What you can get fined for on New York City buses and subways
'31.01.2022'
Nurgul Sultanova-Chetin
New York Gov. Kathy Hokul recently tightened COVID-19 regulations, including counterfeit vaccination cards. Also in the subway and buses there is a rule of wearing masks. In this article we will tell you about the main types of fines in public transport New York. We will also share information on what to do if you have been fined.
The rules of conduct in public transport are quite simple, but do not neglect them.
Below is a list of penalties for violations:
- violation of the requirement to wear a mask - $50;
- garbage, spitting, urination or defecation - $100;
- smoking, open fire, smoke - $50;
- sleeping on the subway - $50;
- entrance without payment - $100;
- gambling in transport - $50;
- excessive noise - $50;
- unauthorized sale of fares - $60;
- throwing items - $75;
- unauthorized use of fares - $75;
- drinking alcohol - $50;
- graffiti or other damage to surfaces in transport - $75;
- being under the influence of alcohol or drugs - $50;
- placement of ads - $25;
- violation of public order - $50;
- obstructing access to seating, elevators, escalators - $50;
- obstructing the work or movement of transport - $ 100;
- committing malicious actions - $100;
- unauthorized commercial activity - $50;
- carrying weapons - $100;
- stay in the prohibited zone (including > 1 hour in the tariff zone) – $25;
- carrying explosives - $100;
- obstructing the movement of passengers - $ 25;
- entrance to the restricted area - $50;
- unauthorized photography or video recording - $25;
- use of sound devices - $25;
- attempt to impersonate another person - $25;
- use of an end door or passage between cars - $75;
- transportation of items that are too long - $75;
- neglect of signs or notices - $50;
- transportation of objects that impede the normal movement of passengers (including carts > 75 cm) - $ 75;
- transportation of dangerous items - $75;
- transportation of unauthorized animals - $25;
- transportation of open liquid - $25;
- impersonating an MTA employee - $50;
- Disregard for a Governor's Disaster Order (requiring passengers to leave the facility) - $100.
What to do if you are fined on the subway or bus
You can pay the fine or dispute the charge. In any case, you must somehow respond to the notice of the fine within 30 days, indicated on the official website AIT.
On the subject: New York City subways may install barriers on platforms to protect passengers
About fine
Notice of infringement is a written legal notice issued by an official who believes that you have violated a traffic code of conduct.
The notice includes:
- the rules you are accused of violating;
- the nature of the alleged prohibited conduct;
- the amount of the fine;
- date of the hearing.
Such fines are administrative, not criminal liability. However, you may be subject to a lien if you do not pay the fine on time.
You must respond to the penalty notice
You can:
- pay a fine or
- dispute the allegations at a hearing, in person or by mail.
If you do not respond to the notice, you will be liable to pay penalties and interest.
If someone under 18 receives a fine, the parent or guardian is responsible for the fine. Minors must also bring a parent or guardian with them to the hearing.
Language Services and Questions
The services of a language interpreter during such fine hearings are provided free of charge. Interpreters provide telephone translation in more than 170 languages. American Sign Language translators are also available.
For more information, call the AIT Help Desk at 347-643-5805.
