Easter is a time for family gatherings, indulging in chocolate eggs, and enjoying the autumnal weather.

However, for Australian drivers, it's also a period of heightened vigilance on the roads, as double demerit points come into effect in several states and territories.

This system aims to encourage safer driving when many travel to visit loved ones or take holiday trips.

As motorists gear up to embark on their journeys and fuel their vehicles in unprecedented numbers, it's crucial to stay informed about which states and territories will enforce double demerits.

Read on to learn about the commencement dates, specific infractions under scrutiny, and other information to avoid a bad record and hefty fines.

Double demerit points will be in effect for various traffic offences during the Easter long weekend in some Australian states. Credits: Shutterstock

In New South Wales, the double demerit period will span five consecutive days, starting from Thursday, March 28, and running through to Monday, April 1.

During this time, offences such as speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seat belt, and riding without a motorcycle helmet will incur twice the usual number of demerit points.

The NSW government is taking a particularly strong stance against mobile phone use while driving, with Mobile Phone Detection Cameras actively monitoring for violations. If caught, drivers face a hefty $352 fine and ten demerit points.

The National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) also reminded drivers that school zones will be operational on Thursday, March 28, and additional penalties will apply for offences within these zones.

For instance, sending a text while driving through a school zone could result in a $469 fine.

Western Australia is also enforcing double demerits from March 28 to April 1, targeting a range of offences, including speeding, drunk or drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and child restraint, running a red light, and illegal use of a mobile phone.

The state is particularly focused on deterring drivers from using devices designed to evade speed cameras, with a significant 14-demerit point penalty for the offence during the Easter period.

The Australian Capital Territory also has double demerits applying from the start of Thursday to the end of Monday.

The ACT's recent road fatality involving a cyclist underscores the importance of drivers adhering to road safety laws.

Queensland is taking a different approach, with double demerits reserved for repeat offenders who commit a second road offence within a year of the first.

This system is in place all year round, not just during holiday periods.

For those in Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania, the double demerit point system does not apply.

However, police presence will be increased to ensure road safety during the busy holiday weekend.

As discussions about the implementation of double demerits and the associated penalties for driving offences intensify, it's essential to consider the broader spectrum of traffic regulations that drivers, particularly seniors, need to be mindful of.

While the focus may currently be on heightened enforcement measures during specific periods, such as holidays or long weekends, it's equally important to address the day-to-day behaviours behind the wheel that can result in significant fines and penalties.

As attention is drawn to the imminent rollout of double demerits, it serves as a timely reminder for drivers of all ages to stay informed and vigilant about their driving habits year-round.

Key Takeaways

• Double demerit points will be in effect for various traffic offences during the Easter long weekend in New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.
• New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory will enforce double demerits from Thursday, March 28 up until, and including, Monday, April 1, targeting offences such as speeding, illegal mobile phone use, seat belt violations, and riding without a helmet.
• Queensland operates a different system, where double demerits are reserved for repeat offenders throughout the year, rather than being specifically tied to public holidays or long weekends.
• Other states and territories in Australia will operate as usual without the double demerit point system during this period.

Have you had experiences with the double demerit system? Do you have any safe driving tips to share with fellow members this Easter? Drop us a comment below.

 

[Greg350]

I remember the good old days when driving outside the towns and cities it was permitted to speed provided you could prove that you and the vehicle and conditions were safe, now it's revenue collection.

Oh, the old days..........when we were killing three times the number of people with half the population. Great times, and the most common deaths are on rural roads, those roads where YOU think it's safe to do what you like.

 

[Greg350]

Cops and Magistrate judges are nothing more than revenue raisers. Cops will have speed cameras set on exact speed limits, they will be sitting at the bottom of hills and slopes and handing out revenue tickets by the hundreds. Cops and Judges are nothing but low life scum and are the worst criminals of all, not to mention useless as tits on a bulls arse, other than to hand out revenue tickets. Good luck over easter drivers, they are out to get you.

What a load of BS. Cameras are not set AT the limit, total BS, they all have a tolerance.
Bottom of hills - so speed limits do not apply down hills? Don't you have brakes or gears?

Only incompetent drivers are caught.

 

[Greg350]

Revenue raising......

Wow, that's original. Abide by simple laws and there's no revenue, simple.

 

[IAN3005]

Wow, that's original. Abide by simple laws and there's no revenue, simple.

Revenue raising .... ever looked to see the number of cops on the road????

 

[Greg350]

Revenue raising .... ever looked to see the number of cops on the road????

Yes, not many, in NSW around 30% less than before Covid, that's HWP. Your point? People whinge when there's no cops and now people whinge because there's supposedly too many cops. DEAL WITH IT. Be an adult and abide by simple rules and you never get a fine, never add to the revenue, very bloody simple. As 70% of drivers have no demerit points on their licence that suggests that the majority do abide by the rules.

 

[IAN3005]

Yes, not many, in NSW around 30% less than before Covid, that's HWP. Your point? People whinge when there's no cops and now people whinge because there's supposedly too many cops. DEAL WITH IT. Be an adult and abide by simple rules and you never get a fine, never add to the revenue, very bloody simple. As 70% of drivers have no demerit points on their licence that suggests that the majority do abide by the rules.

I am lucky... no demerit points and no accidents..... I still stick to me guns and say it is revenue-raising......

 

[Topher]

I think all states should adopt the QLD system which operates the entire year. It makes a lot of sense to penalise repeat offenders with additional fines and points..

... at which stage many offenders drive anyway - until they get caught and face court, get fined, receive further disqualification ... and drive off from court on their disqualified licence.
The papers contain many accounts of offenders with thousands of dollars in unpaid fines, multiple disqualifications - and the determination to ignore it all and continue offending!