Did you know that certain traffic offences have double demerits NSW? Well, that’s because the government aims to provide a heavier penalty for traffic offences during during holiday periods and other times of the year. Why? During these holidays and other times of the year, there are more people traveling outside their homes, whether locals or visitors.
How do you avoid double demerits NSW? There are two steps you can take: (1) know the double demerit periods and (2) avoid traffic violations. Here’s an article that will identify which holidays and times of the year have double demerit periods. We will also show which traffic offences have 2 or more demerit points.
To be specific, double demerits apply to the following offences:
- Speeding
- Illegal use of mobile phones (Texting/calling/playing while driving)
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Riding without a helmet for motorcyclists
These offences can cause more traffic, congestion, aggressive driving and higher risk of accidents. Double demerits are also in place for some special events and festivals to manage traffic and reduce risk of accidents. By imposing double demerits, authorities want drivers to be more careful and follow road rules.
Drivers who accumulate too many demerit points can face fines, licence suspension or even disqualification from driving. That’s why you, as a driver, would have to be very careful, most especially during these periods. Furthermore, drivers would also receive extra penalties for certain offences in school zones.
Thus, this can be a good deterrent against reckless driving as it imposes double the penalty on a regular day.
What Does Public Holiday Act Say?
The Public Holidays Act 2010 is an Act that regulates public holidays in the state of NSW, Australia. The Act sets out the dates for public holidays in NSW and provides guidance on how we must observe and regulate public holidays. It establishes the following public holidays in NSW:
- New Year’s Day (1 January)
- Australia Day (26 January)
- Good Friday
- Easter Saturday
- Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday
- Anzac Day (25 April)
- Queen’s Birthday (second Monday in June)
- Bank Holiday (first Monday in August)
- Labour Day (first Monday in October)
- Christmas Day (25 December)
- Boxing Day (26 December)
The Act also provides guidance on the regulation of public holidays. This includes how to calculate public holiday pay and how employers should treat employees who are required to work on a public holiday. It also sets out the rules for the operation of shops and businesses on public holidays, which include restrictions on trading hours.
The Public Holidays Act also helps to ensure that public holidays in NSW are observed in a consistent and fair manner, while also supporting the needs of businesses and workers.
Demerit Periods for 2025
Double demerits NSW also apply to all of the holidays mentioned above. The demerit periods for 2025 is as follows:
| 2024 NSW Public Holiday Period | 2024 NSW Double Demerit Periods |
| New Year’s Day Wednesday 1 January | Friday 20 December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025 |
| Australia Day Monday 26 January | Friday 24 to Monday 27 January |
| Labour Day Monday 3 March | Friday 28 February to Monday 3 March |
| Good Friday Friday 18 April Easter Sunday Sunday 20 April Easter Monday Monday 21 April | Thursday 17 to Monday 21 April |
| Anzac Day Friday 25 April | Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 April |
| WA Day Monday 2 June | Friday 30 May to Monday 2 June |
| King’s Birthday Monday 29 September | Friday 26 to Monday 29 September* *The King’s Birthday Holiday may be observed on different dates in different areas of the state, check back closer to the date for confirmation. |
| Christmas Day and Boxing Day 25 and 26 December | Friday 19 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026 |
Double Demerits NSW: Speeding Offences 2025
Note: All demerit points in the tables below are the regular demerits. However, these demerit values are doubled during double demerit periods.
Unrestricted Class A Licence
| Offence | Demerit Points |
| 10km/h and under | 1 |
| 10km/h and under in a school zone | 2 |
| Over 10km/h | 3 |
| Over 10km/h in a school zone | 4 |
| Over 20km/h | 4 |
| Over 20km/h in a school zone | 5 |
| Over 30km/h | 5 |
| Over 30km/h in a school zone | 6 |
| Over 45km/h | 6 |
| Over 45km/h in a school zone | 7 |
Class B and Class C Vehicles
| Offence | Demerit Points |
| Over 10km/h in a school zone | 4 |
| Over 20km/h in a school zone | 5 |
| 10km/h and under in average speed detection zone | 2 |
| Over 10km/h in average speed detection zone | 4 |
| Over 20km/h in average speed detection zone | 5 |
| Over 30km/h in average speed detection zone | 6 |
| Over 45km/h in average speed detection zone | 7 |
What About Provisional Licences?
A provisional licence, also known as P-plates, is a type of driver’s licence issued to new drivers who have passed their driving test. They are also granted the right to drive unsupervised, but still have some restrictions in place. Below is a table for double demerits NSW for people with provisional licences.
| Offence | Demerit Points |
| 10km/h and under | 4 |
| 10km/h and under in a school zone | 5 |
| Over 10km/h | 4 |
| Over 10km/h in a school zone | 5 |
| Over 20km/h | 4 |
| Over 20km/h in a school zone | 5 |
| Over 30 km/h in a school zone | 5 |
| Over 45km/h | 6 |
| Over 45km/h | 6 |
| Over 45km/h in a school zone | 7 |
Provisional Licence Special Limits
| Offence | Demerit Points |
| 10km/h and under | 4 |
| 10km/h and under in a school zone | 4 |
| Over 10km/h | 5 |
| Over 10km/h in a school zone | 5 |
| Over 20km/h | 4 |
| Over 20km/h in a school zone | 5 |
| Over 30 km/h | 6 |
| Over 30 km/h in a school zone | 6 |
What happens if an unrestricted licence holder or a professional driver accumulates enough demerit points? If this is the case, they will be notified in writing that their licence will be suspended. Unfortunately, there is no right of appeal to prevent this from happening. However, the driver has an option to accept the suspension period or a “good behaviour licence” for 12 months.
Double Demerits NSW: Where To Check Demerit Points?
As a driver, it is your responsibility to check your accumulated demerit points from time to time. You can do so by accessing their driving record through the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) website. Here are the steps to check your demerit points:
- Go to the RMS website and check demerit points
- Click on the “Check Online” button and log in to your account
- Enter your driver licence number and select the state or territory where your licence was issued.
- Enter your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and postcode.
- Follow the prompts to verify your identity.
- Once your identity has been verified, you will be able to see your driving record. This includes demerit points or double demerits NSW.
Alternatively, drivers can also check their demerit points by calling the RMS on 13 22 13. They can also visit a Service NSW centre in person. Any active demerits points people have accumulated will be kept on their record for 3 years and 4 months.
Got a Traffic Violation? JB Solicitors Can Help.
Committing a traffic violation in NSW can carry several consequences, such as fines, demerit points, and/or imprisonment. If your case goes to court, seeking legal advice is a must. Also, drivers may reach out to JB Solicitors if they are wrongly accused of speeding fines during double demerit periods.
Our lawyers can provide expert legal advice regarding traffic law matters and advise drivers on best options to take if legal matters arise.
Contact us today if you are facing double the demerit points in NSW.
Last updated: 29 January 2025
