Over 11.000 fines issued for failing to wear a mask on public transport

Up until the beginning of September, Dutch authorities had issued 11.600 fines to members of the public who failed to comply with the face mask rule for public transport. 

Over 11.000 fines issued for failing to wear a mask

The mandatory face mask rule for public transport was introduced by the Dutch government on June 1, 2020, and in spite of the recent relaxations to a number of coronavirus restrictions, the rule remains in place. 

Since coming into effect last summer, public transport enforcers (handhavers) and community service officers (BOAs) have issued 11.600 fines for failing to wear a face mask, and have reported 5.600 incidents with unruly or aggressive passengers who took issue with the rule (e.g. members of the public who assaulted fellow passengers). 

Face mask mandate on Dutch public transport

Anyone who travels using public transport in the Netherlands and refuses to wear a face mask risks a fine of 95 euros. BOAs have agreed that fines will only be issued once a member of the public has already received one official warning. 

While public transport companies have asked for the government to lift the mask mandate, it appears as though the rule will remain in place for the foreseeable future.