Several Australian states and territories enforce double demerit point penalties for specific traffic offenses during designated public holiday long weekends. The application, timing, and rules governing these penalties vary significantly by jurisdiction.
General Enforcement
Double demerit penalties are typically applied on top of existing fines (which usually remain unchanged). They are designed to increase the number of demerit points incurred for a single offense.
The enforcement periods generally commence on the Friday before the long weekend and conclude on the following Monday (e.g., from May 29 to June 1, or from January 23 to January 26). In 2025, some jurisdictions have scheduled enforcement for the Easter weekend (April 2 to April 6) and the ANZAC Day weekend (April 24 to April 27).
Enforcement by Jurisdiction
New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Double demerits are enforced during specific long weekends, including Australia Day, Easter, ANZAC Day, and the King's Birthday weekend.
- NSW: Points are doubled for speeding, illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt offenses (including passengers), and motorcycle helmet offenses.
- ACT: The penalty applies to all traffic offenses during the enforcement period.
Western Australia (WA)
- Double demerits are enforced during the WA Day long weekend (first Monday of June) and other public holidays.
- Offenses subject to double demerits include speeding, drink/drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, running a red light, and illegal phone use.
- Offenses involving devices designed to evade speed cameras carry 14 demerit points.
- WA's double demerits scheme applies only to certain serious speed-camera evasion offenses, unlike some other states.
Queensland
- Queensland does not apply double demerits for specific holiday periods.
- Instead, double demerits are applied year-round if a driver commits a second or subsequent designated offense within a 12-month period.
- Common offenses subject to this rule include speeding (more than 20km/h over the limit) and illegal mobile phone use.
- Fines are not doubled under this system.
Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania
- These jurisdictions do not operate a double demerits scheme for any holiday periods or repeat offenses.
Expert Commentary
Traffic lawyer Hayder Shkara has stated that motorists are frequently penalized during holiday periods due to factors including increased traffic, alcohol consumption, and risk-taking behavior.
Shkara noted that using a mobile phone while driving, which normally incurs 5 demerit points, results in 10 points during a double demerit period. He also advised drivers to be aware of the prevalence of AI mobile detection cameras.
Background
WA Day, observed on the first Monday of June, commemorates the arrival of the first European settlers in 1829. The day was originally called Foundation Day but was later renamed to acknowledge the original inhabitants of the area.