Summer and the holiday period is one of the busiest times of year on Australia's roads, and one of the most dangerous.
Now, police across the country are prioritising road safety, with motorists facing double demerit points in some states and territories for breaking road rules.
Here's what you need to know about double demerits in each state and territory.
What does double demerits mean?
Demerit points are points a driver receives (along with fines) for breaking road rules.
If a driver receives too many demerit points, they can lose their licence.
During busy times on roads - such as Christmas, Easter, and long weekends - drivers who do not follow specific road rules can receive twice as many demerit points.
Drivers who do not follow road rules can also receive hefty fines, with amounts varying depending on the jurisdiction and offence.
Queensland
In Queensland, there is no change to demerit points over the holiday period.
Unlike other states and territories, double demerit points apply year-round for drivers who repeatedly commit specific offences within 12 months.
The offences include:
- Driving more than 20km/h over the speed limit
- Mobile phone offences
- Speeding offences
- Driver failing to ensure passengers under 16 are appropriately restrained
- Motorcycle helmet offences.
If you are a Queensland licence holder and commit a traffic offence anywhere in Australia, demerit points may be applied as though the offence was committed in Queensland.
Double demerits apply in Queensland, NSW, the Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia. Source: SBS News
NSW
In NSW, double demerit points apply from Friday 22 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024.
Double demerit points apply for the following offences:
- Speeding
- Illegal use of mobile phones
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Riding without a helmet
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, double demerits started at 12am on Friday 22 December and will be applied until 11.59pm on Monday 1 January.
Drivers will face double demerit points for the following offences:
- Speeding
- Mobile phone offences
- Seatbelt offences
- Riding without a helmet
All other offences will attract one additional demerit point.
Victoria
Double demerits do not apply in Victoria, but police will have a visible presence on roads throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
The Operation Roadwise safety initiative started at 12.01am on Friday 15 December 2023 and will finish at 11.59pm on Monday 1 January 2024.
In the first five days of the operation, police detected 4,701 offences including drink driving, drug driving, driving without a licence or driving an unregistered vehicle, mobile phone offences, and speeding offences.
Tasmania
Tasmania does not have a double demerits scheme over the holiday period, but Tasmania Police runs an annual road safety initiative called Operation Safe Arrival.
This year's campaign highlights enforcement that will be in place throughout the holiday period, with police targeting dangerous behaviour including speeding, mobile phone use, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest - and most dangerous - times of year on Australian roads. Source: AAP / Jason O'Brien
There will also be random alcohol and drug testing operations as well as speed detection devices in use across the state.
South Australia
South Australia does not have a double demerits scheme either, but SA Police has implored motorists to take care over the holiday period.
In a statement, SA Police said officers would be patrolling "day and night" across the state throughout the season with a focus on keeping the roads safe.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, motorists will face double demerit points for an extended period.
The double demerit rules started on Friday 22 December 2023 and will run until Sunday 7 January 2024.
During this time, the following offences are subject to double demerits:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to wear a seatbelt
- Mobile phone offences
- Running a red light
- Driving a vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade speed cameras
- Driving in a manner to evade speed detection
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory does not apply double demerits, but NT Police has launched a safety campaign that will run throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
Sergeant Chris Thurgood said police are conducting large-scale testing for drink and drug driving on both main roads and back roads.
"Don't be selfish on the roads. Take care, look after each other," he said.
"If you do the wrong thing, we will be there and we will catch you and you will face the consequences."
