Double demerits come into force tomorrow amid a huge crackdown on dangerous driving – here’s what you need to know ahead of the Christmas period
- Australians driving interstate risk copping double demerits over Christmas
- NSW and ACT are operating double demerits from December 24 to January 3
- Western Australia’s double demerits scheme lasts from same day to January 9
- In Queensland, drivers subject to double demerits for repeat traffic offences
Australian motorists driving interstate to see family over the holiday period risk copping double demerits from Christmas Eve if they break road rules.
Both NSW and the ACT are punishing traffic offences – such as speeding or using a mobile phone while driving – with double demerit points from 12.01am on December 24 to 11.59pm on January 3.
A driver breaking the speed limit by more than 45km/h in NSW during that period would therefore receive 12 demerit points – one less than the state’s demerit point limit.
Western Australia‘s rules are even tougher as motorists will have double points added to their licence for certain road violations committed from Friday, December 23 until January 9.
Australians risk receiving double the normal number of points on their licence if they break road rules over the Christmas period (file image)
That means anyone caught using a scrambler device to block a speed camera will receive 14 demerit points – which by itself would lead to a loss of licence.
The other offences covered under WA’s double demerit rules include drink and drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, running a red light and illegal use of a mobile phone.
In Queensland, there is no specific Christmas double demerit scheme.
But as part of a year-round system, drivers will still be given double points if they commit an offence they have already been fined for in the past 12 months.
Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and South Australia do not have double demerit systems.
However authorities in all those states and territories have urged motorists to drive safely.
Both NSW and the ACT are punishing traffic offences with double demerit points from 12.01am on December 24 to 11.59pm on January 3 (file image of a traffic stop on Moore Park Road in Sydney)
Victoria Police has said it will have a strong presence on the state’s roads over the Christmas period.