Tier 4 fines: What you can be fined for and how much fines are under Tier 4 restrictions in the North East

Those found to be breaking Covid-19 rules can be charged hefty fines by police – but how much can you be billed?
Police have fined people for breaking lockdown rules. Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP/ Getty ImagesPolice have fined people for breaking lockdown rules. Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP/ Getty Images
Police have fined people for breaking lockdown rules. Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP/ Getty Images

UK police have the power to fine all covid-19 rule breakers, from those not wearing a mask on a bus to not complying with self isolating rules.

Police officers across the country are following 'the 4 Es' system – Engage, explain, encourage, enforce.

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According to the National Police Chiefs Council, officers will first try to engage with someone, then explain how they think they are breaking the rules and finally encourage them to change their behaviour to reduce the risk to public safety and health.

However if people persist in rule breaking they could be fined for the following reasons;

Being outside your home under tier 4 restrictions

You can be fined for being outside your home and not having ‘a reasonable excuse’ such as work, shopping for essentials goods, education or childcare.

People aged 18 or over can be fined £200 for the first offence, lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days and doubled for a repeat offence.

Not wearing a mask

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You can be fined for not wearing a mask on public transport, in airports, train stations and other indoor settings such as shops, unless you are exempt.

If you don’t wear a face covering in these settings the fine for a first offence is £200, or £100 if you pay the fine within 14 days.

Repeat offenders can have their fines doubled – up to a maximum value of £6,400.

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Meeting in groups of more than 30

Holding a meeting of more than 30 is the coronavirus offence with the biggest penalty attached.

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If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.

Not self isolating

Fines for those who are told to self-isolate and refuse now start at £1,000 and increase up to £10,000 for repeat offenders.

The police can check the NHS Test and Trace database to investigate a tip-off about a quarantine-breaker.

Mixing households

Police can take action against you if you meet mixed household groups.

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You can be given a fixed penalty notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.

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