Double demerits are back: What every Aussie driver needs to know this holiday season
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Double demerit points are a key part of holiday driving rules, but not all states treat them the same way.
While some drivers are bracing for harsher penalties, others might not even notice a difference in their road rules.
What’s behind these discrepancies, and how can it affect your time on the road this festive season?
Double demerit points came into effect in some Australian states ahead of the holiday season.
A common misconception was that double demerit points applied nationwide throughout the entire summer holiday period.
In reality, not all jurisdictions enforced this system, with some maintaining their standard penalties for traffic offences.
Here’s a breakdown of the rules across Australia to help drivers prepare.
New South Wales
In NSW, double demerit points will begin on 20 December, and run until 1 January.
Motorists will face increased penalties for speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt violations (including passengers), and not wearing helmets.
For example, exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 20 kph usually incurs three points but was doubled to six.
Double demerits are also scheduled from 24 to 27 January.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT mirrored NSW’s dates for double demerit enforcement, spanning December 20 to January 1.
Additionally, one extra point was added for other traffic violations, such as failing to keep left.
Northern Territory
Drivers in the NT will not be subject to double demerit points at any time, including holidays.
Queensland
Queensland's approach differed, as double demerits applied to repeat offences within 12 months, regardless of the season.
This included repeated speeding, illegal mobile phone use, or incorrect seatbelt use.
‘Dangerous driving behaviours are unacceptable and extremely risky all year round, not just during holiday periods,’ a Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said.
These rules applied even if offences occurred outside Queensland.
South Australia
South Australia will not implement a double demerit points scheme.
Tasmania
Tasmanian drivers will also not face double demerits at any point in the year.
Victoria
Victoria refrained from applying double demerit points, including on public holidays and long weekends.
‘We have not seen any evidence of proven safety or deterrent benefit from enforcing double demerit points during holiday periods,’ a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
‘Ultimately, any proposed legislative change is a matter for government.’
Western Australia
In WA, double demerits will begin on December 20 and run until 5 January.
Offences included speeding, driving under the influence, seatbelt violations, running red lights, and illegal mobile phone use.
Serious infractions, like evading speed cameras, attracted 14 points.
Double demerits were also set for January 24 to 27.
The Purpose of Double Demerit
Double demerit points aim to reduce road fatalities during high-risk holiday periods.
This strategy encouraged safer driving through increased penalties.
While some jurisdictions upheld the system, others, like Victoria, questioned its effectiveness.
Do you think double demerit points actually help keep drivers safer, or are they just another way to catch people out? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
While some drivers are bracing for harsher penalties, others might not even notice a difference in their road rules.
What’s behind these discrepancies, and how can it affect your time on the road this festive season?
Double demerit points came into effect in some Australian states ahead of the holiday season.
A common misconception was that double demerit points applied nationwide throughout the entire summer holiday period.
In reality, not all jurisdictions enforced this system, with some maintaining their standard penalties for traffic offences.
Here’s a breakdown of the rules across Australia to help drivers prepare.
New South Wales
In NSW, double demerit points will begin on 20 December, and run until 1 January.
Motorists will face increased penalties for speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt violations (including passengers), and not wearing helmets.
For example, exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 20 kph usually incurs three points but was doubled to six.
Double demerits are also scheduled from 24 to 27 January.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT mirrored NSW’s dates for double demerit enforcement, spanning December 20 to January 1.
Additionally, one extra point was added for other traffic violations, such as failing to keep left.
Northern Territory
Drivers in the NT will not be subject to double demerit points at any time, including holidays.
Queensland
Queensland's approach differed, as double demerits applied to repeat offences within 12 months, regardless of the season.
This included repeated speeding, illegal mobile phone use, or incorrect seatbelt use.
‘Dangerous driving behaviours are unacceptable and extremely risky all year round, not just during holiday periods,’ a Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said.
These rules applied even if offences occurred outside Queensland.
South Australia
South Australia will not implement a double demerit points scheme.
Tasmania
Tasmanian drivers will also not face double demerits at any point in the year.
Victoria
Victoria refrained from applying double demerit points, including on public holidays and long weekends.
‘We have not seen any evidence of proven safety or deterrent benefit from enforcing double demerit points during holiday periods,’ a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
‘Ultimately, any proposed legislative change is a matter for government.’
Western Australia
In WA, double demerits will begin on December 20 and run until 5 January.
Offences included speeding, driving under the influence, seatbelt violations, running red lights, and illegal mobile phone use.
Serious infractions, like evading speed cameras, attracted 14 points.
Double demerits were also set for January 24 to 27.
The Purpose of Double Demerit
Double demerit points aim to reduce road fatalities during high-risk holiday periods.
This strategy encouraged safer driving through increased penalties.
While some jurisdictions upheld the system, others, like Victoria, questioned its effectiveness.
Do you think double demerit points actually help keep drivers safer, or are they just another way to catch people out? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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