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A new amendment to the Road Traffic Act, approved by the Senate on Wednesday, could see fines for illegal travel on public transport rise to CZK 2,500. The amendment, which awaits the president’s signature, is expected to take effect in July. Transport companies could use the new surcharge ceiling by then, said Ministry of Transport spokesman František Jemelka.
The new ceiling for scheduled transport fines would allow companies to increase penalties, but the decision will remain up to each operator, reports Czech Television.
Larger cities like Prague, Ostrava, and Brno, where fines already reach the maximum, are expected to raise the surcharge. "We have been waiting for this for a long time," said Linda Hailichová, spokeswoman for the Association of Transport Companies. She added that the last time the surcharge limit was updated was 12 years ago, while fare prices have increased significantly during that time.
Currently, fines for illegal travel can reach up to CZK 1,500. According to Hailichová, this fine no longer serves as an effective deterrent. “Fines for passengers without a ticket are no longer achieving their intended regulatory purpose,” she said.
Prague Public Transport: New Fine for Illegal Travel
The fine for traveling without a valid ticket on Prague public transport is currently 1,500 CZK, with a reduced rate of 1,000 CZK if paid within 15 days. Previously, fines ranged from 300 to 500 CZK. Starting July 2025, the maximum fine could rise to CZK 2,500 as part of a nationwide adjustment allowing larger cities to increase fines. Pavel Kurka, head of the Prague City Transport Company (DPP), emphasized that while the higher fines are not yet in effect, they will be used sparingly to deter fare evaders.
In cities such as Pilsen, which has a current fine of CZK 800 on the spot, the maximum surcharge could also rise. "If approved, we will increase these amounts," said René Vávro, spokesperson for Pilsen City Transport Companies. The exact increase in fines will be decided through negotiations.
The rise in fines comes as the number of stowaways decreased across major cities last year. In Prague, the number dropped by 30,000, from 295,608 to 264,786. Brno also saw a decrease from 44,789 to 40,500.
"Fares have remained affordable, and purchasing tickets has become easier," said Hana Tomaštíková, spokeswoman for Brno City Transport. However, some cities, such as Ostrava, saw a slight increase in stowaways last year.
The change in fines is expected to affect several public transport systems across the country, as the measure gains support from major operators, including the Association of Transport Companies.
