Australia Day double demerits in your state – everything you need to know as long-weekend penalties kick in TODAY
- Double demerit points apply in certain states and territories this Australia Day
- NSW, the ACT, and WA will have double demerits from January 24 to January 27
- Other states and territories do not have the double demerit points in place
- QLD has double demerit points throughout the year for subsequent offences
The Australia Day double demerit points came into effect on Friday – the day before the country’s three-day weekend.
The long weekend runs from January 25 until January 27, with the Monday a public holiday as Australia Day falls on a Sunday.
Daily Mail Australia has taken a state-by-state look at the road rules and whether double demerit points are in effect in your area.
With the Australia Day long weekend beginning on January 24 motorists are being warned to take care while driving
New South Wales
Double demerit points will be in effect in New South Wales from January 24 to January 27 inclusive.
The double demerit period applies from midnight on Friday the 24th until midnight on Monday the 27th.
The points apply to speeding, seat belt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.
For example a driver caught using their phone while behind the wheel can expect to be hit with a fine and up to 10 demerit points.
The double demerit period applies from midnight on Friday the 24th until midnight on Monday the 27th
Australian Capital Territory
Similar to New South Wales, double demerit points also apply to the ACT and the increased penalties will also come into place from January 24 until January 27.
Speed, seatbelt and mobile phone offences will incur double demerit points, while all other traffic infringements will incur one additional demerit point.
Drivers holding an ACT license can accumulate up to 12 demerit points before their license in suspended.
However, drivers on their P plates will lose their license if they receive four or more demerit points.
While fines can be large they will not increase during the double demerit period.
Western Australia
WA will also implement double demerit points for the Australia Day long weekend.
From Friday January 24 to Monday January 27 inclusive increased penalties will apply for drink or drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, running a red light, using a phone while driving, and speeding.
Very high demerit points will be in effect for driving a vehicle with a device designed to evade detection from a speed camera or driving in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera – both having 14 demerit points as a penalty.
Queensland
Unlike other states and territories Queensland has a different system where double demerit points apply throughout the year for repeat offences.
If a driver is caught for the same offence on a second or subsequent occasion within 12 months they will receive double demerit points.
If you are a QLD license holder and commit a traffic offence anywhere in Australia the points can be applied as if the offence was committed in QLD.
The penalties apply for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.
Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania do not have double demerit points
Victorian drivers won’t be hit with double demerits over the Australia Day long weekend, however, they only need to accumulate 10 demerit points to lose their license.
South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania also do not have double demerits.
Drivers from these states who are travelling interstate, however, should be aware that the rules apply depending on where the offence is commmitted.
Speed, seatbelt and mobile phone offences will incur double demerit points, while all other traffic infringements will incur one additional demerit point