diff --git a/python/lsst/pipe/tasks/characterizeImage.py b/python/lsst/pipe/tasks/characterizeImage.py
index a08b50d02..6dbc428e6 100644
--- a/python/lsst/pipe/tasks/characterizeImage.py
+++ b/python/lsst/pipe/tasks/characterizeImage.py
@@ -445,8 +445,6 @@ def run(self, exposure, background=None, idGenerator=None):
         # TODO: Remove in DM-44658, streak masking to happen only in ip_diffim
         if self.config.doMaskStreaks:
             _ = self.maskStreaks.run(dmeRes.exposure)
-        else:
-            dmeRes.exposure.mask.addMaskPlane('STREAK')
 
         # perform final measurement with final PSF, including measuring and applying aperture correction,
         # if wanted