{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-160.3.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-160.3.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-160.3.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-160.3.html"}],"law_id":54837,"edition_id":1,"section_id":54837,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-160.3","catch_line":"Fare enforcement inspectors; failure to produce proof of payment of fare; penalty","history":"2014, cc. 281, 447; 2017, cc. 70, 548.","full_text":"A\n\nFor the purposes of this section, &#8220;eligible entity&#8221; means any transit operation that is owned or operated directly or indirectly by a political subdivision of the Commonwealth or any governmental entity established by an interstate compact of which Virginia is a signatory.B\n\nAny eligible entity that either directly or by contract operates any form of mass transit may appoint fare enforcement inspectors and establish the qualifications required for their appointment. Fare enforcement inspectors shall have the power to (i) request patrons at transit boarding locations or on transit vehicles to show proof of payment of the applicable fare; (ii) inspect the proof of payment for validity; (iii) issue a civil summons for violations authorized by this section; (iv) assist with crowd control while on a transit vehicle or at a transit boarding location; and (v) perform such other customer service and safety duties as may be assigned by the eligible entity. The powers of fare enforcement inspectors are limited to those powers enumerated in this section, and fare enforcement inspectors are not required to be law-enforcement officers. The powers of fare enforcement inspectors appointed pursuant to this section shall be exercisable anywhere in the Commonwealth where the appointing eligible entity operates transit service. Fare enforcement inspectors shall report to the department or agency designated by the appointing eligible entity.C\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person to board or ride a transit operation operated by an eligible entity when he fails or refuses to pay the applicable fare or refuses to produce valid proof of payment of the fare upon request of a fare enforcement inspector. Any person who violates this section shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $100. Any person summoned for a violation may make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the department of finance or the treasurer of the locality, or the designee of the department of finance or the treasurer, where the violation occurred as specified on the summons prior to the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the violation charged. Such persons shall be informed of their right to stand trial and that a signature to an admission of liability will have the same force and effect as a judgment of court. If a person charged with a violation does not elect to enter a waiver of trial and admit liability, the violation shall be brought by the eligible entity or the locality in which the violation occurred and tried as a civil case in the general district court in the same manner and with the same right of appeal as provided for by law. In any trial for a violation authorized by this section, it shall be the burden of the eligible entity or locality in which the violation occurred to show the liability of the violator by a preponderance of the evidence. The penalty for failure to pay the established fare on transit properties covered by another provision of law shall be governed by that provision and not by this section.D\n\nThe governing bodies of counties, cities, and towns may adopt ordinances not in conflict with the provisions of this section to appoint fare enforcement inspectors and prescribe their duties in such counties, cities, and towns.E\n\nThe penalty imposed by this section shall not apply to a law-enforcement officer while he is engaged in the performance of his official duties.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":201207,"text":"For the purposes of this section, &#8220;eligible entity&#8221; means any transit operation that is owned or operated directly or indirectly by a political subdivision of the Commonwealth or any governmental entity established by an interstate compact of which Virginia is a signatory.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":201208,"text":"Any eligible entity that either directly or by contract operates any form of mass transit may appoint fare enforcement inspectors and establish the qualifications required for their appointment. Fare enforcement inspectors shall have the power to (i) request patrons at transit boarding locations or on transit vehicles to show proof of payment of the applicable fare; (ii) inspect the proof of payment for validity; (iii) issue a civil summons for violations authorized by this section; (iv) assist with crowd control while on a transit vehicle or at a transit boarding location; and (v) perform such other customer service and safety duties as may be assigned by the eligible entity. The powers of fare enforcement inspectors are limited to those powers enumerated in this section, and fare enforcement inspectors are not required to be law-enforcement officers. The powers of fare enforcement inspectors appointed pursuant to this section shall be exercisable anywhere in the Commonwealth where the appointing eligible entity operates transit service. Fare enforcement inspectors shall report to the department or agency designated by the appointing eligible entity.