TfL Byelaws 2024
Transport for London Byelaws 2024
Made by Transport for London under the Greater London Authority Act 1999. Apply across the TfL network — London Underground, Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line, trams and TfL-managed stations. Enforced by BTP, MPS and TfL-authorised persons.
Self-test
Sections
Byelaw 2 — Tickets and validation
Every passenger must have a valid ticket, contactless payment or Oyster card touched in at the start of their journey, and must touch out at the end where required.
- Strict liability — no intent required.
- Failure to touch in = no valid ticket = offence.
- Often dealt with by Penalty Fare in the first instance.
Byelaw 4 — Unacceptable behaviour
Prohibits behaviour likely to cause annoyance, alarm or distress — including threatening, abusive or insulting language, indecent acts, spitting, and interference with other passengers or staff.
- Mirrors National Rail Byelaw 3 in scope.
- Often used alongside Public Order Act 1986 offences.
Byelaw 5 — Smoking
Smoking is prohibited everywhere on the TfL network including stations, platforms, trains, trams and bus stations. Includes e-cigarettes and vapes.
- Total ban — applies even to open-air platforms.
- Vapes and heated tobacco are explicitly included.
Byelaw 6 — Alcohol
Carrying open containers of alcohol and consuming alcohol on TfL services is prohibited. Authorised persons may refuse entry, require disposal, or remove offenders.
- Sealed containers may be carried but not consumed.
- Authorised person may require alcohol to be poured away.
Byelaw 9 — Trespass and unauthorised access
No person shall enter any part of the TfL network not open to the public, including tracks, tunnels, depots and staff-only areas.
- Strict liability.
- Often used with Regulation of Railways Act 1868 s.23 for serious incidents.
Byelaw 11 — Name and address
Any person reasonably suspected of breaching the byelaws must give their correct name and address on demand. Refusal or false details is a further offence.
- Authorised person must have reasonable suspicion.
- Mirrors National Rail Byelaw 23.
Byelaw 12 — Enforcement and penalties
Breach of any TfL Byelaw is a summary offence punishable by a fine up to level 3 on the standard scale. Authorised persons may use reasonable force to remove offenders from the network.
- Maximum fine: level 3 on the standard scale (£1,000).
- Reasonable force may be used to remove.
- Penalty Fares may apply for ticketing breaches as an alternative to prosecution.