Western Australian drivers are being reminded that double demerit points will be in force over the Easter long weekend in 2025. Authorities are urging all motorists to plan ahead and drive safely as one of the state’s most enforced road safety periods approaches.
Dylan Anderson
When Will Double Demerits Apply in WA?
Double demerits in Western Australia will be active from Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April 2025, covering the full Easter holiday period.
These penalties apply from 12:01am Thursday until 11:59pm Monday, encouraging safe driving during high-risk travel periods.
2025 WA Double Demerit Periods (Key Dates)
| Public Holiday | Double Demerit Period |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 20 Dec 2024 – 5 Jan 2025 |
| Australia Day | 24 Jan – 27 Jan 2025 |
| Labour Day | 28 Feb – 3 Mar 2025 |
| Easter | 17 Apr – 21 Apr 2025 |
| ANZAC Day | 24 Apr – 27 Apr 2025 |
| WA Day | 30 May – 2 Jun 2025 |
| King's Birthday | 26 Sep – 29 Sep 2025 (may vary by region) |
| Christmas/New Year | 19 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 |
What Offences Attract Double Demerits?
During the double demerit period, drivers will face extra penalties for:
- Speeding
- Drink or drug driving
- Failing to wear a seatbelt or child restraint
- Running a red light
- Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving
- Attempting to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points)
Fines remain the same, but the demerit points are doubled, potentially putting drivers at risk of losing their licences much faster.
Dylan Anderson
Why It Matters
Over the past five years (2019–2023), there have been 10 road fatalities during the Easter double demerit period in WA, averaging two lives lost each year.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said:
"We all have control over our choices when we get behind the wheel. Bad choices can kill."
"Make the safe choice to ignore that mobile phone. Make the safe choice to keep your seatbelt on and check that children are correctly restrained."
"Most importantly, make the safe choice to slow down and drive at or under the speed limit."
Stay Safe This Easter
WA Police and Road Safety officials will be out in full force, ensuring motorists comply with the law. If you’re travelling over the Easter break:
- Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue
- Don’t use your mobile phone
- Obey all road signs and limits
- Buckle up – and check everyone in your vehicle does too
For more information or to check your demerit points, visit the WA Department of Transport.
Let’s work together to make WA roads safer this Easter.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