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":201209,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any person to board or ride a transit operation operated by an eligible entity when he fails or refuses to pay the applicable fare or refuses to produce valid proof of payment of the fare upon request of a fare enforcement inspector. Any person who violates this section shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $100. Any person summoned for a violation may make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the department of finance or the treasurer of the locality, or the designee of the department of finance or the treasurer, where the violation occurred as specified on the summons prior to the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may enter a waiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the violation charged. Such persons shall be informed of their right to stand trial and that a signature to an admission of liability will have the same force and effect as a judgment of court. If a person charged with a violation does not elect to enter a waiver of trial and admit liability, the violation shall be brought by the eligible entity or the locality in which the violation occurred and tried as a civil case in the general district court in the same manner and with the same right of appeal as provided for by law. In any trial for a violation authorized by this section, it shall be the burden of the eligible entity or locality in which the violation occurred to show the liability of the violator by a preponderance of the evidence. The penalty for failure to pay the established fare on transit properties covered by another provision of law shall be governed by that provision and not by this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":201210,"text":"The governing bodies of counties, cities, and towns may adopt ordinances not in conflict with the provisions of this section to appoint fare enforcement inspectors and prescribe their duties in such counties, cities, and towns.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":201211,"text":"The penalty imposed by this section shall not apply to a law-enforcement officer while he is engaged in the performance of his official duties.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13823,"edition_id":1,"name":"Offenses Relating to Railroads and Other Utilities","identifier":"8","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13243,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:59","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:59","permalink":{"id":165843,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13823,"identifier":"8","token":"18.2\/5\/8","url":"\/18.2\/5\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13243,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Against Property","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","permalink":{"id":165299,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13243,"identifier":"5","token":"18.2\/5","url":"\/18.2\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":75741,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-153","catch_line":"Obstructing or injuring canal, railroad, power line, etc","url":"\/18.2-153\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-153","metadata":false},{"id":74056,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-154","catch_line":"Shooting at or throwing missiles, etc., at train, car, vessel, etc.; penalty","url":"\/18.2-154\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-154","metadata":false},{"id":78419,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-155","catch_line":"Injuring, etc., signal used by railroad","url":"\/18.2-155\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-155","metadata":false},{"id":63109,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-156","catch_line":"Taking or removing waste or packing from journal boxes","url":"\/18.2-156\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-156","metadata":false},{"id":70290,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-157","catch_line":"Injury to fences or cattle stops along line of railroad","url":"\/18.2-157\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-157","metadata":false},{"id":84549,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-158","catch_line":"Driving, etc., animal on track to recover damages","url":"\/18.2-158\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-158","metadata":false},{"id":87366,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-159","catch_line":"Trespassing on railroad track","url":"\/18.2-159\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-159","metadata":false},{"id":62718,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-160","catch_line":"Trespassing on railroad trains","url":"\/18.2-160\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160","metadata":false},{"id":77630,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-160.1","catch_line":"Boarding or riding transportation district train without lawful payment of fare; penalty","url":"\/18.2-160.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160.1","metadata":false},{"id":63712,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-160.2","catch_line":"Trespassing on public transportation; penalty","url":"\/18.2-160.2\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160.2","metadata":false},{"id":54837,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-160.3","catch_line":"Fare enforcement inspectors; failure to produce proof of payment of fare; penalty","url":"\/18.2-160.3\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160.3","metadata":false},{"id":86771,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-161","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-161\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-161","metadata":false},{"id":82358,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-162","catch_line":"Damage or trespass to public services or utilities","url":"\/18.2-162\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-162","metadata":false},{"id":60327,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-162.1","catch_line":"Diverting wastewater line; diverting or wasting public water supply","url":"\/18.2-162.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-162.1","metadata":false},{"id":82135,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-163","catch_line":"Tampering with metering device; diverting service; civil liability","url":"\/18.2-163\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-163","metadata":false},{"id":74499,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-164","catch_line":"Unlawful use of, or injury to, telephone and telegraph lines; copying or obstructing messages; penalty","url":"\/18.2-164\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-164","metadata":false},{"id":69498,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-165","catch_line":"Unlawful use of, or injury to, television or radio signals and equipment","url":"\/18.2-165\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165","metadata":false},{"id":70831,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-165.1","catch_line":"Tampering with or unlawful use of cable television service","url":"\/18.2-165.