Your Guide to Where and When Double Demerit Points Come into Play this Holiday Period
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking forward to spending quality time with our loved ones, indulging in delicious food, and taking a well-deserved break from our daily routines. However, amidst all the festivities and celebrations, it’s important to remember that the road can be a dangerous place during this time of the year. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of double demerit points and how they can affect your driving record.
Double demerit points are a penalty system that is in place during holiday periods and long weekends in Australia. It was introduced to encourage safe driving and reduce the number of road accidents during peak traffic times. This system applies to all drivers, including those with a learner or provisional license, and can result in a significant increase in penalties for certain driving offenses.
So, where and when do double demerit points come into play? Let’s take a closer look.
When do double demerit points apply?
Double demerit points are in effect during specific holiday periods and long weekends, which are known to have a higher volume of traffic on the roads. These periods include:
– Christmas and New Year’s holiday period (from midnight on the 24th of December to midnight on the 1st of January)
– Easter holiday period (from midnight on the Thursday before Good Friday to midnight on Easter Monday)
– Anzac Day long weekend (from midnight on the Thursday before Anzac Day to midnight on Anzac Day)
– Queen’s Birthday long weekend (from midnight on the Friday before the second Monday in June to midnight on the second Monday in June)
– Labour Day long weekend (from midnight on the Friday before the first Monday in October to midnight on the first Monday in October)
It’s important to note that these dates may vary in different states and territories, so it’s essential to check the specific dates for your location.
Where do double demerit points apply?
Double demerit points apply in all states and territories of Australia, except for the Northern Territory and Western Australia. However, these two territories have their own demerit point systems in place, which still result in increased penalties for certain driving offenses during holiday periods.
What offenses attract double demerit points?
Double demerit points apply to a wide range of driving offenses, including speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving. The number of demerit points you receive for these offenses is doubled during the designated holiday periods. For example, if you are caught speeding and would usually receive three demerit points, you will receive six demerit points during a double demerit period.
The following table outlines the offenses and the number of demerit points that apply during double demerit periods:
Offense | Normal demerit points | Double demerit points
Speeding | 1-6 points | 2-12 points
Not wearing a seatbelt | 3 points | 6 points
Using a mobile phone while driving | 5 points | 10 points
Running a red light | 3 points | 6 points
Drink driving | 10 points | 20 points
Why is it important to be aware of double demerit points?
Being aware of double demerit points is crucial because they can have a significant impact on your driving record and your wallet. If you accumulate a certain number of demerit points within a specific period, you may face license suspension or even lose your license altogether. Additionally, the increased penalties during double demerit periods can result in hefty fines and can also affect your insurance premiums.
Moreover, driving safely and following the road rules is not only important for avoiding penalties but also for the safety of yourself and others on the road. By being aware of double demerit points and the offenses that attract them, you can make a conscious effort to drive safely and responsibly during holiday periods.
Tips for avoiding double demerit points
Here are some tips to help you avoid double demerit points and stay safe on the road during holiday periods:
1. Plan your trip in advance: Before hitting the road, plan your route and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. This will help you avoid the temptation to speed or engage in other risky driving behaviors.
2. Take regular breaks: Long drives can be tiring,
