Virginia law prohibits unauthorized boarding or riding on public transportation vehicles without paying the required fare, with penalties including fines. It also criminalizes trespassing on public transportation vehicles, with severity depending on prior prohibitions. The law defines public transportation broadly to include buses, trains, and similar surface conveyances operating regularly for the public.
Riding without paying can result in fines, with the specific amount depending on the offense, including potential misdemeanor charges for trespassing.
Trespassing occurs when someone enters or remains on a vehicle without permission or after being forbidden by the owner or operator.
Public transportation includes buses, trains, or other surface conveyances providing regular passenger service to the general public.
Yes, if a person rides after being specifically prohibited, they can face a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law.