Yes: QLD Does Have Double Demerits This Easter

As Easter 2025 approaches, Queensland drivers may be wondering whether double demerit penalties will be in force over the holiday long weekend. While several other states ramp up penalties during public holidays, Queensland continues to follow a different, year-round strategy.

No Double Demerits This Easter in Queensland

Unlike New South Wales, the ACT, and Western Australia, Queensland does not apply double demerit points automatically over holiday periods. Instead, it takes a consistent approach, targeting repeat high-risk behaviour through its year-round demerit policy.

Queensland’s Year-Round Demerit Strategy

Queensland's demerit system focuses on penalising drivers who commit the same traffic offences more than once within a 12-month window. This means that even if Easter isn't singled out for tougher rules, habitual offenders still face steeper consequences.

Offences That Attract Double Demerits in QLD:

Mobile phone use while driving
- First offence: 4 points
- Second offence (within 12 months): 8 points
Not wearing a seatbelt or failing to ensure passengers are buckled up
- Repeat offences attract double demerits
Speeding
- Repeated excessive speeding offences within 12 months can trigger double penalties

This policy promotes safer long-term driving habits, rather than just focusing on compliance during holiday periods.

Easter 2025: Stay Alert on Queensland Roads

Even without traditional double demerits, Queensland roads see a significant increase in traffic during Easter. From Thursday 17 April to Monday 21 April 2025, police are expected to increase patrols, implement mobile phone detection operations, and conduct random breath testing.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has reiterated that road safety remains a year-round concern:

“Dangerous driving behaviours are unacceptable and extremely risky all year round, not just during holiday periods.”

Comparison With Other States

Here's how Queensland’s approach stacks up against other jurisdictions:

State/Territory	Easter 2025 Double Demerits	Focus
Queensland (QLD)	No	Year-round penalties for repeat offenders
New South Wales (NSW)	Yes – 17 to 21 April	Holiday-specific enforcement
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	Yes – 17 to 21 April	Holiday-specific enforcement
Western Australia (WA)	Yes – 17 to 21 April	Holiday-specific enforcement
Victoria, SA, TAS, NT	No	No double demerits at any time

Road Safety Tips for QLD Drivers This Easter

Even without double penalties, the Easter break poses risks due to longer travel times, fatigue, and unpredictable weather. Here are a few reminders to help you stay safe:

Take regular breaks on long drives (every 2 hours)
Avoid distractions, especially mobile phones
Ensure everyone in the car is correctly wearing a seatbelt
Drive to the conditions, especially in rural or flood-prone areas
Watch out for increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic near holiday spots

CarExplore's Thoughts

Queensland might not enforce double demerits over Easter, but that doesn’t mean the roads are free of risk. The state’s focus on year-round enforcement ensures repeat offenders are held accountable. With increased patrols and a higher volume of traffic, staying alert and driving safely remains essential.

Whether you're heading away for a long weekend or staying close to home, Queenslanders are encouraged to prioritise safety and make responsible choices behind the wheel this Easter.