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165.1","metadata":false},{"id":78641,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-165.2","catch_line":"Unlawful interference with emergency two-way radio communications; penalty","url":"\/18.2-165.2\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165.2","metadata":false},{"id":85910,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-166","catch_line":"Disclosing or inducing disclosure of certain information concerning customers of telephone companies","url":"\/18.2-166\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-166","metadata":false},{"id":78055,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-167","catch_line":"Selling or transferring certain telephonic instruments","url":"\/18.2-167\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-167","metadata":false},{"id":76266,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-167.1","catch_line":"Interception or monitoring of customer telephone calls; penalty","url":"\/18.2-167.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-167.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63712,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-160.2","catch_line":"Trespassing on public transportation; penalty","url":"\/18.2-160.2\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160.2","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":86771,"structure_id":13823,"section_number":"18.2-161","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-161\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-161","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-160.3\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 2014. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?141+ful+CHAP0281\">281<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?141+ful+CHAP0447\">447<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2017, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?171+ful+CHAP0070\">70<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?171+ful+CHAP0548\">548<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":165885,"object_type":"law","relational_id":54837,"identifier":"18.2-160.3","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160.3","url":"\/18.2-160.3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-160.3\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160.3","dublin_core":{"Title":"Fare enforcement inspectors; failure to produce proof of payment of fare; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-160.3","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> For the purposes of this section, &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">eligible entity<\/span>&#8221; means any transit operation that is owned or operated directly or indirectly by a political subdivision of the Commonwealth or any governmental entity established by an interstate compact of which Virginia is a signatory. <a id=\"paragraph-201207\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/18.2-160.3\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> Any <span class=\"dictionary\">eligible entity<\/span> that either directly or by <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> operates any form of mass transit may appoint fare enforcement inspectors and establish the qualifications required for their appointment. Fare enforcement inspectors shall have the power to (i) request patrons at transit boarding locations or on transit vehicles to show proof of payment of the applicable fare; (ii) inspect the proof of payment for validity; (iii) <span class=\"dictionary\">issue<\/span> a civil <span class=\"dictionary\">summons<\/span> for violations authorized by this section; (iv) assist with crowd control while on a transit vehicle or at a transit boarding location; and (v) perform such other customer service and safety duties as may be assigned by the <span class=\"dictionary\">eligible entity<\/span>. The powers of fare enforcement inspectors are limited to those powers enumerated in this section, and fare enforcement inspectors are not required to be <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>-enforcement officers. The powers of fare enforcement inspectors appointed pursuant to this section shall be exercisable anywhere in the Commonwealth where the appointing <span class=\"dictionary\">eligible entity<\/span> operates transit service. Fare enforcement inspectors shall report to the department or agency designated by the appointing <span class=\"dictionary\">eligible entity<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-201208\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/18.2-160.3\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for any person to board or ride a transit operation operated by an <span class=\"dictionary\">eligible entity<\/span> when he fails or refuses to pay the applicable fare or refuses to produce valid proof of payment of the fare upon request of a fare enforcement inspector. Any person who violates this section shall be liable for a civil <span class=\"dictionary\">penalty<\/span> of not more than $100. Any person summoned for a violation may make an <span class=\"dictionary\">appearance<\/span> in person or in writing by mail to the department of finance or the treasurer of the locality, or the designee of the department of finance or the treasurer, where the violation occurred as specified on the <span class=\"dictionary\">summons<\/span> prior to the date fixed for <span class=\"dictionary\">trial<\/span> in <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span>. Any person so appearing may enter a <span class=\"dictionary\">waiver<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">trial<\/span>, admit liability, and pay the civil <span class=\"dictionary\">penalty<\/span> established for the violation charged. Such