What happens if ticket inspectors catch you and you don’t have a valid ticket?
It can happen to all of us. You’re in a hurry and you forget to buy a public transport ticket. Or, you purchase it, but you forget to stamp the ticket or, even worse, you didn’t stamp it correctly, on the side marked with an arrow. You purchase a ticket by sending a text message, but your confirmation didn’t arrive before you got on the metro, tram or bus. In another scenario, you were fined because you didn’t fill in your Prague Card correctly.
Whatever the situation, if you don’t have a valid ticket during a check, the inspector has the right to fine you. Please bear in mind that telling him or her that you’re a tourist won’t work. The fine is currently CZK 1,500 / approximately EUR 60. If you pay the penalty on the spot, this amount is automatically reduced to CZK 800, or approximately EUR 30.
Fines can be paid in cash only, either in Czech crowns or in euro. If you don’t have enough money with you, the inspectors will escort you to the nearest automated telling machine (ATM). Before paying the fine, make sure the inspector is genuine. Sometimes inspectors don’t wear uniforms. However, they are required to prove their identity with a valid badge or sometimes an identity card, in both cases indicating that these inspectors are Prague Public Transport Company (Dopravní podník hlavního města Prahy) employees.
Fines
CZK 1,500 / approximately EUR 60 – the basic fine, which is reduced to CZK 800 / approximately EUR 30, if you pay immediately or within 15 calendar days of the ticket inspection.
CZK 50 / approximately EUR 2 – applies only to registered Lítačka season ticket holders. Additionally, the card must be valid when the inspection was carried out.
Where do I have to pay the fine?
If you didn’t pay the inspector on the spot, you’ll have to pay in cash at the headquarters of the Prague Transport Company (Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy) at counter number 10 or 11.
Address: Na Bojišti 5, Prague 2 – New Town (Nové Město)
Office hours:
Monday and Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.