‘Think twice before breaking the rules’: Double demerits season begins – but do you know which rules could cost you dearly?
- Double demerits season begins ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s period
- Motorists speeding, using a mobile, not wearing a belt or helmet will be fined
- The double demerits scheme will commence from December 21 to January 1
Australians are being urged to think twice before breaking the rules on the road ahead of the Christmas double demerits season.
Police will enforce double demerit punishments and serious fines for law-breaking motorists in New South Wales from December 21 to January 1 this year.
Motorists caught speeding, illegally using their mobile phone, not wearing their seatbelt and riding without a helmet will all face hefty demerit losses.
Those caught using their mobile phones when not permitted will be penalised with ten demerit points and a $337 fine
Drivers caught using their mobile phones on the road, even when stopped at a set of traffic lights or stuck in traffic, will lose ten demerit points and be fined $337.
Motorists caught using their mobiles in a school zone will also have ten demerit points taken with a $448 fine.
Those caught speeding 10 km/h above the limit will be penalised with eight points and $353, while drivers speeding by 45km/h or more will lose 14 demerit points and be fined $3821.
Motorcyclists riding without a helmet will lose six demerit points and be hit with a $337 fine, and an additional 12 demerit points will be taken if a passenger is found without a helmet.
Drivers who aren’t wearing a seatbelt or are wearing a defective one will have six demerit points removed and a $330 fine.
The double demerits road safety campaign will be effective during the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day period from December 21 to January 1.
The double demerits scheme will then resume during the Australia Day long weekend from January 25 to January 28.
The double demerits road safety campaign will be effective during the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day period from December 21 to January 1
In Western Australia, the illegal use of mobile phones incurs six demerit points and a $400 fine.
Speeding more than 9km/h costs four demerit points and $200.
Speeding more than 40km/h slashes 12 demerit points and a large fine of $1,200.
Those who fail to wear seatbelts will have eight points removed and be penalised with $550.
Failing to wear a helmet is a $550 fine with no demerit points.
Double demerits season in Western Australia is effective from December 21 to January 6.
In the Australian Capital Territory, the illegal use of mobile phones incurs six points and a fine of $577.
Speeding over 10km/h only takes two points and a $292 fine.
Speeding over 40km/h removes eight demerit points with a $693 fine.
Failing to wear a seatbelt slashes six points with a $92 fine.
Not wearing a helmet while on a bike or motorcycle removes six points with a $151 fine.
New South Wales, Western Australia and Australian Capital Territory are the only states which impose double demerit points.