Did you know that certain traffic offences have double demerits NSW? Well, that’s because the government aims to provide Did you know that certain traffic offences carry double demerits NSW? The government imposes heavier penalties for traffic offences during holiday periods and specific times throughout the year. During these holidays, more people travel outside their homes, whether locals or visitors, significantly increasing road congestion and accident risk.
How do you avoid double demerits NSW? There are two essential steps: (1) know the double demerit periods and (2) avoid traffic violations. This comprehensive guide identifies which holidays and times of the year have double demerit periods, shows which traffic offences carry doubled points, and explains what to do if you face licence suspension.
What Are Double Demerits NSW?
Double demerits are an enforcement system where demerit points for specific traffic offences are doubled during designated holiday periods throughout the year. The scheme was introduced in 1997 in New South Wales to reduce road fatalities during high-risk travel periods when traffic volumes increase substantially.
These doubled points apply to the following offences:
- Speeding (any amount over the limit)
- Illegal use of mobile phones (texting, calling, or holding whilst driving)
- Not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly
- Riding without a helmet for motorcyclists
These offences cause more traffic congestion, aggressive driving, and higher accident risk. Double demerits are also in place for special events and festivals to manage traffic and reduce accident risk. By imposing double demerits, authorities encourage drivers to be more careful and follow road rules during periods when roads are most dangerous.
Drivers who accumulate too many demerit points face fines, licence suspension, or even disqualification from driving. A single incident during a double demerit period could lead to immediate suspension, particularly for provisional drivers with lower point thresholds. That’s why you, as a driver, must exercise extreme caution during these periods.
Only New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia enforce holiday-based double demerit points. The Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria do not enforce double demerit points at any time of year, including public holidays.
Which Offences Attract Double Demerits?
Transport for NSW implements double demerit points to encourage safer driving behaviour during high-risk periods when traffic volumes are increased. The double demerit point scheme applies to four specific categories of offences:
- Speeding at any level above the posted limit
- Illegal use of mobile phones whilst driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly, including passengers not wearing or incorrectly wearing seatbelts or restraints
- Riding without an approved motorcycle helmet
Mobile phone detection cameras are active during double demerit periods, automatically detecting offenders without visible police presence. Drivers caught using their phones during a double demerit period face a $423 fine ($562 in a school zone) and 10 demerit points. This means a single mobile phone offence during double demerits can immediately suspend a provisional P2 driver’s licence.
It’s crucial to understand that double demerits mean doubled points, not doubled fines. Whilst the demerit points are doubled, the monetary penalties remain the same as they would be outside double demerit periods.
Many driving offences incur doubled points, and a single incident during this time could lead to immediate suspension, particularly for provisional drivers who operate under much stricter thresholds. School zones attract even higher penalties if double demerit periods coincide with a school day.
What Does the Public Holidays Act Say?
The Public Holidays Act 2010 regulates public holidays in New South Wales, Australia. The Act establishes 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)
- King’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, including how to calculate public holiday pay and how employers should treat employees required to work on a public holiday. It sets out the rules for the operation of shops and businesses on public holidays, including restrictions on trading hours.
The Public Holidays Act helps ensure that public holidays in NSW are observed in a consistent and fair manner whilst also supporting the needs of businesses and workers. Double demerits NSW apply during most of these public holiday periods throughout the year.
Double Demerit Periods for 2026
Double demerits in New South Wales are enforced during six public holiday periods throughout the year to encourage safer driving. Drivers are urged to take care on the road during double demerit periods to ensure safety. The demerit periods for 2025-2026 are as follows:
| NSW Public Holiday | Double Demerit Period |
|---|---|
| Australia Day | Friday 23 January to Monday 26 January 2026 |
| Easter | Thursday 17 April to Monday 21 April 2026 |
| Anzac Day | Thursday 24 April to Sunday 27 April 2026 |
| King’s Birthday | Friday 6 June to Monday 9 June 2026* |
| Labour Day | Friday 3 October to Monday 6 October 2026 |
| Christmas and New Year | Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026 |
*The King’s Birthday holiday may be observed on different dates in different areas of the state. On Friday 6 June, school zones are in operation, meaning additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones.
Double demerits in New South Wales apply from 12:01am on the first day until 11:59pm on the last day of each period. During these periods, demerits are doubled for offences such as using a mobile phone whilst driving, speeding, or not using safety belts or helmets whilst riding motorcycles.
The Christmas to New Year period is the longest double demerit period, running for 11 days from 24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. This extended period coincides with peak holiday travel when roads are most congested.
Drivers should be aware of the specific dates when double demerit periods are enforced to avoid hefty penalties. Drivers are encouraged to drive safely to protect themselves and all road users during double demerit periods.
Double Demerits NSW: Speeding Offences 2026
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 and are 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.
