine or moving equipment so as to endanger the safety of another is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Subd. 4.Throwing objects at train.
Whoever intentionally throws, shoots or propels any stone, brick or other missile at any railroad train, car, caboose, engine or moving equipment, so as to endanger the safety of another is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Subd. 5.Placing obstruction on track.
Whoever places an obstruction on a railroad track is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 6.Trespass; allowing animals on track; exception.
Whoever intentionally trespasses, or who permits animals under the person's control to trespass on a railroad track, yard, or bridge is guilty of a misdemeanor. This subdivision does not apply to an elected union official's access to those facilities when acting in an official capacity, to an employee acting within the scope of employment, or to a person with written permission from the railroad company to enter upon the railroad facility.
History:
1977 c 179 s 1; 1989 c 5 s 11; 2008 c 350 art 2 s 3
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.85
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.85 cover?
Section 609.85 ("CRIMES AGAINST RAILROAD EMPLOYEES AND PROPERTY; PENALTY") 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 § 609.85?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.85" (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 § 609.85 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.