For a train penalty fare the regulations give four grounds of appeal and a short time limit. Start with the operator that charged it, and read your notice.
What is a penalty fare?
A penalty fare is a charge a transport operator makes when it says you travelled without a valid ticket. Train companies may charge penalty fares in line with the penalty fares regulations. Other operators may run schemes of their own, so go by what your notice says.
A letter that talks about prosecution or a court is a different thing. ByeFine does not handle court papers. See the guide on other penalty notices.
What are the dates?
For a train penalty fare under the Railways (Penalty Fares) Regulations 2018, an appeal must be made before the end of 21 days, counted from the day after the penalty fare was charged. The appeal panel can allow a longer period.
Your notice sets out how to appeal and by when, so read it first and go by it.
Which grounds work?
For a train penalty fare, an appeal must rely on at least one of these grounds.
- The penalty fare was not charged in accordance with the requirements of the regulations.
- You are not the person legally responsible for paying it.
- You own a season ticket that was valid for the journey but did not have it with you when the penalty fare was charged.
- There are compelling reasons why, given the circumstances, you should not have to pay.
Not sure which of these fit your notice? Check it free. You see the verdict and the deadline before you pay.
Who do I appeal to, and where can I get help?
The Office of Rail and Road says that if you have been charged a penalty fare and want to appeal, you contact the relevant train operating company. The regulations refer to an appeal panel.
Transport Focus and London TravelWatch can help with a complaint, but the Office of Rail and Road says they can act only after you have raised the issue with the train company and given it a chance to respond. Include all your earlier correspondence with the company.
What should I put in my challenge?
- The penalty fare number, the date, the station or route, and your name and address.
- Which ground applies, in plain words, and only what you know to be true.
- Copies of any ticket, season ticket or receipt you have. Keep the originals.
What does ByeFine do?
ByeFine reads the notice, tells you free how strong a challenge looks, and writes the challenge from the notice and what you tell it, asking for the penalty fare to be cancelled in full. Our team files it by the route printed on the notice, not by machine, and only after you have given your permission.
ByeFine is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. It cannot promise a result.
Last checked 13 October 2026. General information for England and Wales, not legal advice. Always go by the dates printed on your own notice.
Common questions
What if I had a season ticket but did not have it with me?
For a train penalty fare that is one of the four grounds the regulations allow: you own a season ticket that was valid for the journey but did not have it with you when the penalty fare was charged.
How long do I have to appeal a train penalty fare?
Under the Railways (Penalty Fares) Regulations 2018 an appeal must be made before the end of 21 days, counted from the day after the penalty fare was charged, though the appeal panel can allow longer. Your notice sets out how to appeal and by when.
Who do I appeal to?
The Office of Rail and Road says you contact the relevant train operating company. Transport Focus and London TravelWatch can help with a complaint, but only after you have raised it with the train company.
Does ByeFine handle a letter threatening prosecution?
No. A letter that talks about prosecution or a court is a different thing and ByeFine does not handle court papers.
Where this comes from
Written by the ByeFine editorial team from the official and tribunal pages below. Nothing here is copied from another appeal service. How we check our guides.