More than one million drivers across New South Wales have had a demerit point wiped from their licence, thanks to the second year of the state government’s innovative road safety initiative.
Dylan Anderson
Rewarding Safe Driving
The demerit point return scheme, introduced by the Minns Labor Government, rewards drivers who maintain a clean driving record over a 12-month period. It serves as a positive counterbalance to traditional punitive measures like fines, double demerits, and licence suspensions.
Of the 1.48 million NSW drivers who were eligible at the start of the 2025 trial period, just over one million (1,003,610) remained offence-free, earning a point removal. Impressively, more than 420,000 motorists have now received a demerit point removal two years in a row.
The top-performing suburb was Blacktown, where more than 6,000 drivers benefited. Castle Hill, Merrylands, Auburn, and Maroubra also saw strong results, with each suburb having over 4,500 drivers rewarded. In regional areas, Orange, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, and Coffs Harbour collectively notched up over 16,000 points removed.
What Comes Next
Starting in 2026, the trial period will extend to the end of January each year, placing extra emphasis on safe driving during the summer holiday season—a historically high-risk time on NSW roads. Eligible drivers can expect to see their demerit tally updated from the second quarter of 2025.
Dylan Anderson
Broader Road Safety Push
The demerit return scheme is part of a wider suite of safety reforms introduced in 2024 and continuing into 2025. These include:
- Average speed camera trials for light vehicles
- 2,700 new mobile speed camera locations
- Seatbelt detection via mobile phone cameras
- Tighter regulations for drivers on foreign licences
- Implementation of the Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce recommendations
- Expanded bicycle helmet safety ratings
- Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement
Official Statements
Premier Chris Minns stated:
"The number one aim of rewarding drivers with a demerit point removal is safety… 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 added:
"We are offering a very personal incentive to drive safely… This is also about jobs. If you drive for a living then the reward for safe driving could be the difference between ongoing employment and losing your livelihood."
Suburbs Leading the Way
| Suburb | Demerit Points Removed |
|---|---|
| Blacktown | 6,093 |
| Castle Hill | 5,160 |
| Merrylands | 4,864 |
| Auburn | 4,785 |
| Maroubra | 4,594 |
| Orange | 4,525 |
| Bankstown | 4,516 |
| Dubbo | 4,506 |
| Port Macquarie | 4,438 |
| Ryde | 4,422 |
With the third year of the scheme underway and almost 1.5 million drivers again eligible, the Minns Government is doubling down on efforts to make NSW roads safer through a combination of enforcement, education, and reward.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
