With the Easter long weekend approaching, it’s a high-stakes time for Australian drivers. "Double demerits" are a specific enforcement tool used by several states to deter dangerous driving during peak travel periods.
It is important to note that double demerits do not apply in every Australian state, which often leads to confusion for interstate travelers. Here is the definitive breakdown for the 2026 Easter long weekend.
New South Wales (NSW)
In NSW, the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 2017 allows for double demerit periods. These are strictly enforced from the Thursday before Good Friday through to Easter Monday.
- Mobile Phone Offences: Normally 5 points. During Easter, this jumps to 10 demerit points. For a P-plater, this results in an immediate loss of licence.
- Speeding:
- Under 10km/h: 1 point becomes 2 points.
- Over 10km/h: 3 points become 6 points.
- Over 30km/h: 5 points become 10 points (Immediate suspension for most).
- Seatbelts: If a driver is unbelted, 3 points become 6 points. If there are two or more unbelted passengers, the driver can lose up to 12 points in a single stop.
- Motorcycle Helmets: 3 points become 6 points.
Source: Transport for NSW (Centre for Road Safety) – Statutory Rule 2017 No 450.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT typically mirrors NSW to ensure consistency for the thousands of drivers moving between Canberra and the coast. Under the Road Transport (Offences) Regulation 2005, the following apply:
- Speeding & Seatbelts: Points are doubled across all tiers.
- Mobile Phones: Similar to NSW, using a handheld device earns 10 demerit points during the Easter window.
- Running a Red Light: While not "doubled" in some states, the ACT often includes red-light cameras in their holiday safety push, where 3 points can become 6 points.
Source: ACT Justice and Community Safety (JACS) – Road Transport Legislation Amendment.
Western Australia (WA)
WA has a slightly broader application of double demerits compared to the east coast, focusing on the "Fatal Five" factors that contribute to regional road trauma.
- Drink & Drug Driving: While the fines are massive, the demerit points associated with these offences are also doubled.
- Speeding: WA police focus heavily on "excessive speed" (over 20km/h) where points double from 6 to 12 points, causing an instant disqualification for many.
- Mobile Phones: Points double from 4 to 8 points.
- Seatbelts: 4 points become 8 points.
- Evading Police: In WA, specific "aggravating" holiday factors can lead to doubled points for failing to stop.
Source: WA Road Safety Commission – Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2014.
Quick Comparison: Points Lost for Mobile Phone Use (Easter)
|
State |
Standard Points |
Easter Points |
Potential Result |
|
NSW |
5 |
10 |
2 points away from total loss (Full Licence) |
|
ACT |
5 |
10 |
Immediate loss for L/P Platers |
|
WA |
4 |
8 |
Over half a full licence gone in one text |
States WITHOUT Double Demerits
The following states do not use a "double points" system. However, police in these jurisdictions often launch highly visible Safety Operations (such as Operation Nexum in Victoria) with increased RBTs and mobile speed cameras.
- Victoria (VIC): Focuses on heavy police presence rather than point multipliers.
- Queensland (QLD): QLD has a unique year-round double demerit system. If you commit a specific high-risk offence (like mobile phone use or speeding 20km/h+ over) twice within 12 months, the second offence earns double points—regardless of whether it's a long weekend.
- South Australia (SA): No double demerits.
- Tasmania (TAS): No double demerits.
- Northern Territory (NT): No double demerits.
Sourcing & Verification
- NSW: Transport for NSW (Center for Road Safety) – Double Demerit schedule.
- VIC: Victoria Police – Holiday enforcement press releases.
- QLD: Department of Transport and Main Roads – Repeat Offender demerit rules.
- WA: Road Safety Commission WA.
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