Avoid Double Trouble: Learn the Consequences of NSW Double Demerits Today
If you are uncomfortable with waking up to your driver’s licence suspended, it would be best if you made yourself familiar with what the road rules are. Several long weekends might have you in hot soup for committing certain traffic offences in New South Wales. If losing your driving privileges stops you from going to work or enjoying the open road, you should contact an experienced lawyer to discuss double demerits in NSW.
The demerit system in Australia’s different territories and states dates back to the fifties. It aims at improving driving discipline among road users. According to the government, the double demerits of NSW are meant to make drivers think twice before committing traffic offences on specific days of the year.
Read on to find a way out of a sticky situation or stay ahead of the legal mountain surrounding double demerits to protect your driving record.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered expert legal advice regarding double demerits in New South Wales. For personalised and professional legal advice, please contact us to schedule a consultation at (02) 8378 8585.
What are Double Demerits NSW?
Get The Facts On NSW Double Demerits
Before you avoid double demerits, it would help to know what they are in the first place. Double demerit points are identical to regular demerit points because they are both penalties imposed on drivers for committing certain traffic offences. Ideally, all drivers start with a blank slate with zero issues. Committing traffic offences then adds on demerit points.
Once you reach your demerit point limit, your driver’s licence may be suspended, or you might face additional legal action depending on the severity, implications, and type of offence. Double demerit points, however, make you reach the limit twice as fast as they have twice the value of standard demerit points for the same offence.
Charged with a traffic offence? Call our trusted traffic lawyers Sydney! Contact Us For Free Consultation – (02) 8005 3075
When Can You Pick Up Double Demerit NSW Points?
Stay Ahead of Double Demerits NSW
In general, demerit points are aimed at keeping you, your loved ones, and other road users safe while on the road by ensuring all motorists remain vigilant and careful. Double demerits accentuate these safety measures during holidays and long weekends, where statistics prove road accidents, negligence, and recklessness are at their peak.
With that in mind, double demerit points are awarded when a driver commits either one or all of the following offences when a double demerit period is being enforced:
- Speeding
- Driving your vehicle without any head protection (ie. helmets)
- Failure to wear your seatbelt
- Illegally using your mobile phone while driving
Double demerit points picked up in other states and territories are also recorded in your NSW driver’s licence, meaning double demerit points in NSW can be accumulated locally and interstate. Additionally, committing offences in school zones attracts similar or more severe penalties.
When Double Demerit Points are on Within NSW, Australia
Know When Double Demerit Points Apply in NSW: Stay Alert on Key Holiday Periods
As mentioned earlier, you can expect double demerit points in NSW during extra long weekends and holidays. The period is usually enforced by the traffic NSW police and lasts from midnight on the start date (12:00 am) to midnight on the last date (11:59 pm). During the double demerit period, offences such as speeding and not using seatbelts attract double demerit points as opposed to the regular demerit system.
The dates might vary from year to year, especially over the easter weekend, but includes the following key days and holidays:
- Australia Day-Lasts between 26th January and 29th January
- Easter Public Holiday-Lasts between 6th April and 10th April (varies annually)
- Anzac Day-Lasts between 21st April and 25th April
- King’s Birthday-Lasts between 9th June and 12th June
- Labor Day-Lasts between 29th September to 2nd October
- Christmas Holiday (including Christmas, boxing day, and New Year’s)-Lasts between 22nd December and 1st January
If you still have reservations, you can always check the official page of the transport authority of NSW or look out for announcements on social media, over the radio, or even on television. You may contact JJ Lawyers for professional assistance if your licence is suspended during this period.
Types of Traffic Offences, Penalties, and Charges
Understanding the Severity of Different Traffic Offences in NSW
There are several factors to consider when evaluating the number of demerit points accumulated for a specific offence. The most significant factors include the following:
- The type of driver’s licence held by the offender at the time of the offence
- Class of vehicle they drive
- Location and severity of the offence
- Number of violations accrued in the past
The most common speeding offences, penalties, and charges are listed in the table below.
Speed |
Demerit Points |
| Up to 10km/h over the limit | 1 |
| Up to 10km/h over the limit in a school zone | 2 |
| Over 10km/h | 3 |
| Over 10 km/h in a school zone | 4 |
| Over 20km/h | 4 |
| Over 20 km/h in a school zone | 5 |
| Over 30km/h | 5 |
| Over 30km/h in a school zone | 6 |
| Over 45km/h | 6 |
| Over 45km/h in a school zone | 7 |
For additional and more specific information on your vehicle class and driver’s licence type, it is advisable to check with local authorities. It is also important to note that during a double demerit period, all these offences attract double the expected demerit points.
The threshold for demerit points varies markedly between different types of driver’s licences, as illustrated below
- Unrestricted driver’s licence-13
- Professional driver’s licence-14
- Provisional P2 driver’s licence-7
- Provisional P1 driver’s licence-4
- Learner’s driver’s licence-4
Once you exceed your threshold within a cumulative period of three years or fewer results in the suspension of your driver’s licence. Further, driving with a suspended licence may attract heavy penalties and jail time.
What To Do When Charged With A Traffic Offence During The Double Demerits Period
Protect Yourself On The Road!
Under the unrestricted licence, hitting your threshold for demerit points attracts a notification in writing of the suspension of your driving licence. You cannot appeal this decision, but you may apply for a good behaviour licence with an allowance for only two demerit points. Reaching the threshold under a good behaviour licence within a year attracts double the time for the earlier suspension.
For provisional P1 and P2 driver’s licence holders, you have the option of appealing the suspension of your licence in a court of law in your locality. Additionally, for speeding offences that involve driving over 30 km/h above the speed limit, the court also has an allowance for reviewing your suspension.
Suppose you are worried about having your driver’s licence suspended after receiving a ticket for any of the offences listed above. In that case, you should contact JJ Lawyers for professional legal counsel to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Contact Us 24/7 For A Free Consultation – (02) 8005 3075
For more breakdowns on relevant legal topics that you need help with, see our dedicated law blog! We tackle other important criminal law, family law & traffic law topics such as ‘What Is A Prenup?’, ‘How Long Does A Criminal Record Last In NSW?’, ‘The Risks Of Representing Yourself In Court’ & More!
