Where Aussies face double-demerit penalty
Drivers have been urged to take care on roads during the Australia Day long weekend, with those caught doing the wrong thing liable for hefty penalties.
While not everyone may be actively taking part in the public holiday, residents have been warned to take care on the roads, with double-demerit points already in effect in NSW, the ACT, Queensland, and Western Australia.
South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory do not have double-demerit schemes.
Here’s what applies in your state, or territory.
NSW and the ACT
Across NSW and the ACT, drivers caught speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, riding a motorcycle without a helmet and illegally using their mobile phones are subject to double-demerit points.
The penalty period will begin from 12am on Thursday, January 25, and end at 11.59pm on Sunday, January 28.
As part of Operation Australia Day 2024, police will be bolstered by extra units from the Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit and Polair.
Queensland
In Queensland, double-demerit points apply all your round for repeat offenders for infringements involving seatbelts, mobile phones, motorcycles helmet and speeding more than 20km/h over the limit.
The increased penalty applies to the second and subsequent offence if it’s committed within one year of the previous offence.
These rules do not change during public holidays.
Western Australia
Like NSW, double demerits will be in force from Thursday, January 25 to Sunday, January 28.
Offences that will incur the penalty include speeding, drunk or drug driving, failure to wear a seatbelt or child restraint, red light penalties, and the illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.
Drivers of vehicles that have technology to evade speed cameras, or are caught driving a vehicle in a way that evades detection by a speed camera, are also liable for the loss of 14 points during this period.
