As all drivers in Australia know, double demerits apply to every standard holiday in some states. But what do they mean and what do we have to do when they are in place? Well, let’s find out. 

The double demerit point system is a scheme used in NSW, QLD, and WA which is applied during any standard holidays. This system offers an incentive for drivers on the road to be more aware of their driving and urges them to be more careful on the road, especially during holidays when many are on the road. This helps to ensure the community is more aware of their surroundings, drivers near them, and themselves. But what do we have to do to ensure that we can stay safe on the roads during this time?

Demerit points are cut if you have been caught for an offense such as speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing your seatbelt, drunk driving, or riding a bike without a helmet. During standard holiday periods, if you are caught for one of these offenses, your demerits that would be cut in a normal period of time, are doubled. For example, if you are caught not wearing your seatbelt while driving by cameras or patrols, the standard demerit points that will be cut is 3, but during double demerits, 6 points will be cut. So how can you avoid getting these points cut?

Speeding

Double demerits = 2

In NSW it is forbidden to go 10km/hr at the speed limit even if you are in the rightmost lane. You should always be careful when driving since this can cause you 1 demerit point without double demerits. Though, whenever double demerits are enforced, this point count is increased to 2 demerit points cut. It is a good idea during double demerit times, to always keep an eye on the speedometer in case you might accidentally be going over. Please keep in mind that this is just one of the many speeding offenses that you can commit when speeding, other offenses have higher demerit points. 

Illegal use of mobile phones

Double demerits = 10

Mobile phones are prohibited from being used in all states in Australia. Mobile phones can provide a distraction to drivers and can potentially swerve the vehicle away. In standard periods, using your mobile phone illegally can cost you up to 5 demerit points. During double demerit times, this point count is doubled, meaning that if you are caught driving with your mobile phone it will cost you 10 demerit points. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your mobile phone is not in your direct sight and that it is stowed away safely, perhaps in your glovebox or purse to prevent temptation. 

Not wearing a seatbelt

Double demerits = 12

Seatbelts are compulsory in all states and territories in Australia. Without a seatbelt on the driver or any passengers, during standard periods you can be charged up to 6 demerit points maximum. During double demerit points, this is increased to 12 demerit points. This means that during double demerits if you are caught committing this offense, your license will be suspended. It is always a good idea to check if you and your passengers have all worn your seatbelts before starting the car. You might also like to stick up a reminder in your car if you like. Police patrols are everywhere during this time so don’t take the risk of starting the engine and then wearing your seatbelt 2 minutes later. 

riding a bike without a helmet

Double demerits = 18

Riding without a helmet is completely prohibited all around Australia. If you are caught driving a bike without a helmet, with or without passengers, you can be fined a maximum of 9 demerit points during any standard period. If you are caught during a double demerit time not wearing a helmet, this count is increased to 18, and not only will all points be taken off your bike license, but your license will be permanently or temporarily suspended. To refrain from this, you should always keep your helmet and an extra helmet or two on your bike so that you can remember it whenever you take your bike out for a spin. 

school zones

Double demerits = 2

In Australia, there is a rule enforced that during pick-up and drop-off school hours on school days, all drivers must obey rules and go at 40km/hr to ensure student wellbeing. If this rule is unable to be followed by a full-class license holder, they will be fined 1 demerit point. During double demerits when the school zone is enforced, all license holders will be fined 2 demerit points. To help yourself hold back from doing this, you should, at all times, ensure that you can keep an open eye on your surroundings and look for flashing lights when you are approaching a school zone. You might also be able to see that drivers around you are going below the given speed limit. If someone behind you or around you is going faster than you, do not be tempted to go along with them, and always keep a steady eye on the road and your speedometer. 

In conclusion, it is always important to be careful when double demerits are on. It is important to check your state government’s website to see when these are but we have attached a small table above to help you. To help you get onto the road safe and sound during these holidays, please do not hesitate to take a look at the website linked below. Please note that the penalties for the breach of these rules above are intended for full-license drivers only, so if you hold a Learner or Provisional license, more or fewer penalties will apply. We hope that you have a safe time on the road this season! 

Sourced From Double Demerits - NSW Government

For more information on Double Demerits