Prosecutions
Fare evasion is a criminal offence and you may be prosecuted. If convicted, you will:
- Get a criminal record
- Pay a fine of up to £1,000
- Pay compensation for fares avoided
- Pay a victim surcharge
- Pay prosecution costs
Court proceedings
If Transport for London believes that you have committed a criminal offence, we may decide to prosecute you.
We will send you a Single Justice Procedure Notice or a Postal Requisition.
Single Justice Procedure Notice
You may receive a letter called a 'Single Justice Procedure Notice' if you are charged with an offence relating to not having a valid ticket.
The notice contains details of the charge against you. You must submit a plea of guilty or not guilty within 21 days from the date of the notice. If you decide to plead guilty, you can choose to go to court or not.
If you do not reply, your case will be heard without you and this could mean you have to pay a higher fine.
Find out more about the Single Justice Procedure and how to submit your plea.
Postal Requisition
If you are charged with an offence and are to be prosecuted in court, you may receive a postal requisition.
A postal requisition will display the date for a court hearing.
You must read the notice carefully as it may not be necessary for you to come to court in person. If so, you will be instructed to submit a plea by post. If this is the case, follow the instructions carefully.
If you do not submit a plea and also do not attend the hearing, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest. You may then be held in custody until you appear in front of the next available court. If you require advice you should contact a solicitor. It may be possible to have some legal advice without charge.
Help with your case
If you've been prosecuted and weren't aware, find out how to appeal.