Ollie'sPolice Handbook
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Railways & BTP· TfL Byelaws 2024

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.

legislation.gov.uk Open Act page

Penalty reference

Mode of trial
Summary
Maximum penalty
Level 3 fine (£1,000) on summary conviction.
FPN / PND
Operator-issued penalty fare (£100 reduced to £50 if paid in 21 days, typically) — or report for summons.
Out-of-court eligibility
✓ CR
✓ Caution
✕ Cond. Caution

Note: Most byelaw breaches handled by penalty fare or operator's revenue protection — police use BTP/local force discretion.

Triage the circumstances

Quick answers — the engine applies the College/CPS hard rules.

Need a refresher on the terms? See the Glossary.