Do you get fined if you don't tap out?

Unregistered Journeys and Potential Fines on Public Transport

When using public transportation, it is essential to understand the importance of properly tapping in and out with your travel card. Failure to do so can result in significant fines or even legal implications.

Unregistered journeys, or journeys where passengers do not tap their cards upon entering and exiting designated points, incur penalty fares. These fares are significantly higher than the standard fare and are intended to discourage passengers from evading fares.

In most cases, failure to tap in or out will result in an automatic penalty fare notice being issued to the passenger. This notice will typically include details of the fare evasion, the applicable penalty fare, and instructions on how to pay the fine.

If you receive a penalty fare notice, it is crucial to act promptly. Failure to pay the fine within the specified time frame can result in further legal action, including prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.

However, it’s important to note that there may be legitimate reasons why a passenger may not have been able to tap in or out correctly. In such cases, passengers may be eligible for a refund application.

If you have a valid reason for failing to tap your card, you can submit an application for a refund. The application process will typically require you to submit supporting documentation, such as:

• A medical certificate or prescription
• A receipt for a taxi or alternative mode of transportation
• A statement from an employer or educational institution

If your refund application is approved, you will receive a refund of the penalty fare. It’s important to note that refund applications are not always approved, so it’s essential to provide clear and accurate documentation to support your claim.

To avoid unnecessary fines or penalties, always ensure that you tap your travel card correctly at all designated points when using public transportation. By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure a fair and equitable fare system for all passengers.