Points of no return: Lawyer warns of the price you pay for dodgy driver's licence tactics
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As the digital age continues to evolve, so, too, do the tactics employed by those looking to bend the rules. However, when it comes to the law, particularly on the road, cutting corners can lead to severe consequences.
A growing trend involving driver's licences has prompted warnings across the country, with concerns rising over the potential risks associated with this widespread practice.
Authorities are urging motorists to stay informed and vigilant as this concerning tactic continues to gain traction.
The ‘widespread trend’ that has caught the attention of authorities across Australia is the illegal practice of drivers falsely nominating others to take their demerit points.
This year, the crackdown on such activities has intensified, with one driver recently being hit with a hefty $4,000 fine after being caught red-handed.
Prominent Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh of Astor Legal spoke about the significant spike in the practice of demerit point offloading, warning that roadside officials are not overlooking these activities.
‘In 2024, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) commenced a crackdown on false nominations of drivers,’ Atty Singh said.
‘There has been a widespread trend of people agreeing to take demerit points for other drivers.’
‘The person nominated will usually charge a fee to take the demerit points. Often, they are on international licences and may not even be in the country,’ he added.
The consequences of such actions are severe. Atty Singh explained that he represented the motorist who was recently slapped with a crushing $4,000 fine after being caught.
‘The reason the fine was so expensive was because the vehicle was registered as a company vehicle, and the company had a record of previous offences,’ he shared.
‘As such, it was subject to the penalties for a corporation, which are significantly greater than that of an individual ($1,500).’
In court, this fine ‘could have been increased to $22,000’. While Singh was able to successfully fight the fine for this driver, he warned that transport bodies are not turning a blind eye and are ramping up efforts to catch offenders.
Social media platforms have become hotbeds for this illegal trade, with drivers in search of someone to take their demerit points and individuals advertising their willingness to do so for a fee.
Some providers of the illegal service have even taken to posting their own online advertisements to draw in those seeking assistance.
The going rate for one demerit point can range from $30 to $150, and a quick search can reveal dozens of such offers, particularly on sites like Facebook Marketplace.
However, it's not just the demerit point trade that's on the rise.
Other offences that NSW drivers are frequently penalised for include not stopping at a yellow (amber) traffic light, which is ‘often laid by police when a person pleads not guilty to not stopping at a red light as a “back-up offence”’.
‘This allows police to usually secure a conviction even if they are unable to prove the red light offence,’ Atty Singh explained.
‘Flashing your headlights to warn other drivers of police [is another one].’
‘There has been a marked increase in these offences being detected, particularly where mobile speed cameras or RBTs are set up,’ he continued.
As authorities continue to crack down on drivers engaging in questionable practices to retain their licences, it’s clear that the scrutiny on motorists doesn't stop there.
Beyond dodgy licence tactics, even seemingly minor infractions behind the wheel, like a careless gesture, can lead to hefty fines.
Have you encountered offers to take demerit points? Do you know someone who has been affected by this crackdown? We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic in the comments below.
A growing trend involving driver's licences has prompted warnings across the country, with concerns rising over the potential risks associated with this widespread practice.
Authorities are urging motorists to stay informed and vigilant as this concerning tactic continues to gain traction.
The ‘widespread trend’ that has caught the attention of authorities across Australia is the illegal practice of drivers falsely nominating others to take their demerit points.
This year, the crackdown on such activities has intensified, with one driver recently being hit with a hefty $4,000 fine after being caught red-handed.
Prominent Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh of Astor Legal spoke about the significant spike in the practice of demerit point offloading, warning that roadside officials are not overlooking these activities.
Aussies were warned of a crackdown on nominating others for demerit points, with hefty fines in place. Credit: Shutterstock
‘In 2024, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) commenced a crackdown on false nominations of drivers,’ Atty Singh said.
‘There has been a widespread trend of people agreeing to take demerit points for other drivers.’
‘The person nominated will usually charge a fee to take the demerit points. Often, they are on international licences and may not even be in the country,’ he added.
The consequences of such actions are severe. Atty Singh explained that he represented the motorist who was recently slapped with a crushing $4,000 fine after being caught.
‘The reason the fine was so expensive was because the vehicle was registered as a company vehicle, and the company had a record of previous offences,’ he shared.
‘As such, it was subject to the penalties for a corporation, which are significantly greater than that of an individual ($1,500).’
In court, this fine ‘could have been increased to $22,000’. While Singh was able to successfully fight the fine for this driver, he warned that transport bodies are not turning a blind eye and are ramping up efforts to catch offenders.
Social media platforms have become hotbeds for this illegal trade, with drivers in search of someone to take their demerit points and individuals advertising their willingness to do so for a fee.
Some providers of the illegal service have even taken to posting their own online advertisements to draw in those seeking assistance.
The going rate for one demerit point can range from $30 to $150, and a quick search can reveal dozens of such offers, particularly on sites like Facebook Marketplace.
However, it's not just the demerit point trade that's on the rise.
Other offences that NSW drivers are frequently penalised for include not stopping at a yellow (amber) traffic light, which is ‘often laid by police when a person pleads not guilty to not stopping at a red light as a “back-up offence”’.
‘This allows police to usually secure a conviction even if they are unable to prove the red light offence,’ Atty Singh explained.
‘Flashing your headlights to warn other drivers of police [is another one].’
‘There has been a marked increase in these offences being detected, particularly where mobile speed cameras or RBTs are set up,’ he continued.
As authorities continue to crack down on drivers engaging in questionable practices to retain their licences, it’s clear that the scrutiny on motorists doesn't stop there.
Beyond dodgy licence tactics, even seemingly minor infractions behind the wheel, like a careless gesture, can lead to hefty fines.
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