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NYC Subway Penalties Under MTA Rules of Conduct Explained

Coverage explains how enforcement can escalate from warnings to fines or brief arrests, with OMNY credits and Fair Fares lowering some penalties.

Overview

  • Fare evasion follows a graduated schedule: first offense earns a warning, a second within four years is $100 with a $50 OMNY credit for prompt payment, and subsequent offenses are $150.
  • Unauthorized fare-media activity carries fixed fines, including $60 for resale of access and $75 for falsified, altered or loaned cards, with possible confiscation.
  • Property and posting violations include $75 for graffiti or damage, $25 for unauthorized notices, and $50 for using facilities for non-transport purposes.
  • Station and onboard conduct is tightly regulated, with $100 for interfering with operations or passenger flow, $50 for unpermitted commercial activity, and $25 for excessive noise, filming without authorization, lingering over an hour in paid areas, or blocking passages.
  • Personal-conduct penalties include $100 for littering or unsanitary acts, $50 for smoking or vaping or occupying multiple seats, $75 for throwing objects, $50 for open alcohol, and $100 for riding bikes or scooters, and reports note many riders—especially immigrants and workers—are often unaware these rules are enforced daily.