Beginning today, the CDC officially requires travelers to wear masks on trains, planes, buses, taxis, ride shares and other forms of “public conveyances.” The order, which you can read here, provides a tight definition of what counts as a “mask”—bandanas and face shields do not count.

What to know if you’re traveling
You’ll be required to wear a mask when boarding, while riding, and when getting off your plane, train, boat, or what have you. The rules also apply to “transportation hubs” like airports and bus stations, and to employees as well as travelers. Expect to hear announcements and see signs about the new rules as you go through the process of traveling.

If you refuse to wear a mask, the driver or crew is supposed to refuse you service. If you take off your mask in the middle of the trip and refuse to put it back on, they can kick you off. You’ll also be in violation of federal law.

The new rule does not apply to people driving their own cars for personal use, but it does apply to drivers and riders of ride shares like Uber and Lyft.

Masks are not required for children under two, or for people who have a disability that makes them unable to safely wear a mask. The driver or crew can ask you for documentation to prove that you have a relevant disability. (Here’s why this is not a HIPAA violation.)

Can I ever take it off?
Yes, you can take it off “for brief periods” to eat, drink, or take medication. You cannot avoid the rule by pretending to sip a water bottle for the duration of the flight.

You may be asked to take off the mask momentarily when showing photo ID. Masks can also be removed for various emergency reasons, like putting on those oxygen masks that drop from the ceiling when a plane loses cabin pressure. It’s also okay to remove a mask if needed to communicate with a person who lip reads.

What counts as a mask?
The CDC defines an acceptable mask in a way that includes N95s, surgical masks, and most cloth masks. The mask also has to go over your damn nose to count.

The following are not acceptable masks:

Bandanas (too loose)
Masks that are knitted or so loosely woven you can see light through them
Masks made of mesh or masks with holes in them
Masks with valves (because they have a big ol’ hole in them)
Face shields (but you can wear one in addition to a mask)
Balaclavas or scarves (also not masks)
Clear masks that allow for lip-reading are okay. Gaiters (like Buffs) are allowed if you fold them so that the part over your mouth and nose has at least two layers.

Basically, if you have been wearing masks in a sensible way this whole time, not much is changing. Airlines have already had similar rules, although USA Today notes that flight crews say it’s easier to enforce a federal law than a company policy.

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