Unlawful Transit Conduct
Tacoma Municipal Code TMC 8.52.020 (numbers below) and the Revised Code of Washington RCW 9.91.025 (letters below) state a person is guilty of unlawful transit conduct and/or unlawful bus conduct if, while on or in a municipal transit vehicle as defined by RCW 46.04.355 as now or hereafter amended or reenacted, or in or at a municipal transit station, he or she:
TMC (8.52.020) / RCW (9.91.025)
- Transporting dangerous, flammable, or explosive materials.
- Discarding hazardous substances or automotive fluids.
- Obstructing transit vehicles, services, or passengers.
- Consuming or being under the influence of illicit drugs, alcohol, or any intoxicating beverage, or possessing open alcoholic beverage containers.
- Unreasonably disturbing or harassing others by being unruly, loud, harmful, raucous, or intimidating.
- Throwing an object with intent to do harm.
- Destroying, defacing, or damaging property.
- Gambling.
- Smoking or using electronic smoking devices within Tacoma city limits; or smoking outside Tacoma city limits, except in designated areas.
- Littering.
- Spitting.
- Urinating or defecating, except in a restroom.
- Playing sound-producing equipment without earphones or similar device.
- Skating or riding skateboard-type equipment.
- Possessing or trying to use an unissued transfer or fare media.
- Impersonating a transit employee.
- Engaging in other conduct inconsistent with transit operations and refusing to obey the lawful command(s) of an agent of the transit authority or a peace officer to cease such conduct.
Unlawful Transit Conduct (UTC) is a misdemeanor offense with a maximum fine of $1,000, incarceration for 90 days, or both fine and imprisonment. Violators may also be excluded from transit services.
Don’t touch the driver
Assault on a Transit Employee. Assaulting a transit operator or any transit employee is a Class C Felony (RCW 9A.36.031). It is also a federal offense, and is punishable under the U.S. Patriot Act.