Regional NSW (Newcastle Area) - Passengers (from Other Households) Fined for Not Wearing Masks

BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 09:35
Last edited 14/07/2021 - 09:58 by 1 other user

Hi, I first heard this a few weeks ago that Police were pulling over cars at random. Any passengers from a different address to the driver, and not wearing a mask, were fined $200, as well as the driver.

This was again mentioned by Superintendent Wayne Humphries on ABC Newcastle this morning, who confirmed that vehicles were pulled over for the subject of a Random Breath Test, obviously checking no-one was from the Greater Sydney area.
Further to this though, despite reading the news daily, I've not seen anything on the news sites, nor is there anything here:-

If you know of a link online regarding, this please feel free to post it below:-

If you live in Regional NSW (Especially the Lower Hunter), were you aware of this rule (prior to reading this?)

Poll Options

  • 22
    Yes
  • 4
    No
Automotive

Comments

  • MS Paint on 14/07/2021 - 09:38

    Yes, Pegaxs sent me a PM outlining the specific details and linked the corresponding legislation. You didn't get one?

    Reginal

    Hehehe 🙂

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 09:46

      Nah, I guess I'm not that important. ;)

    • pegaxs on 14/07/2021 - 10:04
      +3

      Can confirm… But I only forwarded it onto MS Paint.

      I'm from Hunter area and was fully aware of the rules, but it doesn't apply to me because I don't have friends or family (that and my Fiat barely holds 1 person, let alone 2 or more).

      Unfortunately, the Hunter region is predominantly made up of Karens, bogans and window lickers…

      • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 10:58
        +1

        And Newcastle Knights boofheads. ;)

  • JimmyF on 14/07/2021 - 09:44

    If you live in Regional NSW (Especially the Lower Hunter), were you aware of this rule (prior to reading this?)

    Let me guess…. you found out the 'hard' way?

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 09:46

      Fortunatly No @JimmyF. Just a PSA. ;)

      • JimmyF on 14/07/2021 - 10:18

        Good to hear then!

  • morse on 14/07/2021 - 09:54

    Interesting the first website you listed states “Officers will only issue penalty notices if you clearly refuse to wear a mask without a lawful reason.” Seems unreasonable to fine if the person is happy to comply once directed. I’d say people would be able to contest the fine unless they were blatantly refusing.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 10:02

      Yes, but still doesn't clarify the above, yet the same person if they were at the drivers home, does not need to wear a facemask.

      • morse on 14/07/2021 - 10:26
        +1

        I guess a car is a confined space so I do see the point of wearing a mask, but yes the info should be clear, particularly if fines are going to be issued.

        Do you know if the people refused to wear a mask once directed? As that would make all the difference.

      • brendanm on 14/07/2021 - 10:30
        +5

        You have made the massive mistake of attempting to apply logic to any covid rules/laws. Logic does not apply to these things.

    • EightImmortals on 14/07/2021 - 10:44
      -8

      Here you go then.

      https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/face-mask-rules

      "The public health order includes a number of lawful reasons for not wearing a mask.

      You are not required to wear a mask if you have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a mask unsuitable. For example, if you have a skin condition, an intellectual disability, autism or trauma, you are not required to wear a mask.

      Please be respectful to people who are not wearing a mask as the reasons for not wearing a mask are not always visible or obvious. "

      If you are stopped by Gestapo officer in a setting where masks are mandatory, they will ask you to confirm the lawful reason you are not wearing a face mask.

      Officers will only issue penalty notices if you clearly refuse to wear a mask without a lawful reason.

      If you have a condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you may wish to ask your registered health practitioner or disability care provider to issue a letter confirming this. However, this is not a requirement under the public health order.

      In other circumstances, if you are eating or drinking, or there is an emergency, you will not be expected to continue wearing a mask."

      Your mention of a medical exemption should be enough to get the filth off your back, otherwise if you see them coming just grab your drink bottle or Mars bar. :)

      • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 11:04

        Your mention of a medical exemption should be enough to get the filth off your back, otherwise if you see them coming just grab your drink bottle or Mars bar. :)

        Or a longneck. :)

        Seriously though, I guess it's up to the Officer, and how the driver/passengers respond etc IF someone is going to protest/react, then they should incur a fine.

        • EightImmortals on 14/07/2021 - 11:25
          -1

          Yep, use brains to avoid the threat then go back to normal when the threat is no longer present. :)

        • Euphemistic on 14/07/2021 - 16:57
          +1

          Seriously though, I guess it's up to the Officer, and how the driver/passengers respond etc IF someone is going to protest/react, then they should incur a fine.

