You didn’t know it, but every day you might be committing an offence. Whether it’s nonchalantly putting your feet up on the seat after a hard day’s work, being on the phone for hours on end, or jamming the train doors to help a late passenger… These offences, although harmless, can cost you dearly in the event of an inspection: a fine of up to 150 euros(yes, yes). Here are all the little-known offences we’ve all committed at least once on the Paris metro.
1 – An illegible or torn ticket: 50 euros
You’ve bought your ticket and even validated it. But when you carelessly tucked it away in the back pocket of your pants, it became illegible. Or worse, you’ve torn it… Well, you can be fined 50 euros for that.
2 – Taking a one-way street in a controlled zone: 25 euros
Now, we have to admit we don’t quite understand… Imagine finding yourself in a station you don’t know. Worse still, you’re lost! So you decide to take the one-way street to find your way back. This decision will cost you the modest sum of 25 euros! It’s best to ask someone for directions to avoid losing precious euros.
3 – Obstructing the irregular closing/opening of doors: 150 euros
Whether it’s to help a passenger who’s running late, or to force your way into the train, we’ve all done it at least once! Blocking metro doors, even for a few seconds, is considered an obstacle to equipment operation. And this somewhat chivalrous act can cost you a lot of money: 150 euros!
4 – Obstructing boarding or alighting: 150 euros
Imagine waiting for your metro at Saint-Lazare during rush hour. When it finally deigns to come to the platform, you stand aside and wait for the passengers to exit the train before getting in. Except that other people decide, despite the crowds, to force their way in to find a seat on the metro. It’s annoying and unpleasant for everyone, isn’t it? Be aware that if a ticket inspector witnesses this scene, he or she can fine the perpetrator(s) a hefty 150 euros. The same applies to anyone obstructing the flow of traffic on the metro!
5 – Unauthorized occupation of a reserved space: 150 euros
Well, this one seems logical, but it’s worth remembering anyway. Anyone sitting in a space reserved for a disabled or partially-sighted person, or for a pregnant woman, is liable to a fine of 150 euros.
6 – Violation of the ban on vaping and smoking: 135 euros
Whether you’re a cigarette smoker or a vapoter, it’ s strictly forbidden to smoke on the platform and in the metro. Offenders will be fined 135 euros.
7 – Entry/stay of a person in a manifest state of drunkenness: 150 euros
That evening, you decide to take the metro home, after a night of drinking. Clearly, you’ve had one too many and it shows! Even though you took the metro rather than the car to get home (and we congratulate you for that), being drunk on the metro is forbidden and very expensive: 150 euros!
8 – Soiling, light soiling of equipment: 60 euros
Whether you’re tired from your day, taking a nap between stations or had a little too much to drink at the aperitif, we’ve all put our shoes on the seat. Well, that’s not allowed! You could be fined 60 euros for doing so… it’d be a shame to lose them, wouldn’t it?