Australia Day double demerits: The penalties you may cop state-by-state this long weekend

Australia Day celebrations are kicking off this weekend and while most of us are focused on what beach to go to or what type of sausages to buy, we can’t forget one of the most important aspects of any public holiday – double demerit penalties.

Extra police will be monitoring our roads this long weekend, so be sure to know when the tougher penalties kick in and how you can stay safe this Australia Day holiday.

NSW

In NSW, double demerits begin from 12.01am on Friday and extend to 11.59pm on Monday.

You can lose twice the amount of demerit points for speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt and riding without a helmet.

If you are caught driving without a seatbelt this weekend, you can lose a whopping six points, coupled with a $337 fine. For every passenger not wearing a seatbelt, you can lose another six points.

Western Australia

Like NSW, double demerit penalties kick in at midnight on Friday until midnight on Tuesday.

Western Australia police are targeting speeding, failure to wear seatbelts and mobile phone use.

You could lose six points and be fined $400 if you are caught using, holding or even touching your phone while behind the wheel.

ACT

The same timeline in NSW and WA applies to residents of the ACT, with police promising local officers will not be taking a break this long weekend.

“If you’re thinking of chancing it, you’ll get caught,” Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations, Action Station Sergeant Boorman said.

“It’s simple. Allow plenty of time to arrive and don’t rush. If you’re drinking, don’t drive. And look after your mates. There is no greater responsibility than being the designated driver.”

If you are caught speeding near Canberra this weekend, your fine could range from $279 to $2136 depending on how fast you were travelling.

The top penalty could see you lose 12 demerit points and your driver’s licence.

Queensland

Queensland does not introduce double demerit points during holiday periods.

But double demerits apply all year-round for repeat offenders.

Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania

There are no double demerit penalties in Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australia.

But police have ensured drivers they will be out on the roads in force between Friday and Monday.

Officers will be targeting speed, impairment, distraction, fatigue and seatbelt use.

“Alcohol and drug testing buses will be operating across the state, and our officers will be performing alcohol and drug tests at every opportunity,” Victoria’s Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said.

“If you are driving under the influence there’s a good chance you’ll get caught.”