          I get the feeling that you’d attitude has a massive impact on fine vs no fine. Start babbling about freedoms, human rights, I can’t breathe etc and you’ll get a fine. Say you weren’t aware of the requirements and actively look for a mask and you’ll likely get a warning.

          • EightImmortals on 15/07/2021 - 16:06
            -1

            @Euphemistic: AND WHAT IF I SIMPLY QUOTE THEIR OWN LAWS WHICH I DID IN THE LAST POST? WOULD THAT BE OK OR ARE WE NO LONGER UNDER THE RULE OF LAW?

            • Euphemistic on 15/07/2021 - 17:05

              @EightImmortals: All caps? I’m guessing you are one of ‘those’. Sure, go ahead and quote the law, but if you are a copper at the end of a challenging shift and some starts debating with you, quoting ‘the law’ I can guess where it’s going to end up. Sure, you may challenge in court and win based on technicalities but the cop won’t care. The term ‘karen’ comes to mind.

              I might be wrong, but the text above certainly points to it.

              I’m also not going to ‘lie down and take it’ but for the greater good wearing mask isn’t an imposition. Funnily enough I had mine on outside yesterday as it was keeping my face warm.

              • EightImmortals on 15/07/2021 - 17:14
                -2

                @Euphemistic: Restrictions on travel.
                Ending free speech.
                Banning Protests.
                Silencing opposition.
                Prohibiting visiting family.
                Immunity passports.
                Closing businesses.
                Starting quarantine camps.
                Forcing vaccines.

                Anyone who still doesn't see what is going on is as blind as ****.

                Read a history book.

                • Euphemistic on 15/07/2021 - 19:10
                  -1

                  @EightImmortals: I sincerely hope you are taking the pi**.if not, you need to ease up on the conspiracy websites.

                  There are some serious problems on the world right now. Those problems aren’t here.

              • pegaxs on 18/07/2021 - 12:42
                -1

                @Euphemistic: Same, I wear my mask outside at work, not to keep me safe from retards that wont wear a mask because "CiViL LiBeRtiEz", but to keep my face warm from 6am winds. #GovernmentBootLicker

      • HelpMeiCantSee on 15/07/2021 - 11:23

        You’re quite the douche aren’t you? Your sovereign rights are being infringed and you didn’t agree to enter the contract hey? Declare independence and stay on your own land then.

  • Drakesy on 14/07/2021 - 10:05

    In WA during lockdown if you're not in the same household you're not supposed to be in the same car, and if you are you'd need a mask on.
    I think the instructions were fairly clear and the police would be within their rights to fine you.

    Although, this wouldn't be an issue if a certain premier had been a little more proactive…

    Tbh with the number of Uber and taxi drivers out there with passengers touching the same points masks would do next to nothing in inhibiting covid spread.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 10:59

      At least they have rules online stating that, and I assume Rideshare companies have communicated this to their drivers and passengers?

  • GG57 on 14/07/2021 - 10:43

    "…despite reading the news daily, I've not seen anything on the news sites…"

    That is your problem. Do not rely on "news sites" to get accurate information.
    Go to the NSW Govt site https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules
    I would check daily for any updates. Problem solved.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 11:01

      I had a look at that before. It still does not state anything clearly either way.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 14/07/2021 - 11:20
    -1

    laughs in Victorian

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 13:38

      I hope you weren't at Carlton game on the weekend, or live in Maribyrnong?
      ;)

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 14/07/2021 - 16:51
        +1

        The laugh was towards NSW peeps confusion and blatant disregard for restrictions. It's just plain common sense to not be in the situation OP described. We knuckled down in VIC multiple times and proved without a doubt it works. We're all in this together.

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 15/07/2021 - 08:43
          +1

          Thumbs Up. ;)
          As someone said, each state will keep learning from each other state's mistakes, as will the Federal Government.

          • GaryQ on 15/07/2021 - 09:53
            +1

            @BewareOfThe Dog: As someone said, each state will should but will probably think the rules don't apply to them keep learning from each other state's mistakes, as will the Federal Government.

            FTFY

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 15/07/2021 - 13:45
          +1

          Sorry Bro. Just heard on the ABC Melbourne going into Full Lockdown.
          :(

  • trapper on 14/07/2021 - 11:42
    +4

    ffs isn't this common sense??

    We have a covid outbreak going on with a lockdown which is costing the country billions of dollars, and there are still idiots driving around with their mates unmasked… take some personal responsibility for fcks sake.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/07/2021 - 11:52

      I think that its mainly the lazy 'microwave' generation, that have no common sense. ;)

    • GG57 on 14/07/2021 - 12:04
      +1

      You would think so, but how many times have we seen even here on OzB people trying to dissect the regulations to the nth degree to find a loophole.
      Some people think they are indestructible.

