Prague public transport etiquette: 8 bad habits that could get you fined

A number of everyday behaviors on Prague's public transport can do more than annoy your fellow passengers: they could also get you removed from a vehicle or even fined. The rules cover everything from smoking and eating to how animals must be transported.

With millions of people using Prague's metro, trams and buses, knowing what is actually prohibited can help passengers avoid an unpleasant surprise from a driver, transport employee or police officer.

Like riding without a ticket, Prague's transit authority DPP can impose a flat fine across all violations of CZK 2,000, which can be reduced to CZK 1,000 if paid immediately or CZK 1,500 within 15 days. Fineable offenses include those specified in official Prague Integrated Transport (PID) regulations.

Below are eight behaviors that can cross the line from annoying to punishable.

Smoking or vaping: Smoking is prohibited on Prague's public transport, but the ban also extends to stops. Cigarettes and electronic cigarettes are prohibited within 30 meters in front of a stop sign and 5 meters behind it, as well as within 5 meters of the tracks.

Eating or drinking: That quick snack or coffee can also violate transit rules. Eating and drinking are prohibited on vehicles, partly to prevent spills and food waste that can require a vehicle to be taken out of service for cleaning.

Harassing other passengers: Unwanted staring and other forms of harassment can also make public transport uncomfortable or unsafe. ROPID, the Prague transit authority, previously created a campaign addressing harassment on public transport, including posters explaining inappropriate behavior and how passengers can respond to it.

Riding with an unsecured pet: Dogs traveling on Prague public transport must be on a leash and wear a muzzle. Other animals must be carried in a secure, enclosed and leak-proof container and must not disturb other passengers through noise or smell.

Making excessive noise: Whether it is loud music playing through a speaker or a phone conversation that can be heard throughout the carriage, passengers are expected not to disturb others with excessive noise.

Traveling while intoxicated: Simply having alcohol in your system does not automatically prevent you from using public transport. But intoxicated passengers who disturb others, behave aggressively, or risk dirtying or damaging the vehicle can be removed and/or fined.

Blocking the way: If travelling with luggage, make sure other passengers can get by. This includes properly handling large suitcases so they don't block the exit, or taking off large backpacks so they don't create an obstruction.

Maintaining proper hygiene: Yes, excessive body odor on Prague transport vehicles can actually result in a fine. The rules require passengers to maintain a basic standard of cleanliness and appropriate clothing. People whose clothing is considered insufficient, or who are excessively dirty or smelly, can be refused transportation.

Prague's transit rules cover more than these examples, but plenty of behavior that irritates passengers is not necessarily punishable. Blocking the exit, refusing to move farther into a vehicle, or taking up multiple seats can all make a journey less pleasant without resulting in a fine. Metro.cz recently published an extensive list of bad etiquette on Prague transport to watch out for.

For the most serious violations, however, passengers can face more than disapproving looks from fellow travelers. Drivers and transit employees are authorized to remove people from vehicles and issue fines, while some violations can also result in police action.