Double demerit points are set to be enforced in some states in the coming days.
A common myth is that Christmas double demerit points are applied throughout Australia for the entire summer holiday period.
In reality, this isn’t the case as some jurisdictions have no changes to imposed traffic offences.
Here’s what you need to know about double demerits in each state and territory before you hit the open road.
New South Wales
Double demerit points apply from tomorrow in New South Wales.
That means from Friday, December 20 to Wednesday, January 1, 2025, NSW motorists will receive double demerit points for:
- Speeding
- Illegal use of mobile phones
- Not wearing a seatbelt (including passengers)
- Riding without a helmet
For example, in NSW, exceeding the speed limit by more than 10kph but not more than 20kph is normally three points. But while double demerits apply, it will be six points.
From January 24-27, motorists can also expect to receive double points.
ACT
The ACT enforces double demerits for the same period of time as NSW — December 20 to January 1, 2025.
An additional demerit point also applies in the ACT during this period for all other traffic offences, such as failing to keep to the left.
Northern Territory
The NT is one of the jurisdictions in Australia that does not apply double demerit points at any time of the year, including public holidays.
Queensland
Unlike the other states and territories, Queensland doesn’t double demerit points for a first offence, but subsequent offences within a 12-month period do incur double demerits at any time of the year.
This includes traffic offences such as excessive speeding, the illegal use of a mobile phone, and wearing a seatbelt incorrectly.
These rules apply regardless of where your traffic offence occurs, even if this is outside the Sunshine State.
South Australia
South Australia does not have a double demerits scheme either.
Tasmania
Tasmanian drivers are also not currently subject to double demerits at any point around the year.
Victoria
Double demerit points do not apply in Victoria at any time of the year, and that includes public holidays and long weekends.
Western Australia
Double demerit points apply from tomorrow for motorists in Western Australia.
From December 20 until Sunday, January 5, 2025 motorists can expect to receive double points for these offences:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to wear a seatbelt and child restraint
- Running a red light
- Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving
As well as 14 points for these offences:
- Driving a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera
- Driving a motor vehicle in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera
Double demerit points will also apply from January 24-27.
Do double demerits actually work?
Demerit points are penalties applied to drivers licences when motorists commit certain traffic offences.
Some jurisdictions multiply the demerit points by two during busy holiday periods.
The rate of road fatalities is said to increase during public holiday periods.
So in a bid to minimise the road toll, some state and territory governments impose double demerits.
This is designed to coax drivers into being extra careful while driving.
However, Victoria Police believe otherwise.
“We have not seen any evidence of proven safety or deterrent benefit from enforcing double demerit points during holiday periods,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“Ultimately, any proposed legislative change is a matter for government.”
