Can I ride a bus or train without a ticket?
No. Using a bus, train or metro without a valid ticket is a criminal offence — "obtaining services by deception" under § 265a StGB, punishable by a fine or up to one year in prison. On top, the operator charges an increased fare of usually €60. Decriminalisation (downgrading to an administrative offence, or scrapping it) has been debated repeatedly and was rejected again in the Bundestag in April 2026 — so it remains a crime.
📋 The rules
- Riding without a valid ticket = criminal offence (§ 265a StGB)
- Penalty: fine or up to 1 year in prison
- Plus an increased fare (usually €60)
- A forgotten/expired ticket can also count as fare dodging
- Decriminalisation rejected again in 2026 — status quo stays
🔓 Exceptions
- Valid but forgotten season ticket: many operators cancel the charge on proof for a small fee
- Broken ticket machine: case law sees no intent if you clearly tried to pay
- First minor case: proceedings can be dropped under § 153 StPO
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The first time it often stays at the increased fare (€60) and the criminal case being dropped. On repeat, a fine (possible record) and in extreme cases up to one year in prison. Failing to pay the fine risks a substitute custodial sentence — a much-criticised point in the current debate.
📎 Official sources
- § 265a StGB · Obtaining services by deception →
- German Bundestag · Decriminalisation rejected (2026) →
- Bußgeldkatalog · Fare dodging →
❓ Frequently asked
Is fare dodging a crime or an administrative offence?
A crime. § 265a StGB makes riding without a valid ticket "obtaining services by deception" — a fine or up to a year in prison. A downgrade to an administrative offence was rejected in the Bundestag in 2026.
What does fare dodging cost?
First the increased fare of usually €60. A criminal case can follow; on repeat there's a fine and, in extreme cases, prison. The first time, the case is often dropped.
What if I just forgot my ticket?
Many operators cancel the increased fare if you prove a valid season ticket within a deadline — usually for a small handling fee. Sort it out directly with the transport company.
Will it show on my criminal record?
Possibly, but not necessarily. Fines up to 90 daily rates usually don't appear on the basic certificate. Repeated offences or higher penalties can be recorded.
Will fare dodging soon be legal?
Not for now. Despite years of debate and several bills, the Bundestag most recently rejected decriminalisation in April 2026. It remains a crime under § 265a StGB.
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