Provisional Licence Standard Limits
| 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 30km/h in a school zone | 5 |
| 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 30km/h | 6 |
| Over 30km/h in a school zone | 6 |
Learners and provisional drivers face stricter demerit point thresholds, with limits of 4 points for Learners and P1 drivers, and 7 points for P2 drivers. This means that during double demerit periods, even a minor speeding offence can result in immediate licence suspension for these drivers.
How Many Demerit Points Before Licence Suspension?
Accumulating more than the maximum allowable demerit points can result in a suspended licence. Demerit points are added to a driver’s record each time they commit a traffic offence. 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 if you hold an unrestricted licence. However, the driver has an option to accept the suspension period or elect a ‘good behaviour licence’ for 12 months.
During double demerit periods, those who accumulate double demerits may experience:
- A 13-demerit threshold over 3 years causes licence suspension for unrestricted licences
- A 7-demerit threshold over 3 years for a provisional P2 licence causes licence suspension
- A learner or P1 licence holder with 4 demerits over 3 years may face licence suspension
Drivers close to demerit point limits must regularly check their demerit points, exercise extra caution during high-risk periods, consider a good behaviour licence period, and plan drives in advance to avoid unwanted issues.
NSW licence holders committing double demerit offences in other Australian states will still have double points recorded on their NSW licence. This means travelling interstate during a NSW double demerit period does not exempt you from doubled penalties if you hold a NSW licence.
NSchool Zones and Double Demerits
School zones attract higher penalties if double demerit periods coincide with a school day. Mobile phone detection cameras are particularly active during double demerit periods in school zones.
When the King’s Birthday holiday falls on a Friday (as it does on 6 June 2026), school zones remain operational. This creates a situation where speeding or mobile phone offences in school zones during double demerits carry exceptionally high penalties.
For example, mobile phone use in a school zone during double demerits attracts a $562 fine and 10 demerit points. For a provisional driver, this single offence would immediately suspend their licence, as it exceeds both the P1 threshold of 4 points and the P2 threshold of 7 points.
Motorists are reminded that mobile phone detection cameras are active during double demerit periods, and these cameras operate in and around school zones to maximise road safety.
Good Behaviour Period: What You Need to Know
Drivers can opt for a good behaviour period instead of having their licence suspended if they exceed their demerit points limit. This option is available only to unrestricted (full) licence holders in NSW.
If a driver chooses a good behaviour period, they must adhere to a drastically reduced demerit points limit. Under the Demerit Point Reward for Safe Drivers programme, eligible unrestricted licence holders can have one demerit point removed after maintaining an offence-free record for 12 months.
The good behaviour period conditions are strict:
- The period lasts for 12 months from when you elect it
- If you accumulate 2 or more demerit points during the 12 months, all your licences will be suspended for double the original suspension period
- You cannot change your mind and choose the suspension after you have applied for the good behaviour period
- You must apply before your suspension starts
Many drivers underestimate the psychological pressure of driving under a good behaviour period. A single minor offence results in a suspension period that is twice as long as the original penalty. Legal advice can help you determine whether a good behaviour period or accepting the suspension is the better strategic choice for your circumstances.
Can You Appeal a Double Demerit Suspension?
Provisional and learner licence holders who lose their licence due to accumulated demerit points may be able to appeal that decision in court. Unfortunately, if you hold a full, unrestricted driver’s licence in NSW, you are not able to appeal the decision to suspend your licence.
A driver’s licence appeal is essentially a request for the court to review the suspension decision. By appealing a driver’s licence suspension, it may be possible to have it reversed (your licence reinstated) or reduced in time for the suspension period (getting your licence back sooner).
Provisional and learner licence holders can appeal suspensions resulting from:
- Accumulated demerit points (including those from double demerit periods)
- Being caught driving more than 30km/h or 45km/h above the speed limit
- Being charged with serious drink driving and other serious traffic offences
All appeals must be made within 28 days of the decision to suspend your licence. The magistrate will not be able to hear your case after this time period. Once an application for an appeal is lodged, you are able to continue driving until the court finally determines the matter.
After hearing your case, the court might decide to:
- Dismiss the appeal outright (no change to your licence suspension or period of suspension)
- Uphold the appeal (the suspension is quashed or overturned and your licence is reinstated)
- Vary the suspension (generally means a reduction in the suspension period)
Appealing a driver’s licence suspension can be a daunting process. A qualified traffic lawyer will be able to lead you through the complicated process and court proceedings, as well as tailor your appeal submission to achieve the best outcome for you.
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 your driving record through the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) website. Here are the steps to check your demerit points:
- Go to the Service NSW 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, including demerit points or double demerits NSW
Alternatively, drivers can also check their demerit points by calling the RMS on 13 22 13 or visiting a Service NSW centre in person.
