Australian drivers will face the prospect of receiving double demerit points this Christmas as police warn motorists of a crackdown on driving offences.
Double demerit points and hefty fines will be imposed on drivers who do the wrong thing over the Christmas and New Year period in NSW, ACT, QLD and WA.
South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory do not apply double demerits during holiday periods or at any other time of the year.
Here’s what drivers should know:
New South Wales and ACT
Double demerit points will be issued in New South Wales and the ACT from midnight 20 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
Double demerit offenses include speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, failure to wear a seat belt and driving without a motorcycle helmet.
If police catch drivers using their mobile phones during the Christmas period, the fine will be $352 and 10 demerits.
Double demerit points will be issued in New South Wales and the ACT from midnight 20 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
From January 24 to 27, motorists can also expect to receive double points.
Highway and Traffic Patrol Commander Acting Deputy Commissioner Tracy Chapman said the festive period is traditionally the busiest time of year on NSW roads.
‘The risk of a fine or loss of demerit points should deter people from breaking the law. However, not putting the lives of others at risk should be the incentive to use our roads safely.
‘People can expect to see a highly visible police presence on all roads in New South Wales, from major highways to side streets.
‘We urge people to drive safely, this means not driving when tired, taking breaks on long journeys, driving to the conditions and not getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol, taken illicit drugs or are under the influence. .’
QUEENSLAND
Queensland is the only state or territory in Australia that has double demerit throughout the year, not just during holiday periods.
For people who commit specific offenses repeatedly, they will receive double demerit points for the second or subsequent offenses.
This is only if the subsequent offense occurred within 12 months of the previous offense.
These include speeding over 20 km/h, use of a mobile phone, driver’s seat belt violations, failure to ensure that passengers under 16 years of age are properly restrained, and helmet violations. of motorcycle.
“Dangerous driving behavior is unacceptable and extremely risky all year round, not just during holiday periods,” a Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said.
“Queensland’s approach to double demerits applies year-round to ensure a consistent deterrent effect and address high-risk repeat offending behaviour.”
Queensland is the only state or territory in Australia that has double demerit throughout the year, not just during holiday periods
Western Australia will have one of the longest periods for double demerit points, starting on Friday and ending on January 5, 2025.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Western Australia will have one of the longest periods for double demerit points, starting on Friday and ending on January 5, 2025.
Some of the violations for which motorists will receive double demerits include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to use a seat belt and child restraint system, running a red light and illegal use of a mobile phone.
Drivers should also note that driving a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade (police) detection, or driving in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera will attract extra points.
If caught, these will cost offenders 14 points during the double demerit period.
Double demerit points will also be applied from January 24 to 27.