What you need to know about double demerits on Australia's National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II
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It's no secret that the roads are packed and many people travel to see family and friends or visit new places on a public holiday. No matter where you're going one thing is for sure - you're likely to run into some serious traffic.
That's why it is really important to know the traffic situation and the rules that will be in effect so you can get to your destination safely, especially now that we're fast approaching a (sort of) long weekend. We’re looking at you VIC!
To mourn Queen Elizabeth II's passing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese named September 22 a national public holiday in Australia.
It's going to be a busy period on the nation's roads as many individuals are expected to take Friday off as well.
Drivers in New South Wales have been informed of an extended double demerit period as many people are anticipated to take Thursday off for the national holiday and ‘chuck a sickie on Friday’.
From 12 am on Wednesday September 21 to 11.59 pm on Sunday September 25, double demerits will be applied for all violations of the speed limit, the seatbelt rule, the 'no texting while driving' law, and the motorcycle helmet law.
Motorists are expected to be hit with heavy traffic during the long weekend. Credit: 9News.
In addition, there will be a long weekend double demerit period in WA from Friday, September 23, 12:01 am, through Monday, September 26 (the late monarch's birthday long weekend holiday), 11:59 pm.
For those of you who are curious, authorities said the double demerit period will not be extended through Thursday, September 22 as the current rule does not permit it.
Only three states—NSW, WA, and ACT—apply double demerit fines in Australia during predetermined times.
Double demerits will not be in effect on this public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory. Meanwhile, Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania, there is no double demerits system.
In Queensland, double demerits are in effect for repeat offences all year long rather than just during specific times of the year. Double demerit points will be assessed for the second and any additional offences if a driver commits the same infraction twice or more in a 12-month period.
Keeping this in mind, the roads will likely be very busy long weekend. So, if you catch yourself getting stuck in serious traffic, there are a few things you can do to try and avoid the worst of it.
First, plan your route in advance and check for traffic updates. If you can avoid the busiest roads, you'll be in better shape.
Second, give yourself plenty of time. If you're driving long distances, make sure to take breaks and switch drivers, if possible.
And finally, be patient. Getting frustrated won't help the situation, and could even make it worse. Pop on some nice music or an Audiobook and enjoy the journey.
So, there you have it, folks! We hope this article has prepared you for the traffic situation this weekend. Also, please feel free to share this article to loved ones who are visiting you so they are aware of the new, temporary regulations.
That's why it is really important to know the traffic situation and the rules that will be in effect so you can get to your destination safely, especially now that we're fast approaching a (sort of) long weekend. We’re looking at you VIC!
To mourn Queen Elizabeth II's passing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese named September 22 a national public holiday in Australia.
It's going to be a busy period on the nation's roads as many individuals are expected to take Friday off as well.
Drivers in New South Wales have been informed of an extended double demerit period as many people are anticipated to take Thursday off for the national holiday and ‘chuck a sickie on Friday’.
From 12 am on Wednesday September 21 to 11.59 pm on Sunday September 25, double demerits will be applied for all violations of the speed limit, the seatbelt rule, the 'no texting while driving' law, and the motorcycle helmet law.
Motorists are expected to be hit with heavy traffic during the long weekend. Credit: 9News.
In addition, there will be a long weekend double demerit period in WA from Friday, September 23, 12:01 am, through Monday, September 26 (the late monarch's birthday long weekend holiday), 11:59 pm.
For those of you who are curious, authorities said the double demerit period will not be extended through Thursday, September 22 as the current rule does not permit it.
Only three states—NSW, WA, and ACT—apply double demerit fines in Australia during predetermined times.
Double demerits will not be in effect on this public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory. Meanwhile, Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania, there is no double demerits system.
In Queensland, double demerits are in effect for repeat offences all year long rather than just during specific times of the year. Double demerit points will be assessed for the second and any additional offences if a driver commits the same infraction twice or more in a 12-month period.
Keeping this in mind, the roads will likely be very busy long weekend. So, if you catch yourself getting stuck in serious traffic, there are a few things you can do to try and avoid the worst of it.
First, plan your route in advance and check for traffic updates. If you can avoid the busiest roads, you'll be in better shape.
Second, give yourself plenty of time. If you're driving long distances, make sure to take breaks and switch drivers, if possible.
And finally, be patient. Getting frustrated won't help the situation, and could even make it worse. Pop on some nice music or an Audiobook and enjoy the journey.
So, there you have it, folks! We hope this article has prepared you for the traffic situation this weekend. Also, please feel free to share this article to loved ones who are visiting you so they are aware of the new, temporary regulations.
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