Ticket inspections: How they work and why we have them

Fees and payment

If you travel without a valid ticket and are caught during an inspection, you will be issued a penalty fare on the spot. Many people call this a fine, but formally it is a fee. You can pay the inspector by card or receive an invoice by post. The invoice is due within 14 days. If you need more time, you can contact customer service and ask for an extension.

• Adults (18 years and older): NOK 1,200 if you pay by card directly to the ticket inspector, NOK 1,470 if you receive an invoice.
• Young people under 18: NOK 1,200, regardless of payment method.
• Counterfeit ticket: 2,600 kroner, and the ticket will be confiscated.

The rates are set by the Ministry of Transport.

Do you think the fee is incorrect? Appeal a penalty fare

This must be in place for the ticket to be valid

Whether you travel by bus, metro, or tram, you must be able to present a valid ticket.

• You must purchase your ticket before boarding. You must also purchase it before entering the fare control zone at the metro station. If the ticket was purchased at the same time as the ticket inspectors boarded, it will not be valid and you will be fined. This rule is intended to prevent people from buying tickets only when inspections take place.
• You must have the correct type of ticket. Discounted tickets also require you to carry proof of eligibility. This may be identification showing your age, a student ID, or a companion certificate. If you have forgotten your proof, you can bring it in person to Ruter's customer service within 14 days to have the penalty fee waived.
• Does your ticket expire while you're traveling? You don't need to buy a new one as long as it was valid when you boarded. However, if you get off and then board again during your journey, you must buy a new ticket.

Ruter's ticket inspectors are permitted to exercise discretion in their work. This means that, in certain cases, they can decide that it is appropriate not to fine passengers who do not have a valid ticket.

When your phone, app, or card reader fails

Sometimes, technical issues can make it difficult to display a valid ticket. In such cases, the following rules apply:

• If the Ruter app is down, the ticket inspectors will be notified. You will not be fined if you have been unable to buy a ticket.
• If the card reader on board is not working and you have not been able to purchase a ticket by any other means, you will not have to pay a penalty fare if your ticket is checked.
• If you leave your mobile phone or travel card at home, you will have to pay a fee even if you have a valid ticket. You must be able to present the ticket during an inspection. This is to prevent tickets from being shared between multiple people.
• You are responsible for ensuring that your phone has an internet connection and sufficient battery power so that you can present your ticket during an inspection.

How a ticket inspection works

During a ticket inspection, inspectors ask all passengers to present a valid ticket. Inspections may take place at any time of day, on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For example, inspectors may board a tram, bus, or metro train, or they may be stationed at the exit of a metro station. If you do not have a ticket or cannot provide proof of eligibility for a discounted ticket, you will be issued a fine on the spot.

Can the inspector detain you?

Ticket inspectors on the metro and trams are employed by Sporveien and have the authority to detain you until you have presented valid identification. On buses and boats, inspectors are often hired from a security company and may only detain you if a Ruter employee is present. Ruter therefore has support inspectors who accompany the contracted inspectors.

Read more about the changes to ticket inspections

We process personal data in connection with ticket inspections. Read how in the privacy policy for ticket inspections

Would you like to appeal the fee?

If you believe the fee is incorrect, you can appeal. The appeal must be submitted in writing, and you will need the fee number shown on the receipt or invoice.

Appeal against a penalty charge

Do you have a monthly pass in the Ruter app, but your phone had run out of battery when the ticket inspector checked it? As a general rule, Ruter does not refund fines when proof of ticket purchase is provided after the fact. This may seem strict, but it is important to prevent forged documentation and ticket sharing.

Feel free to contact customer service for advice

Why do we have ticket inspections?

Ticket inspections are not about catching people, but about safeguarding fare revenue. The money you pay for a ticket or a fine goes back into public transport services. Ninety percent of public transport passengers pay for 100 percent of the journeys. Ensuring that public transport in Oslo and Akershus is fair is an important part of Ruter's public service mission.