In NSW, the government enforce double demerit points to reduce road accidents. The aim is to reduce accidents during high-risk times. High-risk times are weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
These times see more traffic on the road and stats show more accidents. By making the penalties harsher during these times they want to encourage better driving when the risk is higher.
Also, there are specific traffic offences that these double demerit points target. Specifically, certain offences are linked to serious accidents such as speeding which is a major cause of loss of control accidents. Read on to find out more.
Traffic Offences That Attract Double Demerit Points
Double demerit points are a behaviour-changing strategy. So by increasing the penalties for critical traffic offences they want to see a reduction in accidents and safer roads for everyone. A driver that reaches their demerit point limit or accumulates too many demerit points may face licence suspension.
Here are the offences that attract double demerit points in NSW (figures below are current as of date of publishing this article, please visit the NSW Transport website for updated figures)
| Traffic Offence | Penalty Notice Fines | Demerit Points |
| Exceed speed 10 km/h and under (other than a learner or provisional licence) | AUD 137 | 1 |
| Exceed speed 10 km/h and under (learner or provisional licence) | AUD 137 | 4 |
| Pass school bus at more than 40 km/h – 10 km/h and under (learner or provisional licence) | AUD 137 | 4 |
| Exceed speed 10 km/h and under (learner or provisional licence) (school zone) – Class A Motor Vehicle | AUD 225 | 5 |
| Learner exceed speed 10 km/h and under (school zone) | AUD 225 | 5 |
| Provisional P1 exceed speed 10 km/h and under (school zone) | AUD 225 | |
| Provisional P2 exceed speed 10 km/h and under (school zone) | AUD 225 | 5 |
| Seat belts – Drive not occupy drivers seating position/seatbelt fitted | AUD 387 | 3 |
| Seat belts – Drive with passenger:16 years or older unrestrainedunder 6 months not in fastened/adjusted/approved restraintolder than 6 mths but less than 4 yrs not restrainedolder than 4 yrs but less than 7 yrs not restrainedless than 4 yrs in front row of vehicle (two or more rows)4 yrs or older but less than 7 yrs in front row of vehicle7 yrs or older but less than 16 yrs not restrained | AUD 387 | 3 |
| Safety of driver/passengers – Part of body outside vehicle window/door (driver/passenger) | AUD 387 | 3 |
| Ride motorcycle with no helmet (rider alone) | AUD 387 | 3 |
These are just some of the offences that attract double demerit points in NSW. For the full list visit this website.
CHECK THIS OUT: Double Demerit Points NSW 2024
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Double Demerit Points?
To avoid double demerit points in NSW you must:
- Know the demerit rules in school zones and other high risk areas.
- Know the traffic offences that attract double demerit points and tarnish your driving record.
- Know when Transport for NSW implements the double demerit period. You can check here to find out.
- Drive safely, wear your seatbelt, obey speed limits, minimise distractions and ride with a helmet.
- Check your demerit points and demerit point limits. Drivers always start with zero demerit points. You can check yours here.
School Zones Demerit Points
The speed limit in school zones is in place to protect school kids. The limit is 40 km/h. The risk and chance of a crash is reduced with the lower speed limit. It also increases motorist awareness of school zones with school zone signage, road markings with dragon’s teeth and flashing lights.
When there is an active school zone, follow the posted speed limit. For multiple infractions in a school zone there are increased fines and demerit points. Here are some school zones double demerit offences:
| School Zone Offence | Demerit Points |
| Driving while using mobile phone when not permitted – not L, P1 or P2 (school zone) | 5 |
| Learner or Provisional driver use mobile phone while driving (school zone) | 5 |
| Class A, B, C – Motor VehicleExceed speed 10 km/h and under (other than a learner or provisional licence) (school zone) | 2 |
| Learner exceed speed 10 km/h and under (school zone) | 5 |
| Provisional P1 exceed speed 10 km/h and under (school zone) | 5 |
| Provisional P2 exceed speed 10 km/h and under (school zone) | 5 |
For the full list of school zone offences that attract double demerit points check here.
Do Double Demerits Apply During Holiday Periods?
Double demerit points apply in NSW and Australian Capital Territory during the holiday season, double demerits have never existed in Victoria. In NSW, police enforce double demerit periods which occur during holidays or long weekends. They start at midnight on the end date and run to the start date.
What Happens If You Go Over Your Demerit Points?
Going over your demerit points can lead to heavier penalties. You can even lose your licence and have to meet certain requirements to get it back. If within 5 years you go over your demerit points twice you may have to:
- Pass the Driver Knowledge Test. To do a practice test click here.
- Complete the Traffic Offender Intervention Program (TOIP). This program is for offenders who have been found guilty or entered into a guilty plea for a traffic offence. The program aims to provide offenders with the knowledge and skills they need to adopt safe driving habits and positive attitudes towards driving.
READ: Traffic Offender Program
Call a Traffic Lawyer Now
Legal representation is crucial for serious traffic offences like drink driving, dangerous driving or causing an accident. JB Solicitors can explain the law and the double demerits NSW traffic laws.
