Double demerit points are a well-known deterrent for unsafe driving during high-traffic periods, but they don’t apply everywhere in Australia.
Many assume double demerits are enforced nationwide throughout the holidays, but this isn’t the case.
Here’s your ultimate guide to understanding where and when double demerits apply this festive season.
New South Wales (NSW)
Double demerits kick off in NSW from Friday, December 20, 2024, until Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Offences with Double Demerits:
- Speeding.
- Illegal use of mobile phones.
- Failing to wear a seatbelt (including passengers).
- Riding without a helmet.
For example, exceeding the speed limit by 10-20kph normally incurs 3 points, but during this period, it’s 6 points.
Last Year’s Results:
- 342,102 breath tests conducted.
- 631 motorists charged with drink-driving.
- 8,069 speeding offences recorded.
- 5 fatalities during the Christmas/New Year period.
Double demerits will also apply during the Australia Day weekend (January 24-27, 2025).
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT mirrors NSW, with double demerits in force from December 20 to January 1 and during the Australia Day weekend.
Unique Rule:
An additional demerit point is applied for all other traffic offences during this period, making even minor infractions more costly.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland takes a different approach, applying double demerits for repeat offences committed within a 12-month period.
Examples:
- Second mobile phone offence = 8 points (normally 4).
- Second excessive speeding offence = double points.
“Dangerous driving behaviours are unacceptable all year round, not just during holiday periods,” said a Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson.
Western Australia (WA)
WA drivers will face double demerits from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and again from January 24-27.
Offences with Double Demerits:
- Speeding.
- Drink or drug driving.
- Failing to wear a seatbelt or child restraint.
- Illegal mobile phone use.
- Running a red light.
Extreme Penalties:
- Driving to evade speed detection = 14 points during this period.
Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory
Drivers in these states don’t need to worry about double demerits—they don’t apply at any time of the year, including public holidays.
“We have not seen any evidence of proven safety or deterrent benefit from enforcing double demerit points,” said a Victoria Police spokesperson.
Do Double Demerits Actually Work?
The logic behind double demerits is simple: reduce accidents by increasing the penalty for dangerous driving during high-risk periods. However, the results are mixed:
- Proponents argue the fear of higher penalties encourages safer driving.
- Critics, like Victoria Police, suggest there’s no conclusive evidence that double demerits significantly reduce accidents.
While the debate continues, double demerits remain a key strategy in states like NSW, ACT, and WA to curb the holiday road toll.
What You Need to Remember
Double demerits aren’t universal, so understanding the rules in your state or territory can save you from hefty penalties.
Whether you’re staying local or driving interstate, staying informed and cautious behind the wheel is the best way to avoid fines and keep the roads safer this holiday season.
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Dylan Anderson
