In March 2025, the Metro Board of Directors adopted a new banning policy for those who commit assault or sexual crimes on Metro. The banning policy will help MTPD increase safety and security in the Metro system. The policy went into effect in June 2025.

See some frequently asked questions below.

Who can be banned from Metro?

The banning policy prohibits anyone who commits sex or sex-related crimes, including indecent exposure or lewd conduct, and/or assault of any kind from entering or using the Metro system, properties, or facilities for a period of time.

The banning policy also prohibits anyone who violates WMATA’s Passenger Conduct Rules from entering or using the Metro system, properties, or facilities for a period of time.

How will individuals be notified of a ban?

Short-term bans may be issued verbally by MTPD officers. Longer bans are issued through a written banning notice and are subject to a progressive structure.

After being notified of a ban, when does it take effect?

The ban begins immediately upon the issuance of the citation.

How are banning periods determined?

Under the new policy, the banning period will apply as follows:

• First offense: 45 days
• Second offense: 90 days
• Third offense: 365 days

The banning period is based on the number of arrests, not based on the number of charges per arrest.

Can individuals appeal a ban?

The policy allows for appeals of any banning period longer than 24 hours. All individuals receiving a banning notice exceeding 24 hours shall be advised of their right to appeal the decision in writing.

Appeals must be written and submitted to Metro within five days of the issuance of the citation. The appeal may be submitted by registered, certified, or overnight delivery mail to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, PO Box 1440, 3312 Dodge Park Road, Hyattsville, MD, 20785, or hand-delivered to a drop box at the New Carrollton Building.

The ban remains in effect during the appeals process.

An appeals officer will issue a written decision within 15 days of receipt of the appeal. The appeals officer’s decision will be binding and not subject to further review by any court.

Can individuals still enter the Metro during a banning period?

Any individual who enters Metro property during an active ban will be subject to immediate arrest for criminal trespassing.

How will the ban be enforced?

Metro employs the use of 30,000 cameras systemwide; while these cameras do not use facial recognition, they are equipped with sophisticated technology that enables close monitoring throughout the system. Most of the individuals who commit violent or sexual acts have a history of these offenses and are known to officers. The new policy is a tool that MTPD will be able to use in the event they recognize a banned individual or encounter them during the course of their duties. Once the individual is confirmed to have an active ban, they will be arrested.

Can someone still be charged criminally if they are banned?

This policy does not preclude the filing of criminal charges where appropriate.