As many of us settle in for the end-of-year festivities and some much-needed R&R, there's one thing that can quickly put a damper on the holiday spirit: copping a hefty fine or losing your licence before the new year even begins.
Yep, double demerits season is here. In some states, it brings with it a major driving crackdown, bigger penalties, and the risk of losing your licence altogether.
But not every state treats the holiday period the same. Some ramp up enforcement and penalties, while others don't run a double demerits program at all.
Here's what you need to know about double demerits and holiday road rules in your state.
NSW
In NSW, double demerits will be in force from 24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
You can be hit with double demerits if you're caught:
- Speeding
- Not wearing a seatbelt, wearing one incorrectly, or driving a passenger who isn't properly restrained
- Using a mobile phone illegally
- Riding without a helmet
If you're caught committing any of these offences, you'll lose double the usual demerit points and face a hefty fine.
For example, drivers caught using their phone during this period could get hit with a $423 fine and 10 demerit points.
Extra penalties may also apply if an offence is committed in an operating school zone.
ACT
Drivers in the ACT could be hit with double demerits from 24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, aligning with NSW.
Double demerits apply for offences including:
- Speeding
- Not wearing a seatbelt or wearing a seatbelt incorrectly, or driving a passenger doing so
- Using your phone illegally
- Riding without a helmet
Western Australia
WA's double demerit period will run from 19 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
During this time, the following offences will earn double demerits:
- Speeding
- Drink or drug driving
- Failing to wear a seatbelt and child restraint
- Running a red light
- Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving
- Drive a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period)
- Drive a motor vehicle in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period)
Queensland
Queensland doesn't apply double demerits during specific holiday periods.
Instead, double demerits apply year-round for second or subsequent offences committed within one year of a previous offence.
These include:
- Speeding more than 20km/h over the speed limit
- Mobile phone offences
- Driver seatbelt offences
- Failing to ensure passengers under 16 are appropriately restrained
- Motorcycle helmet offences.
Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory
Double demerits don’t apply at any time of year in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania or the Northern Territory.
Share
