Double demerits are back this Easter—are you prepared?
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As the Easter long weekend draws near, many Australians are gearing up for a well-deserved break, whether it's a road trip, family visit, or a peaceful escape.
But while the excitement is building, it's important to remember that Easter also brings a rise in road risks.
With increased police presence and double demerits in certain states, drivers need to stay vigilant. What does this mean for your travel plans?
The Easter long weekend was approaching, and many Australians were planning to take advantage of the break, whether travelling, visiting family and friends, or simply enjoying a quiet time away.
However, the holiday season was also a dangerous time on Australian roads, with authorities urging drivers to remain vigilant.
Across some states and territories, double demerit points were set to be enforced, with more police officers out on patrol.
From Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April, double demerit points applied in NSW, the ACT, and Western Australia.
Fines remained unchanged, but drivers who committed offences such as speeding, illegal phone use, not wearing seatbelts, and riding without a motorcycle helmet would receive double demerit points.
In Western Australia, double demerits extended to offences like running a red light.
Drivers were reminded to slow down, avoid unsafe overtaking, put their phones away, rest when tired, be patient, and allow extra travel time.
While NSW, the ACT, and WA were preparing for this extra measure, Queensland took a different approach.
Double demerits were not applied exclusively during holiday periods in Queensland.
Instead, double demerits were triggered when individuals committed a second or subsequent offence within one year of a previous violation.
Offences like illegal phone use, speeding more than 20 km/h above the limit, seatbelt violations, and motorcycle helmet offences all fell into this category.
If drivers had a clean record for over 12 months, demerits were issued as usual.
In Victoria, no double demerit periods were enforced, but police planned a major eleven-day road safety operation.
From Thursday, 17 April to Sunday, 27 April, Victoria Police focused on tackling high-risk driving, such as fatigue, impaired driving, seatbelt non-compliance, and excessive speed.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command–NSW Police Force had issued warnings for drivers to stay cautious during the holiday season.
The combination of increased police presence, road patrols, and double demerits aimed to ensure safer driving over the Easter weekend.
Despite the holiday spirit, the reminder to drive safely and responsibly was clear across all states and territories.
In a previous story, we explored some exciting Easter offers that have caught the attention of many.
If you're in the mood for a sweet surprise this holiday, you'll definitely want to check it out.
Head over to learn about the latest treats hitting the shelves just in time for Easter!
With the long weekend just around the corner, are you ready to hit the road safely? Share your plans and thoughts with us in the comments below!
But while the excitement is building, it's important to remember that Easter also brings a rise in road risks.
With increased police presence and double demerits in certain states, drivers need to stay vigilant. What does this mean for your travel plans?
The Easter long weekend was approaching, and many Australians were planning to take advantage of the break, whether travelling, visiting family and friends, or simply enjoying a quiet time away.
However, the holiday season was also a dangerous time on Australian roads, with authorities urging drivers to remain vigilant.
Across some states and territories, double demerit points were set to be enforced, with more police officers out on patrol.
Increased patrols aim to ensure road safety this Easter. Image source: Facebook/NSW Police Force
From Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April, double demerit points applied in NSW, the ACT, and Western Australia.
Fines remained unchanged, but drivers who committed offences such as speeding, illegal phone use, not wearing seatbelts, and riding without a motorcycle helmet would receive double demerit points.
In Western Australia, double demerits extended to offences like running a red light.
Drivers were reminded to slow down, avoid unsafe overtaking, put their phones away, rest when tired, be patient, and allow extra travel time.
While NSW, the ACT, and WA were preparing for this extra measure, Queensland took a different approach.
Double demerits were not applied exclusively during holiday periods in Queensland.
Instead, double demerits were triggered when individuals committed a second or subsequent offence within one year of a previous violation.
Offences like illegal phone use, speeding more than 20 km/h above the limit, seatbelt violations, and motorcycle helmet offences all fell into this category.
If drivers had a clean record for over 12 months, demerits were issued as usual.
In Victoria, no double demerit periods were enforced, but police planned a major eleven-day road safety operation.
From Thursday, 17 April to Sunday, 27 April, Victoria Police focused on tackling high-risk driving, such as fatigue, impaired driving, seatbelt non-compliance, and excessive speed.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command–NSW Police Force had issued warnings for drivers to stay cautious during the holiday season.
The combination of increased police presence, road patrols, and double demerits aimed to ensure safer driving over the Easter weekend.
Despite the holiday spirit, the reminder to drive safely and responsibly was clear across all states and territories.
In a previous story, we explored some exciting Easter offers that have caught the attention of many.
If you're in the mood for a sweet surprise this holiday, you'll definitely want to check it out.
Head over to learn about the latest treats hitting the shelves just in time for Easter!
With the long weekend just around the corner, are you ready to hit the road safely? Share your plans and thoughts with us in the comments below!
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