Young people and the law - Public transport factsheet

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This factsheet is a general guide only. It is not legal advice. Call the Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424 or text using Legal Chat via lsc.sa.gov.au for confidential advice about your situation. 

Inspecting your MetroCARD or student ID

A ticket inspector, security guard, public transport driver or police officer can ask to see your MetroCARD, student ID or concession card when you are using public transport or waiting at a public station. If you refuse, they can fine you.

If a police officer wearing plain clothes asks to see your MetroCARD, student ID or concession card, politely ask to see their official identity card. A police officer who reasonably suspects that you have committed, or are committing, an offence can ask for your name, date of birth and address.

Sometimes police may also want to search you and your things. Politely tell them if you do not want to be searched, but do not resist. If you are 15 or older and want to buy or use a student ticket, you must have your student ID with you while you travel. If you get Youth Allowance from Centrelink, you can apply for a Transport Concession Card online at www.sa.gov.au.

Removal from public transport

A ticket inspector, security guard, public transport driver or police officer can ask you to get off public transport if they think you have behaved in a disorderly or offensive way.

You can be told not to board, or told to leave, public transport if:

• the vehicle is full
• you are drunk and annoying other passengers
• you are acting in an abusive or violent way
• you are not dressed appropriately
• you have not paid or validated your card.

If you do not leave when told, you may be fined, and reasonable force may be used to remove you.

Behaviour on public transport

While on public transport, you may be fined for:

• behaving in a disorderly or offensive way (like swearing, playing loud music, fighting or shouting)
• drinking alcohol
• standing on your seat or putting your feet on a seat
• getting on or off the vehicle while it is moving
• stopping someone from sitting on an empty seat
• littering.

You may also be fined or get in more serious trouble for your behaviour at a station or bus stop, such as:

• damaging, defacing or marking graffiti on a public transport vehicle or structure
• riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or rollerblades at a station or platform
• throwing or placing objects that might stop or interfere with public transport vehicles.

It is an offence to smoke or vape on public transport or within 5 metres of covered bus stops, tram stops and railway stations. See our Smoking and vaping factsheet to learn more.

Transit barring orders

If you misbehave on public transport, you may receive a transit barring order. This means you are not allowed to use public transport for a set period of time.

If you receive a barring order, get legal advice so you understand what you can and cannot do. It is an offence to disobey a barring order.

Call the Legal Helpline for free and confidential legal advice Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

May 2026