When double demerits start this October long weekend
There are two things which are almost inevitable this upcoming long weekend: unseasonably warm weather and double demerit points.
But do you risk being slugged with extra penalties on the road this weekend?
Double demerits in NSW and ACT
Motorists in NSW and the ACT already have double demerits in place after they kicked off at midnight on Friday.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said police are expecting busy roads due to the school holidays and Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.
“These days are meant for families and friends to spend time together safely, so we are urging all motorists to plan ahead and manage their trips,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“This means not driving while you are tired, remembering to take breaks, not driving too fast for the conditions and refraining from alcohol if you’re getting behind the wheel.”
Double demerits will specifically target speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
The double demerit offences will end on Tuesday at midnight.
No double demerits in Queensland and South Australia
Queenslanders will enjoy a long weekend but don’t have double demerits.
It’s the same with South Australia.
Queensland Police Senior Constable said “contrary to popular belief” drivers won’t be slugged for double demerits unless they’ve already committed an offence.
“Double demerit points are allocated to the second or any subsequent offence; driver seatbelt offences, mobile phone offences, motorbike helmet offences and offences for speeding more than 21km/h over the speed limit, that occur within one year of a previous offence,” she said.
“For example, if a person commits a speeding offence of driving at 21 km/h over the speed limit, they will be allocated four demerit points for that offence.
“If they commit a second speeding offence of driving at 21 km/h over the speed limit within one year, they will be allocated four demerit points for the second offence and a further four demerit points for being within a one year period and this will result in a driver licence sanction.”
Which states have an October long weekend?
The annual Labour Day public holiday is celebrated in NSW, ACT and South Australia on the first weekend of October, meaning this year the long weekend starts on October 5, and most people get Monday off work.
Labour Day celebrates victory for the 19th century workers who fought for the eight-hour working day.
Other states around Australia do celebrate Labour Day, however they do so at various times throughout the year.
In Western Australia, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday of March and Victoria celebrates on the following weekend, the second Monday of March, and both states have a public holiday on their respective Mondays.
Tasmania also has Labour Day fall on the second weekend of March and Tasmanians get a public holiday on March 11 next year, however they celebrate under a different name - Eight Hours Day.
Queenslanders have a public holiday on Monday too, however, it’s to celebrate the Queen’s Birthday and not Labour Day.
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