Buckle up, because the holiday season is about to get a little more stressful for Australian drivers. With Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner, thousands of motorists will be hitting the roads, and that means increased traffic, heightened stress, and a spotlight on road safety. But here’s where it gets tricky: double demerit points are coming into play in certain states, and you’ll want to know exactly when and where they apply to avoid a holiday headache.
For those unfamiliar, double demerit points are a penalty system designed to discourage dangerous driving during high-traffic periods. But not all states play by the same rules. New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory are the only jurisdictions enforcing double demerits during the holidays, while Queensland takes a different approach with year-round ‘double points’ for specific offenses.
Let’s break it down:
NSW and the ACT: Double demerits kick in from 12:01 am on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and run until 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026. That’s a full 12 days of heightened penalties for offenses like speeding, using your phone illegally, not wearing a seatbelt, or riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
Western Australia: The enforcement period starts earlier, from 12:01 am on Friday, December 19, 2025, and also ends on 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Here, double demerits apply to a broader range of offenses, including drink- or drug-driving, running red lights, and failing to use child restraints.
And this is the part most people miss: these penalties follow you across state lines. If you’re a driver from NSW, WA, or the ACT, you’ll still face double demerits even if you’re driving interstate. No escaping here!
Now, let’s talk about Queensland. While they don’t enforce holiday double demerits, they do have year-round higher penalties for offenses like speeding over 20km/h, mobile phone use, and failing to restrain passengers under 16. The twist? Double points only apply if you commit the same offense within 12 months.
For drivers in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, you’re off the hook—these states don’t enforce double demerits at any time of the year.
But here’s the controversial part: Are double demerits truly effective in improving road safety, or do they simply serve as a revenue-generating tool for states? Some argue that the fear of losing points deters dangerous driving, while others believe the focus should be on education rather than punishment. What do you think?
As you prepare for your holiday travels, remember to drive safely—not just to avoid penalties, but to ensure everyone gets home safely. And if you’re in the market for a new car, CarExpert can help you save thousands. Click here to find a great deal.
Double Demerit Points by State/Territory:
- New South Wales: YES
- Victoria: NO
- Queensland: YES* (year-round for specific offenses)
- Western Australia: YES
- South Australia: NO
- Tasmania: NO
- Australian Capital Territory: YES
- Northern Territory: NO
Thought-provoking question for you: Should all states adopt double demerits during holidays, or is it an unnecessary burden on drivers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
