Australia’s holiday roads will soon be under increased scrutiny as several states prepare to enforce double demerit points, a system designed to curb dangerous driving during peak travel times. This year, the dates and penalties differ by jurisdiction, and apply even to drivers traveling across state lines. Here’s what motorists need to know.
Which States Enforce Double Demerits?
Only New South Wales (NSW), Western Australia (WA), and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) implement temporary double demerit periods. Queensland, however, operates with year-round higher penalties for specific traffic offenses.
The purpose is to deter risky behavior when roads are most congested and driver fatigue is highest. The logic is simple: higher penalties discourage speeding, distracted driving, and other violations that increase accident risk.
Key Dates for 2025-2026
- NSW & ACT : Double demerits will be in effect from 12:01 AM on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, until 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
- Western Australia : The period runs from 12:01 AM on Friday, December 19, 2025, to 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Important: These penalties apply regardless of where you’re driving. A speeding ticket in Victoria during the NSW double demerit period will still result in double the points if you’re a NSW-licensed driver.
Which Offences Trigger Double Points?
The exact offenses vary slightly by state:
- NSW & ACT : Speeding, illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt violations, and riding a motorcycle without a helmet. The ACT also adds an additional single demerit point to all other traffic offenses during this time.
- Western Australia : Speeding, drink- or drug-driving, running red lights, seatbelt/child restraint failures, and illegal mobile phone use. WA also has a severe penalty: using radar detectors or trying to avoid speed cameras carries a 14-point penalty (doubled during the period).
- Queensland : Higher penalties are enforced year-round for speeding over 20 km/h, mobile phone offenses, seatbelt violations, motorcycle helmet failures, and improperly restrained passengers under 16.
Repeat Offenders Beware
Double demerits apply only if you commit the same offense within a 12-month period. The second violation triggers the doubled penalty. This means a speeding ticket in July, followed by another in December, will result in double points for the latter.
The goal is to make drivers think twice before breaking the law, especially when roads are at their busiest.
Double demerits are a serious matter: accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. Stay safe, and obey the rules of the road.