persons shall be informed of their right to stand <span class=\"dictionary\">trial<\/span> and that a signature to an admission of liability will have the same force and effect as a <span class=\"dictionary\">judgment<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span>. If a person charged with a violation does not elect to enter a <span class=\"dictionary\">waiver<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">trial<\/span> and admit liability, the violation shall be brought by the <span class=\"dictionary\">eligible entity<\/span> or the locality in which the violation occurred and tried as a civil case in the general district <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> in the same manner and with the same right of <span class=\"dictionary\">appeal<\/span> as provided for by <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>. In any <span class=\"dictionary\">trial<\/span> for a violation authorized by this section, it shall be the burden of the <span class=\"dictionary\">eligible entity<\/span> or locality in which the violation occurred to show the liability of the violator by a <span class=\"dictionary\">preponderance of the evidence<\/span>. The <span class=\"dictionary\">penalty<\/span> for failure to pay the established fare on transit properties covered by another provision of <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> shall be governed by that provision and not by this section. <a id=\"paragraph-201209\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/18.2-160.3\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> The governing bodies of counties, cities, and towns may adopt <span class=\"dictionary\">ordinances<\/span> not in conflict with the provisions of this section to appoint fare enforcement inspectors and prescribe their duties in such counties, cities, and towns. <a id=\"paragraph-201210\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/18.2-160.3\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"E\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">E.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">penalty<\/span> imposed by this section shall not apply to a <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>-enforcement officer while he is engaged in the performance of his official duties. <a id=\"paragraph-201211\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/18.2-160.3\/#E\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nFARE ENFORCEMENT INSPECTORS; FAILURE TO PRODUCE PROOF OF PAYMENT OF FARE;\nPENALTY (\u00a7 18.2-160.3)\n\nA. For the purposes of this section, &#8220;eligible entity&#8221; means any\ntransit operation that is owned or operated directly or indirectly by a\npolitical subdivision of the Commonwealth or any governmental entity established\nby an interstate compact of which Virginia is a signatory.\n\nB. Any eligible entity that either directly or by contract operates any form of\nmass transit may appoint fare enforcement inspectors and establish the\nqualifications required for their appointment. Fare enforcement inspectors shall\nhave the power to (i) request patrons at transit boarding locations or on\ntransit vehicles to show proof of payment of the applicable fare; (ii) inspect\nthe proof of payment for validity; (iii) issue a civil summons for violations\nauthorized by this section; (iv) assist with crowd control while on a transit\nvehicle or at a transit boarding location; and (v) perform such other customer\nservice and safety duties as may be assigned by the eligible entity. The powers\nof fare enforcement inspectors are limited to those powers enumerated in this\nsection, and fare enforcement inspectors are not required to be law-enforcement\nofficers. The powers of fare enforcement inspectors appointed pursuant to this\nsection shall be exercisable anywhere in the Commonwealth where the appointing\neligible entity operates transit service. Fare enforcement inspectors shall\nreport to the department or agency designated by the appointing eligible entity.\n\nC. It shall be unlawful for any person to board or ride a transit operation\noperated by an eligible entity when he fails or refuses to pay the applicable\nfare or refuses to produce valid proof of payment of the fare upon request of a\nfare enforcement inspector. Any person who violates this section shall be liable\nfor a civil penalty of not more than $100. Any person summoned for a violation\nmay make an appearance in person or in writing by mail to the department of\nfinance or the treasurer of the locality, or the designee of the department of\nfinance or the treasurer, where the violation occurred as specified on the\nsummons prior to the date fixed for trial in court. Any person so appearing may\nenter a waiver of trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established\nfor the violation charged. Such persons shall be informed of their right to\nstand trial and that a signature to an admission of liability will have the same\nforce and effect as a judgment of court. If a person charged with a violation\ndoes not elect to enter a waiver of trial and admit liability, the violation\nshall be brought by the eligible entity or the locality in which the violation\noccurred and tried as a civil case in the general district court in the same\nmanner and with the same right of appeal as provided for by law. In any trial\nfor a violation authorized by this section, it shall be the burden of the\neligible entity or locality in which the violation occurred to show the\nliability of the violator by a preponderance of the evidence. The penalty for\nfailure to pay the established fare on transit properties covered by another\nprovision of law shall be governed by that provision and not by this section.\n\nD. The governing bodies of counties, cities, and towns may adopt ordinances not\nin conflict with the provisions of this section to appoint fare enforcement\ninspectors and prescribe their duties in such counties, cities, and towns.\n\nE. The penalty imposed by this section shall not apply to a law-enforcement\nofficer while he is engaged in the performance of his official duties.\n\nHISTORY: 2014, cc. 281, 447; 2017, cc. 70, 548.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}