Will you get a fine for failing to wear a face mask on Victorian public transport?

Travelling on public transport requires you to wear a mask. But are the rules actually being enforced?

Face masks may be mandatory on Victorian public transport, but how many commuters have copped a fine for failing to wear one?

Your guess is as good as ours as authorities wouldn’t reveal the number when questioned this week.

Back in February, the state government announced repeat offenders could be fined up to $3600 for flouting the mask wearing rule, which still applies on public transport for anyone eight years and over, despite being scrapped in many other areas.

According to the official Coronavirus Victoria website, $100 fines can still be issued “where a person does not wear a face covering when required, without a reasonable excuse”.

When asked how many of these fines had been issued in 2022, neither the Transport Department, which oversees Public Transport Victoria, nor Victoria Police would provide the answer.

The Transport Department said it could not comment on enforcement matters.

Police also dodged the question, providing the following response:

“Transit police and protective services officers continue to assist with enforcing mask wearing rules on public transport, with education a focus.

“Changes which came into effect on 14 February also allow authorised officers to enforce mask wearing.”