The NSW Government is continuing to reward safe drivers, with more than one million motorists having a demerit point wiped from their licence after staying offence-free for 12 months.
Dylan Anderson
One Million Drivers Benefit
The latest results from the state's demerit point return scheme reveal that over 1,003,610 drivers have earned the reward for maintaining a clean record. Drivers in car-dependent areas of Western Sydney and regional NSW led the way, with Blacktown topping the list where more than 6000 drivers had a point removed.
Other suburbs with strong results include Castle Hill, Merrylands, Auburn, and Maroubra, while regional communities such as Orange, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, and Coffs Harbour collectively had over 16,000 demerit points erased.
How the Scheme Works
Launched by the Minns Labor Government, the demerit point return scheme offers an incentive alongside traditional enforcement measures like fines and double demerits. Eligible unrestricted and professional licence holders who avoid any traffic offences over 12 months have one demerit point removed from their record.
Motorists will begin seeing their demerit tallies updated from the second quarter of 2025.
As the program enters its third year, a key change will see the eligibility period extended through to January 31 each year, beginning in 2026. This adjustment is intended to encourage safer driving during the high-risk summer holiday season.
Dylan Anderson
Top 10 Areas for Demerit Point Removal
| Suburb | Total Demerit Points Removed |
|---|---|
| Blacktown | 6093 |
| Castle Hill | 5160 |
| Merrylands | 4864 |
| Auburn | 4785 |
| Maroubra | 4594 |
| Orange | 4525 |
| Bankstown | 4516 |
| Dubbo | 4506 |
| Port Macquarie | 4438 |
| Ryde | 4422 |
Broader Road Safety Measures
Alongside the demerit reward scheme, NSW has introduced several new initiatives to improve road safety:
- Trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles starting in 2025.
- Expansion of mobile speed camera enforcement sites by adding 2,700 new locations.
- Use of mobile phone detection cameras to enforce seatbelt laws.
- Mandatory licence conversion for all foreign drivers within six months.
- Implementation of Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce recommendations to stop rorting.
- Expansion of bicycle helmet ratings through the star rating system.
- Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth.
Government Messages
Premier Chris Minns emphasised that the goal is to make NSW roads safer:
"Every one of the million drivers who succeeded over the past 12 months should be congratulated because their safe actions helped make NSW roads safer."
Minister for Roads John Graham echoed the importance of safe driving:
"We are offering a very personal incentive to drive safely, but the broader effect is that safety on our roads is enhanced overall."
The message to motorists is clear: safe driving saves lives, and those who drive responsibly can now be rewarded for their contribution to road safety.
Stay tuned for more updates on NSW's road safety initiatives at Transport for NSW.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