    • brendanm on 14/07/2021 - 19:15
      +1

      Yet you can get into an uber/taxi/public transport that's used by hundreds of people, wipe your hands all over where hundreds of other people have been, and that's all good. Masks will fix everything though, even if the same mates you have to wear a mask in the car with, can be at your house with no mask.

      • trapper on 15/07/2021 - 11:06

        They should not be at their mates house at all.

        Do people actually want this lockdown to end?

        or just going to keep looking for loopholes to accelerate the spread of the virus.

        • brendanm on 15/07/2021 - 11:07

          I'm not in a lockdown. We had a lockdown here, most people went on about their lives as normal, yet the sky didn't fall in.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 14/07/2021 - 13:13

    Just wear a mask ffs

  • orangetrain on 14/07/2021 - 13:59
    +1

    They should have said they were going to Kmart and got a LNP stamp of approval.

    • GaryQ on 15/07/2021 - 09:56

      or Hardly Normal

  • buderim11 on 15/07/2021 - 07:45
    -1

    The state mask mandates go against the 2015 Federal bio security act , It will be interesting if someone who opts to go to court over the fine will ever be tried .

    • TEER3X on 15/07/2021 - 10:01

      Not from my understanding as the mandate is non-discriminatory

    • jackspratt on 15/07/2021 - 15:44

      States are entitled to make their own laws in areas which are their responsibility under the constitution, including public health.

      So that argument won't wash.

  • chrisharry53 on 15/07/2021 - 08:13

    Can someone post a link that states people from a different household to the driver need to wear a mask in a car. I have read information on links provided so far and it escapes me.

    This is the only info I can find about travelling in a vehicle, except for taxis, etc.

    If you need to carpool to get to work, you should consider wearing a face mask when you are in the car or vehicle.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 15/07/2021 - 09:50
      +2

      I think it is in one of the links above, it said no carpooling in Greater Sydney.

      Here is a Link
      *From 5pm today (Friday, 9 July) the following additional restrictions will be in place

      Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household)

      People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members*

      • chrisharry53 on 17/07/2021 - 07:00

        I still can’t see where it is an offence. I know it is commonsense though. Most of my family live in Coffs Harbour area. My mum is in her house, my brother downstairs and a niece in a van on the property of 10 acres. My sister lives 10 km away. My sister took my mum and niece out yesterday. Do they all need to wear a mask under the health orders???? Show me this information please.

        BTW, carpooling is for work and I put that info above as it was the only thing about people in private cars I could find and must be out of date based on what you found.

  • tabitha731 on 15/07/2021 - 09:52
    +3

    I don't understand what is so hard to understand about the rules/guidelines! Stop trying to read between the lines! If ur with people in a car who don't live in the same place as u…wear a mask!!! A household does not mean ur whole neighbourhood or close relatives who live close by. In general as it has been stated many times, just assume that others have the virus and protect urself and those in ur family accordingly, be it stay the f*** at home or wear a mask, sanitize ur hands at all times.

    • HelpMeiCantSee on 15/07/2021 - 11:39

      If the universe is remotely fair, the nuckfcuckles who carry on about not wanting to wear a mask will be the ones who get the rona promptly. If only.

    • Euphemistic on 17/07/2021 - 08:27

      Well said. People are carrying on about ‘the rules’ and forgetting it’s about the principles of keeping safe in a pandemic.

      Wear a mask when you are in proximity of others, now they are saying do this even outdoors.

      There is little point wearing a mask in your house because you are in close, extended time contact with the people you live with. You can’t get away from sharing their air

      • chrisharry53 on 17/07/2021 - 08:31

        The point is that I want to see the rule in black and white and tell family and friends it is not optional.

        • Euphemistic on 17/07/2021 - 09:08

          Problem with that is that you can’t cover all bases with rules that are hastily put together. It takes years of revisions to fix all the loopholes.

          People that think they only need to follow the rules to be safe, but don’t get the bigger picture, are a problem.

          • chrisharry53 on 17/07/2021 - 11:43

            @Euphemistic: But at least throwing a rule in the face of someone who will follow it if aware can only help. The attitude of many people in NSW outside of Greater Sydney is more relaxed by the way.

            • Euphemistic on 17/07/2021 - 12:41

              @chrisharry53: I’m in a regional area. People are being pretty good. We don’t have a hard lockdown, we don’t have any cases so generally speaking we are being ‘good’ because we don’t want to go to hard lockdown.

              Unfortunately I feel it’s only a matter of time before it gets to us. There are just too many people who move in and out of the lockdown areas because ‘essential’. Eg kids from lockdown area can’t go to sport in our area, but they can go to school here.

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