When do double demerits start in NSW and the ACT?
Aussie drivers will face the prospect of double demerit points this Christmas as police warn motorists of a crack-down on driving offences.
Aussie drivers will face the prospect of double demerit points this Christmas as police warn motorists of a crack-down on driving offences.
Double demerit points and large fines will be handed out to drivers who do the wrong thing over the Christmas and New Year period in NSW, the ACT, QLD and WA.
South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory dont hand out double demerits over holiday periods, or any other time throughout the year.
Heres what drivers need to know:
NSW and ACT
Double demerit points will be issued in NSW and the ACT from midnight December 20, 2024 to January 1, 2025.
Offences to attract double demerits include speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seat belt and riding without a motorcycle helmet.
If police catch drivers using their mobile phones during the Christmas period the fine will be $352 fine and 10 demerits.
Double demerit points will be issued in NSW and the ACT from midnight December 20, 2024 to January 1, 2025.
From January 24-27, motorists can also expect to receive double points.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman, said the holiday period is traditionally the busiest time of year on NSW roads.
The risk of a fine or the loss of demerit points should deter people from breaking the law. However, not putting the lives of others at risk should be the incentive to use our roads safely.
People can expect to see a highly-visible police presence on all roads across NSW – from major motorways to backstreets.
We urge people to drive safely, this means not driving while you are tired, taking breaks on long trips, driving to the conditions and not getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken illicit drugs or are impaired in any way.
QUEENSLAND
Queensland is the only state or territory in Australia to have double demerit points for the entire year, not just in holiday periods.
For people who commit specific offences repeatedly, they will receive double demerit points for the second or subsequent offence.
This is only if the later offence happened within 12 months of an earlier offence.
These include speeding more than 20km/h over the limit, using a mobile phone, driver seatbelt offences, failing to ensure passengers under 16 are appropriately restrained and motorcycle helmet offences.
Dangerous driving behaviours are unacceptable and extremely risky all year round, not just during holiday periods, a Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said.
Queenslands approach to double demerits applies all year to ensure a consistent deterrent effect and target recidivist high-risk behaviours.
Queensland is the only state or territory in Australia to have double demerit points for the entire year, not just in holiday periods
Western Australia will have one of the longest periods for double demerit points, starting from Friday and ending on January 5, 2025
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Western Australia will have one of the longest periods for double demerit points, starting from Friday and ending on January 5, 2025.
Some of the offences that will see motorists issued double demerits include speeding, drink or drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and child restraint, running a red light and illegal use of a mobile phone.
Drivers should also note driving a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade detection (from police), or driving in a way to evade detection of a speed camera will attract extra points.
If caught, these will cost offenders a massive 14 points during the double demerits period.
Double demerit points will also apply from January 24-27.