6 Reasons Tourists Getting Fined on the Paris Metro

Navigating the Paris Metro might seem daunting, especially for tourists. With a complex ticketing system, strict rules, and occasional language barriers, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that could lead to unexpected fines.

To help you avoid these common pitfalls, I’ve put together a guide that details the top reasons tourists end up paying more than just their fare while exploring Paris by Metro.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

6 Reasons you get fined on the Metro

From understanding ticket types to knowing proper metro etiquette, here’s everything you need to know before you go to keep your journey smooth and penalty-free.

The same rules apply as well for buses and trams!

Also read my complete guide on How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024

#1 You Buy the Wrong Metro Ticket

When using the Metro, or any public transportation in Paris, you see yourself confronted with various ticket options. And here’s the problem: a common reason to get fined is simply that you bought the wrong ticket.

• Senior’s: Many think the tarif réduit ticket covers older people. It doesn’t.
• Kid’s: A tarif réduit child ticket is only for kids up to 9 years old. If your child is older, you need a full ticket. Older means from 10 years on.
• Destination Mix-up: Tickets like the billet + are for central Paris and adjacent suburbs only. Heading to Versailles, Disneyland, or the airport? You’ll need a different ticket.

#2 You Trash Your Metro Ticket

Validating your ticket and putting it in the bin? That’s a very safe way if you are aiming to get fine. You must keep your ticket until you exit the metro station. If you throw it away after entering, and there’s a spot check, you’ll face a fine for not being able to show proof of payment.

And no other proof of payment is accepted than your ticket.

#3 You Don’t Validate Your Metro Ticket

Some visitors either forget or don’t realize they need to validate their tickets before entering the metro.

This rule applies even if the turnstiles! Which indeed might suggest that validation isn’t necessary. But in fact, it is. Ask an employee at the ticket booth to validate your ticket for you.

If there is nobody around to help, take a photo from the station or better, a video, and note down the station name.

It happens less on Metros and RER trains because you need to validate your ticket to get through the turnstiles. But slips easier if you’re traveling by bus or tram.

#4 You Don’t Respect the Rules

A simple but often expensive mistake is disrespecting the metro’s rules. Recently, I read surprisingly often posts from people complaining about rude controllers fining them for something so minor as placing their feet on the seat.

It should be common sense, but if you’re caught doing this, you’ll be fined. And this counts as well for your kids. Maintaining proper decorum helps ensure that everyone’s journey is comfortable and pleasant.

#5 Your Ticket Is Not Filled Out

Most tickets don’t require you anything to do, but for some tickets, some action might be required. So if your ticket has a line for you to write the date or a name on, or a field to stick a photo, it’s not optional. If the information is missing, you’re fined.

#6 You Bought A Ticket from A Scammer

Total bummer, but it happens and in the end it’s you who pays the fine, so watch out for this scam:

Fake ticket agents who look very official offer their help buying your ticket at the ticket machines. And then they either have you pay for a week ticket but hand you a ticket+ valid for a single ride, or a children’s ticket instead of a full fare ticket.

What to do if you get fined?

Firstly, don’t panic, stay calm and then… there is not much you can do about it except to pay your fine. The fine is usually between €35 and €60.

So, if you find yourself surrounded (and intimidated) by a team of 5 RATP Agents, it is not a scam and they don’t target tourists. Frankly, the issue is in 99% of cases one of the 6 reasons above.

How to pay your Paris Metro fine?

The easiest way to pay your fine is on the spot in either cash or by credit card. It’s also cheaper as you benefit from a reduction. I am writing this here because I often read that people feel scammed by exactly that: Pay right away, and it will be cheaper. But that’s how it works.

Alternatively, and if you are not living abroad, you can have your bill sent to your home address. For this, you need to be able to provide a valid ID that states your address.

If you can’t do either, pay on the spot nor provide a French address, they might call the police.

There is one exception:

If you are 100% sure that you followed every advice that I listed above, and your ticket must be correct, the “RATP agents” might be fake agents. It is VERY rare, but if you are suspicious, ask for their ID and request the police.

If they are fake, they will try to pressure you into paying, but ultimately let you go before you call the police.

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

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