Coronavirus locks down Melbourne drivers

UPDATE: On August 6, the Victorian State Government advised the VACC that only services covering essential and critical ‘vehicle repair and maintenance’ were permitted under Melbourne’s stage four COVID restrictions. The VACC has since advised its members: “For the sake of clarity, VACC interprets this [advice] to also mean that logbook and scheduled servicing are not permitted.”

For the large majority of almost five million residents in the Melbourne metropolitan area affected by Stage 4 lockdown restrictions, their cars are going see very little activity.

The new restrictions are designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus and took effect from Sunday, August 2, and will remain in effect until at least Sunday, September 13.

Residents in the Melbourne metro area must stay at home and wear masks when outside the house or risk being fined. The new lockdown also puts strict new limitations on when and where they can drive.

While South Australia and New South Wales have both closed their borders with Victoria, most Melbournians can only drive 5km from their home, and only for a handful of reasons. Here’s the run down of frequently asked questions for those Melbournians affected by Stage 4 restrictions.

Note: These guidelines should not be treated as legal advice and if you need clarification, head to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) COVID-19 website  for further details

Only between the hours of 5:00am and 8:00pm due to the curfew, and only for one of four reasons: medical care, caregiving, food/necessary supplies or work/study – and the latter only with a permit.

Residents can only drive up to 5km from their home and some of the food/necessary supplies allowed include collecting take-away food, refueling your car, grocery shopping or medical supplies.

There are several permissible reasons to drive beyond 5km from your home, including to visit an intimate partner or in situations where parents have shared-custody arrangements, however, the curfew must still be adhered to.

You are allowed to drive your car outside curfew hours of 8:00pm and 5:00am if there is an emergency.

On-the-spot fines for breaching lockdown restrictions are $1652 per person. Businesses face fines of up to $9913 if they fail to comply with regulations. If you’re found outside your home not wearing a mask a $200 fine applies.

No. However, if driving is your job, such as a delivery driver, you must wear a mask at all times, inside and outside the vehicle.

However, the DHHS recommends that all car users should wear masks or face coverings “before you leave your car”.

In metro Melbourne, masks are required to be worn at all times outside of home during the lockdown, unless running or cycling.

Yes. Melbourne residents are allowed to drive a partner to work (ie: further than 5km from home), if the partner has an essential worker permit and is unable to drive themselves. The driver should go directly to the place of work and home again without any other stops.

Drivers are encouraged to have a copy of their partner's essential worker permit as proof of their bona-fides.

No. Until the end of the Stage 4 restrictions, metropolitan Melbourne residents “can no longer leave home to go for a drive,” according to the DHHS.

Yes. However, it can only be for one of the four approved activities: medical care, caregiving, food/necessary supplies or work/study – and the latter only with a permit.

It’s recommended passengers stay in the back seat.

Yes. if you're travelling to complete one of the four approved activities or an essential service. According to the DHHS, public transport will operate on a reduced schedule around metro Melbourne during curfew hours.

The state government body also recommends social distancing is practiced on public transport along with vigorous hand washing and sanitising before and after each journey.

Yes. Despite metro Melbourne car dealerships, car yards and showrooms closing under Stage 4 restrictions, those who want to buy a new car do so online or via the phone if the vehicle can be delivered to the purchaser.

During the Stage 4 lockdown restrictions, the service departments of dealerships in metropolitan Melbourne can remain open.

The VACC originally advised: “Logbook servicing, tyre and windscreen replacement, body repairs, and other safety-related work can be conducted by dealerships, aftermarket repairers, and body repair shops.”

On August 6 it updated the advice, stating: “For the sake of clarity, VACC interprets this [state government advice] to also mean that logbook and scheduled servicing are not permitted.”

Find more details here.

However, vehicle owners must not travel further than 5km from their home to get their car serviced. Other critical repairs – such as potentially deadly Takata airbag replacements or recall-related issues – are allowed.

Not at a public car wash. These businesses are required to close as part of the lockdown.

Yes. But it’s not advised. The DHHS website says: “Where possible, carrying passengers in your car should be avoided, unless they live in your household.” If they are not from your household you should both be wearing masks.