Are you wondering when does demerit points reset? In NSW, the basic answer to the question when does demerit points reset is 3 years. Stating otherwise, after 3 years, demerit points expire or stop being active on your driver licence. In most other states such as Victoria and South Australia, the answer to when does demerit points reset is the same. It disappears 3 years after the date of the offence.
But note that, even after the 3-year period, 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 regulations in relation to the double demerit point scheme. Before we dive further into “when does demerit points reset” let us explore the meaning of demerit points.
How Do Demerit Points Work?
Demerit points are penalty points. People committing offences while driving or riding attract demerit points. In the beginning, all drivers and riders have zero demerit points. There is also a demerit point limit. If parties cross that, and they have too many demerit points they may face licence suspension. Read more about licence suspension. You may receive a licence sanction notice.
Within the three-year period, there is a limit of demerit points one can accrue. If the demerit points accrued crosses this limit within that period, their licence can be suspended. How many demerit points is the limit? The demerit point limit depends on the type of licence you are 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 up about when does demerit points reset, you should also note that the duration of time that demerit points last may also be determined by location.
Also note that if you commit a driving offence in a state that is different to the state where your licence is issued, the demerit points are still applicable. For instance, if you commit an offence in QLD and your licence is from NSW, you will still attract the number of demerit points that is typically associated with that offence in NSW.
What Are Double Demerit Points?
In NSW, there are periods during which double demerit points apply for offences – these are extra demerit points added during specific periods. This is to encourage safe driver behaviour on the road. For example, during public holiday periods and long weekends, double demerit points are applicable.
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 lead to the offender getting such penalties.
Given below is a table showcasing the periods during which these double demerit points were/are applicable in 2023-24 period.
| Public Holiday Periods | Double Demerit Points |
| Australia Day | 25 January to 29 January 2023 |
| Easter | 6 April to 10 April 2023 |
| Anzac Day | 21 April to 25 April 2023 |
| King’s Birthday | 9 June to 12 June 2023 |
| Labour Day | 29 September to 2 October 2023 |
| Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day | 22 December 2023 to 1 January 2024 |
When Does Demerit Points Reset in Other States?
We summarise the date that demerit points reset in other states below:
- Victoria: 3 years from offence date
- South Australia: 3 years from date of the offence
- Western Australia: 3 years from 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 2023 in Nsw?
According to the new trial endorsed by the Chris Minns government in NSW, many drivers will be eligible to get rid of demerit point from their licence. To qualify for this, a driver who has not attracted any penalty point since 17 January must continue this good behaviour until next year 17 January.
As we have seen the answer to the question of ‘when does demerit points reset” is 3 years, this new trial can enable drivers to remove these points from their record before the three-year period.
Importance of Seeking Advice From Traffic Lawyers and Driving Offence Lawyers
There are many types of traffic and driving offences – some being extremely serious. Having a traffic lawyer or a driving offence lawyer who has expertise in these matters can be beneficial for you.
This is because your lawyer who will know the system very well, will know how to help you prevent a fine or penalty. There are tools that can help you count demerit points on your driving record. Wish to learn more about demerit point suspension?
In some cases, driving offences can also left to criminal record. Traffic lawyers can help you avoid such a record by representing you. Our lawyers can help you with a variety of matters such as:
- Dangerous driving
- Drink driving (prescribed concentration of alcohol or PCA)/drug driving
- Negligent driving
- Speeding
- Red light cameras
- Driving recklessly
- Driving under the influence
If you have any enquiries, reach out to our lawyers today to get advice about any traffic offence.
