Stay on Your Best Behavior on the Roads: Double Demerit Points Explained

So, will you be on your best behavior while driving this holiday season?

Driving responsibly is always important, but during the holiday period, it becomes even more crucial due to the implementation of double demerit points in some states. Find out which states have double demerit points and when they will be in effect during the December/January holiday season.

In Victoria, there are no double demerit points during the holiday period. So, drivers in Victoria don’t have to worry about any additional penalties during this time.

New South Wales, on the other hand, has a strict policy of double demerit points for specific offenses during the Christmas season. Starting at midnight on December 22, 2023, and lasting until midnight on January 2, 2024, drivers in New South Wales need to be extra cautious. Offenses such as speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and riding a motorbike without a helmet will attract double demerit points. For instance, using a mobile phone during this period will result in five demerit points.

Western Australia also implements double demerit points during the holiday season. From December 22, 2023, until January 8, 2024, drivers in Western Australia need to be mindful of their behavior on the roads. Offenses such as speeding, drink or drug driving, failure to wear a seatbelt or child restraint, using a mobile phone while driving, driving with a radar detector, and avoiding detection by a speed camera will all lead to double demerit points. For example, using a radar detector during this period will result in a whopping 14 demerit points.

Queensland has a different approach to double demerit points. Instead of having a specific period for double demerits, Queensland enforces double demerit points for certain offenses throughout the year. These offenses include speeding at more than 20km/h over the speed limit, mobile phone offenses, driver seatbelt offenses, motorcycle helmet offenses, and failure to ensure passengers under 16 are properly restrained. However, in Queensland, drivers only pay the regular fine and attract regular demerit points for their first offense. It’s the second offense committed within a 12-month period that will attract double the demerit points. For instance, committing a mobile phone offense will result in four demerit points for the first offense. If the same offense is committed within a 12-month period, the second offense will attract eight demerit points, totaling 12 demerit points within a year.

Tasmania, Northern Territory, and South Australia do not have double demerit points during holiday periods or at any point during the year. Drivers in these states can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they won’t face any additional penalties during the holiday season.

If you’re planning to travel interstate during the holiday period, it’s essential to remember that the fines and demerit point rules of your home state apply. So, if you travel from New South Wales to Victoria and receive a speeding fine in Victoria, you will face double demerit points according to the rules of New South Wales. On the other hand, if you travel from Victoria to New South Wales during a double demerit period, you won’t receive double demerit points for any offenses since Victoria doesn’t have a double demerit point policy.

• Victoria does not have double demerit points during the holidays.
• New South Wales enforces double demerit points for 11 days starting from December 22, 2023.
• Western Australia has double demerit points in place from December 22, 2023, until January 8, 2024.
• Queensland has a year-round policy of double demerit points for certain offenses.
• Tasmania, Northern Territory, and South Australia do not have double demerit points.
• If you travel interstate, your home state’s rules for fines and demerit points apply.

Stay mindful of double demerit points during the holiday period and drive responsibly to avoid any additional penalties. Remember to check the specific rules for your state or territory to ensure compliance. Safety should always be a priority on the roads, especially during this festive season.