Double demerit points for drivers this Easter long weekend – when and where they apply

Easter can be full of surprises – often in the shape of giant chocolate bunnies and hot cross buns, but also in the form of an unwelcome hit to your driver's licence, with double demerit points in force across many parts of the country for five days this long weekend.

So as drivers prepare to fill up their tanks and hit the road in record numbers, here’s a list of what states and territories will enforce double demerits, when they will take effect and what offences will be targeted.

New South Wales

In a bid to protect road users, double demerits will be in place for five consecutive days in New South Wales from Thursday, March 28 up until, and including, Monday, April 1.

Offences that will attract the double whammy include speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seat belt, and riding without a motorcycle helmet.

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Motorists that pick up their mobile while behind the wheel will especially be under surveillance, with Mobile Phone Detection Cameras in operation across the state. Drivers caught doing the wrong thing will be hit with a $352 fine and 10 demerits.

While the NRMA is also reminding drivers that school zones will be in operation on Thursday, meaning additional penalties could apply for certain offences committed in these zones. For those that think they can get away with sending a text, the fine will be $469.

Western Australia

Double demerits will also come into effect between Thursday and Monday in Western Australia where local officers will be targeting a range of offences.

Those that are subject to the demerits bonanza include speeding, drink or drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and child restraint, running a red light and illegal use of a mobile phone.

Driving a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera is also on the hit list and will carry a 14-demerit point penalty during the Easter weekend, along with driving a motor vehicle in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera.

The Western Australian government says the purpose of the initiative is to encourage safe driving on long weekends and public holidays.

Australian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory also has the double demerits system in place from the start of Thursday to the end of Monday, and the penalties will also apply to motorists caught speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, riding a motorbike without a helmet, and using their mobile phones while driving.

The increased penalty comes just days after the ACT recorded its second road fatality for the year following a collision between a car and 36-year-old female cyclist last Wednesday.

Queensland

Things are a little bit different in the Sunshine State.

Instead of double the points during certain times of the year when there is more traffic on the roads, Queensland has a system that targets repeat offenders year-round.

Double demerits only apply to those who commit a second road offence within a year of committing a first. And in that case they apply all year, not just on long weekends.

Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory & Tasmania

No other states or territories in Australia have a double demerit point punishment so it’ll be all systems as usual in Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania this long weekend.

However, police officers will be out in force patrolling our roads in an effort to keep drivers safe while celebrating the holiday.

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