When do demerit points reset? This might be a common question for drivers who break traffic rules.
In NSW, the simple answer to the question “when do demerit points reset?” is 3 years. So after 3 years, demerit points expire or stop being active on your driver’s licence. In most other states, like Victoria and South Australia, the answer to when demerit points reset is the same. It disappears 3 years after the date of the offence.
But note that, even after 3 years, the demerit point will stay on your driving record even if it not active on your driver’s licence. In NSW, the Road Transport Act 2013 outlines all the rules about the double demerit point scheme. Before we get into answering the question, “When do demerit points reset?” let’s talk about what demerit points are.
How Do Demerit Points Work?
Demerit points are penalty points. People committing offences while driving or riding attract demerit points. Everyone starts with zero demerit points. There’s also a demerit point limit. If you go over that and you have too many demerit points, you may get your licence suspended. Read more about licence suspension. You may get a licence sanction notice.
Within the 3-year period, there’s a limit of demerit points you can accumulate. If you go over that limit within that period, your licence can be suspended. How many demerit points is the limit? The demerit point limit varies depending on the type of licence you’re driving on. In NSW, the following applies:
- Unrestricted licence: 13 points
- Professional drivers: 14 points
- Provisional P2 licence: 7 points
- Provisional P1 licence: 4 points
- Learner licence: 4 points
- Unrestricted licence during a good behaviour period launch: 2 points
When reading about when demerit points reset, also note that the time frame that demerit points last may also vary depending on location. Also note that if you commit a driving offence in a state that is different to the state where your licence is issued, demerit points still apply. For example,e if you commit an offence in QLD and your licence is from NSW, you will still get the number of demerit points that’s associated with that offence in NSW.
What Are Double Demerit Points?
In NSW, there are periods during which double demerit points apply for offenses—these are extra demerit points added during specific periods. This is to encourage safe driving on the road. For example, during public holiday periods and long weekends, double demerit points apply.
Which offences can attract these double penalty points? Demerit point offences such as illegal use of mobile phones, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and riding without a helmet can get the offender such penalties.
Below is the table of periods during which double demerit points were/are applicable in the 2025 period.
| Public Holiday Periods | Double Demerit Points |
| 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 |
When Does Demerit Points Reset in Other States?
We summarise the date that demerit points reset in other states below:
- Victoria: 3 years from the offence date
- South Australia: 3 years from the date of the offence
- Western Australia: 3 years from the date of the offence
- Tasmania: 3 years
- Northern Territory: 3 years
- Australian Capital Territory: 3 years
- Queensland: 3 years
What Is the Demerit Point Reduction Trial 2025 in NSW?
Based on the trial introduced by the Chris Minns government in 2023, the demerit point reduction trial will continue in 2025 and will have a:
- Second trial: 17 January 2024 until 16 January 2025
- Third trial: 17 January 2025 until 31 January 2026.
As we have explained, the answer to the question of “when do demerit points reset?” is 3 years. Now, this new trial can allow drivers to remove these points from their record before the 3-year period.
Importance of Seeking Advice From Traffic Lawyers and Driving Offence Lawyers
There are many types of traffic and driving offenses—some are very serious. Having a traffic lawyer or a driving offence lawyer who has expertise in these matters can be beneficial for you. Because your lawyer will know the system very well, they will know how to get you off a fine or penalty.
Moreover, there are tools that can help you count demerit points on your driving record. Want to learn more about licence suspension?
In some cases, driving offences can also go on a criminal record. Traffic lawyers can get you off the record by representing you. Our lawyers can help give legal advice with:
- Dangerous driving
- Drink driving (prescribed concentration of alcohol or PCA)/drug driving
- Negligent driving
- Speeding
- Red light cameras
- Driving recklessly
- Driving under the influence
Contact our lawyers today to get advice about any traffic offence.
Last updated: 28 January 2025