According to the NSW government, demerit points stay active for a three-year period, starting from the date of the offence. Any active demerit points you have accumulated will be kept on your record for 3 years and 4 months. Transport for NSW will not count demerit points that are more than 40 months old towards a licence suspension.
Doubled points for offences typically remain on a driver’s record for three years. Demerit points remain on a driver’s record permanently, even after they expire and can no longer contribute to a suspension.
Interstate Driving During Double Demerits
NSW licence holders committing double demerit offences in other Australian states will still have double points recorded on their NSW licence. This is a critical consideration for drivers planning interstate travel during NSW double demerit periods.
The double demerit systems vary significantly across Australia:
- New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory: Double demerits apply during six public holiday periods throughout the year
- Western Australia: Double demerits apply during public holiday periods, including long weekends
- Queensland: Double demerits apply year-round for drivers who commit the same type of offence more than once within 12 months
- Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria: Do not enforce double demerit points at any time of year, including public holidays
If you hold a NSW licence and commit a speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, or helmet offence in Victoria during an NSW double demerit period, you will still receive doubled points on your NSW licence. This applies even though Victoria itself does not have a double demerit system.e 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 imprisonment. If your case goes to court, seeking legal advice is a must. Drivers may reach out to JB Solicitors if they are wrongly accused of speeding fines during double demerit periods or facing licence suspension.
Our lawyers can provide expert legal advice regarding traffic law matters and advise drivers on the best options to take if legal matters arise. We understand that losing your licence affects your employment, family responsibilities, and quality of life.
For provisional and learner licence holders facing suspension due to double demerit offences, we can:
- Prepare and lodge your licence appeal within the critical 28-day window
- Present compelling submissions to the Local Court magistrate
- Gather evidence of your need for a licence and low risk to public safety
- Represent you at the appeal hearing to maximise your chances of success
For unrestricted licence holders considering a good behaviour period, we provide strategic advice on whether this option suits your circumstances or whether accepting the suspension may be wiser.
Contact us today if you are facing double demerit points in NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Demerits NSW
When do double demerits start in NSW for 2026?
Double demerits in New South Wales apply from 12:01am on the first day until 11:59pm on the last day of six designated holiday periods throughout 2026. The periods include Australia Day (23-26 January), Easter (17-21 April), Anzac Day (24-27 April), King’s Birthday (6-9 June), Labour Day (3-6 October), and Christmas to New Year (24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026).
Are fines doubled during double demerit periods?
No, fines are not doubled during double demerit periods in NSW. Only the demerit points are doubled, whilst the monetary penalties remain the same as they would be outside double demerit periods. For example, a mobile phone offence carries a $423 fine ($562 in school zones) whether or not it occurs during a double demerit period, but the points increase from 5 to 10.
Can full licence holders appeal a demerit point suspension in NSW?
No, unrestricted (full) licence holders cannot appeal a licence suspension resulting from accumulated demerit points in NSW. However, they can elect a 12-month good behaviour period instead of serving the suspension, provided they apply before the suspension starts. Only provisional and learner licence holders have the right to appeal demerit point suspensions in the Local Court.
Do I get double demerits if caught speeding interstate during NSW double demerit periods?
Yes, NSW licence holders committing double demerit offences in other Australian states will still have double points recorded on their NSW licence. This applies even if the state where the offence occurred does not have its own double demerit system. The key factor is that you hold an NSW licence and the offence occurs during an NSW double demerit period.
How long do double demerit points stay on my licence?
Doubled points from offences committed during double demerit periods remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the offence. Transport for NSW will not count demerit points that are more than 40 months (3 years and 4 months) old towards a licence suspension. However, the points remain on your permanent driving record even after they can no longer contribute to a suspension.
What happens if I get 2 points during a good behaviour period?
If you accumulate 2 or more demerit points during a 12-month good behaviour period, all your licences will be suspended for double the original suspension period. For example, if your original suspension was 3 months and you chose a good behaviour period instead, getting 2 points during that 12 months would result in a 6-month suspension. You cannot change your mind once you have elected a good behaviour period.
Which offences get double demerits in NSW?
Double demerits apply for speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt, and riding without a motorcycle helmet in New South Wales. These are the only four categories of offences subject to doubled demerit points during designated holiday periods. Other traffic offences, such as running a red light, do not attract double demerits even during these periods.
How many demerit points can provisional drivers get before suspension?
Learners and P1 provisional drivers are limited to 4 demerit points within 3 years before suspension, whilst P2 provisional drivers are limited to 7 demerit points within 3 years. During double demerit periods, even a minor speeding offence (which normally carries 4 points for provisional drivers) becomes 8 points when doubled, immediately exceeding both thresholds and triggering suspension. Provisional and learner drivers can appeal these suspensions in the Local Court within 28 days.
