When double demerits come into effect in your state this festive season

There’s no doubt that more drivers will be on the road as the festive season approaches.

But for the joy of hopping in the car for a summer adventure, some states will penalize irresponsible driving, such as speeding or using a cell phone, with double demerit points.

NSW Police and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley is urging people to “take responsibility for their actions” as the state’s double sentencing plan for this Christmas and New Year period is announced.

“Double warnings are in place to reinforce the importance of following road rules, especially during busy holiday periods when traffic volumes are higher,” he said.

“Every choice made on the road has consequences and it is each of us responsible for ensuring we do not put ourselves or others at risk.”

The consequences (fatal car accidents) are what the police are trying to prevent. According to the Australian Road Fatalities Database, in 2025 alone the national road fatality rate was 4.8 deaths per 100,000 people; This is 1.3 percent higher than the same period last year.

This is where double penalty points come into play in your state.

New South Wales

Double penalty requirements will be in effect statewide from 12:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4, 2026.

A second double penalty period will also be implemented later that month, over the Australia Day long weekend, from Friday 23 January to Monday 26 January.

Among the crimes that require double punishment;

• Speeding
• Not wearing seat belts or fastening them incorrectly, or transporting passengers who do not wear seat belts or have to fasten them incorrectly
• Riding a motorcycle without a helmet
• Illegal use of mobile devices

Drivers caught using their phones on the road face an eye-watering fine of $423 (or $562 in school zones) and 10 demerit points.

During this period, cell phone detection cameras will be active throughout the state.

Australian Capital Territory

Drivers will be subject to double penalties from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 until Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Which crimes will be subject to double punishment?

• Speeding
• Not wearing a seat belt
• Riding a motorcycle without a helmet
• Illegal use of mobile devices

Victoria

Victoria does not have a double penalty program at any time of the year.

Queensland

Queensland drivers are not limited to double penalty points like in NSW and the ACT; Instead, double penalty points apply for the entire year.

If a driver commits a second offense within a 12-month period or if the offense is repeated, police will impose a double penalty.

The following crimes attract double punishment:

• Crimes of exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 km/h
• mobile phone crimes
• driver seat belt offenses
• driver’s failure to ensure that passengers under the age of 16 are properly secured
• motorcycle helmet crimes.

For example, if a driver is caught using a mobile phone while driving, he will receive 4 penalty points. If they commit a second mobile phone offense within 1 year, they will receive 4 penalty points for the second offense, and an additional 4 penalty points for the second offense being committed within 1 year of the first offense.

South Australia

South Australian motorists are clear that the state should not have a double penalty scheme.

Tasmania

Double demerit points are not imposed at any time of the year in Tasmania.

Western Australia

Police will issue double fines to drivers in the period from 19 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.

Which crimes will be subject to double punishment?

• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Not wearing seat belts and child seats
• crossing red light
• Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving
• Driving a motor vehicle equipped with a device designed to avoid detection by a speed camera (14 points during the double penalty period)
• Driving a motor vehicle to avoid detection by a speed camera (14 points during the double penalty period)

Northern Territory

Double penalty points are not imposed at any time of the year in the Northern Territory.