When double demerits come into effect in your state this festive season

There is no doubt that as the festive period comes around, more drivers will be on the road.

But with the joy of hopping into the car for a summer adventure, some states will be cracking down on irresponsible driving, such as speeding or using your mobile phone, by issuing double demerit points.

NSW Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley is imploring people to “take responsibility for their actions” as the state’s double demerit scheme is announced for this Christmas and New Year period.

“Double demerits are in place to reinforce the importance of following the road rules, particularly during busy holiday periods when traffic volumes are higher,” she said.

“Every choice on the road has consequences and it’s up to each of us to ensure we don’t put ourselves or others at risk.”

The consequences — fatal car accidents — are what police are trying to prevent. In 2025 alone, the national road fatality rate was 4.8 deaths per 100,000 people, 1.3 per cent higher than the same time last year, according to the Australian Road Deaths Database.

So, here is when double-demerit points take effect in your state.

New South Wales

From 12am Wednesday 24 December to Sunday 4 2026 January, double-demerit conditions will apply statewide.

A second double demerits period will also be installed during the same month, over the Australia Day long weekend, from Friday, 23 January to Monday, 26 January.

Offences that will incur a double demerit penalty include;

• Speeding
• Not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or carrying passengers not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint
• Riding a motorcycle without a helmet
• Illegal usage of mobile devices

For drivers caught using their phones on the road, expect an eye-watering fine of $423 (or $562 in school zones) and 10 demerit points to come your way.

Mobile phone detection cameras will be active across the state during this time.

Australian Capital Territory

Drivers will be slapped with double demerits from Wednesday December 24 2025 to Sunday, January 4 2026.

What offences will incur a double demerit penalty?

• Speeding
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Riding a motorcycle without a helmet
• Illegal usage of mobile devices

Victoria

Victoria does not have a double demerits program at any time of the year.

Queensland

Queensland drivers are not confined to a double demerit window like NSW and ACT, instead, double demerit points apply all year round.

Police will issue double demerits when a driver commits a second offence or a repeated offence, within a 12 month period.

The following offences incur a double demerit penalty:

• offences for speeding more than 20km/h over the speed limit
• mobile phone offences
• driver seatbelt offences
• driver failing to ensure passengers under 16 are appropriately restrained
• motorcycle helmet offences.

For example, if a driver is caught using their mobile phone while driving, they will receive 4 demerit points. If they commit a second mobile phone offence within 1 year, they would receive 4 demerit points for the second offence, plus another 4 demerit points because the second offence was committed within 1 year of the first offence.

South Australia

South Australian drivers are in the clear as the state does not hold a double demerits scheme.

Tasmania

No double-demerit points are enforced at any time of the year in Tasmania.

Western Australia

Police will penalise drivers with double demerits in the period from December 19 2025 to January 4 2026.

What offences will incur a double demerit penalty?

• Speeding
• Drink or drug driving
• Failing to wear a seatbelt and child restraint
• Running a red light
• Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving
• Drive a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period)
• Drive a motor vehicle in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period)

Northern Territory

No double-demerit points are enforced at any time of the year in the Northern Territory.