Getting a MTA ticket is not the end of the world. It simply means you committed an offense that is punishable by law. You were caught engaging in an MTA fare evasion. Since it is fare evasion, is it a criminal offense? Does a MTA ticket go on your record?
Depending on the laws of your state of residence, an MTA ticket does not go on your record because it is not a criminal offense, but rather, a civil offense. Therefore, you’re required to pay the fine within 30 days and never engage in MTA fare evasion again.
Does a MTA Ticket Go on Your Record?
No, an MTA ticket does not go on your record because it is not classified as a criminal offense but rather, a civil offense. Therefore does not go on your records.
There might be exceptions to this considering the laws of your state of residence but the fact remains that an MTA offense is a civil offense hence, does not have anything to do with your criminal record.
For example, in New York City, if you get an MTA ticket directly from the MTA, it is regarded as an administrative violation and will not go on your criminal record. You’re required to pay the necessary fines and you’re good to go.
However, if you were charged under the Penal Code NYPL 165.15, then it will go on your record. So, different states have different laws regarding this. The United States has 50 States and their laws are similar yet different in certain levels.
Generally, MTA tickets do not go on your record because it is a civil offense and not a criminal offense. As long as you were not fingerprinted, it will not create a criminal history for you.
Disadvantages of Getting a MTA Ticket
The disadvantages of getting an MTA ticket are:
1. You Will Pay the Fine
MTA fare evasion comes with a huge fine you must pay. The fine is too outrageous when compared with the transportation fare. You may be asked to pay $100 and above on a ticket fare that is supposed to be $2.79. Can you see how outrageous it is?
Unlike speeding tickets and red-light tickets, MTA tickets cannot be dismissed. As long as it is obvious you tried to evade paying your fare fee, it will be difficult to get a judge to dismiss the ticket. Meaning that you have to pay the fines associated with the ticket whether you like it or not.
2. It Attest to Your Character
Evading paying a fare fee is not good. It can get the government, companies, firms, people, etc., to question your integrity. There’s no difference between you and someone who leaves a restaurant after eating without paying. It doesn’t say something good about your character and integrity.
Peradventure you want to apply for citizenship, what are you going to answer on the n400?
We all know that when applying for citizenship, you will be asked in the N-400 form if you have ever committed or attempted to commit a crime or offense. Since not paying an MTA fare is a civil offense. What will you tell them?
Your answer should always be the truth but you have to be ready to explain what happened and that you paid the fine. Honesty is required on these forms, you sign it “under penalty of perjury” that everything on it is “complete, true, and correct.” So it’s best to avoid committing the offense in the first place.
3. Misdemeanor Charges
Getting an MTA ticket can lead to misdemeanor charges if you’re caught multiple times committing the same offense.
Provided the case is set before the Adjudication Bureau and not in City Court, it is a civil violation and not a criminal offense. But, if the case is set in City Court, you will have a misdemeanor case.
The Transit Adjudication Bureau is the agency responsible for processing summonses issued to individuals who have allegedly violated one or more of the rules governing conduct in the use of subway or bus facilities in the New York City Transit system.
How Serious is MTA Fare Evasion?
MTA fare evasion is serious in the sense that it attracts a huge fine of $100 and above which you must pay within 30 days the ticket was issued to you. It is a serious offense that requires you to pay a fine but does not go on your criminal record.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay NYC Transit Ticket?
Failure to pay your NYC transit ticket will attract more penalties to you. It will prompt the Transit Adjudication Bureau to enter a default judgment in the New York City Civil Court. All legal means will be initiated to collect the money from you.
I Lost My MTA Violation Ticket
If you lose your MTA violation ticket, this is what you should do:
- Go to a transit police precinct with your ID and tell them what happened.
- You can also go to the Transit Adjudication Bureau to get the information you need about the ticket.
Conclusion
An MTA ticket does not go on your record because it is not a criminal offense, but rather, a civic offense that requires you to pay the necessary charges associated with it. You are expected to pay the ticket within 30 days after it was issued to you. Failure to pay the fine can attract more penalties to you.
