Avoid hefty fines this festive season–Here’s where double demerits will hit drivers!
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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of family gatherings, festive decorations, and the spirit of giving.
However, it also brings an increased focus on road safety as authorities ramp up efforts to keep motorists safe during this busy period.
One such measure is the implementation of double demerit points and substantial fines for road offences.
In an effort to deter dangerous driving and improve road safety, certain states and territories in Australia double the penalty points drivers receive for committing specific traffic offences during peak holiday periods.
This means that if you're caught breaking the law in these areas during these times, you could find yourself accumulating demerit points at an alarming rate, potentially leading to the suspension of your driving privileges.
However, not all states and territories implement this system.
South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and the Northern Territory do not enforce double demerits at any time of the year, including the holiday season.
In contrast, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will enforce double demerit points from Friday, 22 December 2023, to the end of Monday, 1 January 2024.
Offences that will attract double demerit points during this period include speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seat belt, and riding without a motorcycle helmet.
For instance, drivers caught using their mobile phones during the holiday season will face a hefty $352 fine and 10 demerit points.
For a full list of the normal rules and penalties applicable to NSW residents, you can check them here. For ACT residents, you can view the full list here.
Queensland stands out as the only state or territory where double demerit points apply all year round, not just during the holidays.
This applies to individuals who commit specific offences repeatedly. They will receive double demerit points for the second or subsequent offence if the later offence was committed within 12 months of an earlier offence.
These offences include speeding over 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.
You can check the full list of Queensland’s normal penalties and rules here.
Western Australia (WA) will have one of the longest double demerit point periods, stretching from Friday, 22 December 2023, to Sunday, 7 January 2024.
Offences that will incur double demerits during this period 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 while driving.
A special mention goes to 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. This offence will cost 14 points during the double demerits period.
The full list of the normal rules and penalties for WA residents can be viewed here.
Drivers are also reminded to stay vigilant, especially within schools. Several states continue to implement school speed zones despite students breaking for the holidays.
Read more about school zone speed limits in different states and territories here.
The implementation of double demerit points during the holiday season is a reminder of the importance of safe driving. The festive season should be a time of joy and celebration, not tragedy.
So, whether you're driving to a family gathering, heading out for some last-minute Christmas shopping, or embarking on a summer road trip, remember to drive safely and responsibly. After all, the best gift you can give your loved ones this holiday season is to arrive safely.
Will you drive somewhere during the holidays? Where do you plan to spend them? Let us know in the comments below!
However, it also brings an increased focus on road safety as authorities ramp up efforts to keep motorists safe during this busy period.
One such measure is the implementation of double demerit points and substantial fines for road offences.
In an effort to deter dangerous driving and improve road safety, certain states and territories in Australia double the penalty points drivers receive for committing specific traffic offences during peak holiday periods.
This means that if you're caught breaking the law in these areas during these times, you could find yourself accumulating demerit points at an alarming rate, potentially leading to the suspension of your driving privileges.
Several states and territories are implementing double demerit points during the holidays. Credit: Unsplash
However, not all states and territories implement this system.
South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and the Northern Territory do not enforce double demerits at any time of the year, including the holiday season.
In contrast, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will enforce double demerit points from Friday, 22 December 2023, to the end of Monday, 1 January 2024.
Offences that will attract double demerit points during this period include speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seat belt, and riding without a motorcycle helmet.
For instance, drivers caught using their mobile phones during the holiday season will face a hefty $352 fine and 10 demerit points.
For a full list of the normal rules and penalties applicable to NSW residents, you can check them here. For ACT residents, you can view the full list here.
Queensland stands out as the only state or territory where double demerit points apply all year round, not just during the holidays.
This applies to individuals who commit specific offences repeatedly. They will receive double demerit points for the second or subsequent offence if the later offence was committed within 12 months of an earlier offence.
These offences include speeding over 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.
You can check the full list of Queensland’s normal penalties and rules here.
Western Australia (WA) will have one of the longest double demerit point periods, stretching from Friday, 22 December 2023, to Sunday, 7 January 2024.
Offences that will incur double demerits during this period 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 while driving.
A special mention goes to 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. This offence will cost 14 points during the double demerits period.
The full list of the normal rules and penalties for WA residents can be viewed here.
Drivers are also reminded to stay vigilant, especially within schools. Several states continue to implement school speed zones despite students breaking for the holidays.
Read more about school zone speed limits in different states and territories here.
The implementation of double demerit points during the holiday season is a reminder of the importance of safe driving. The festive season should be a time of joy and celebration, not tragedy.
So, whether you're driving to a family gathering, heading out for some last-minute Christmas shopping, or embarking on a summer road trip, remember to drive safely and responsibly. After all, the best gift you can give your loved ones this holiday season is to arrive safely.
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