Australian States Implement Double Demerit Penalties for Australia Day Weekend

Drivers traveling over the Australia Day weekend will encounter double demerit penalties in several Australian states and territories. These penalties typically commence on Friday before the long weekend. Traffic lawyer Hayder Shkara stated that motorists are frequently penalized during holiday periods due to increased traffic, alcohol consumption, and risk-taking behavior. He advised drivers against errors that could result in license revocation, emphasizing that even minor infractions can have significant consequences. Shkara highlighted that using a mobile phone while driving, which normally incurs 5 demerit points, would result in 10 points during a double demerit period, potentially leading to immediate license suspension. He also warned about the prevalence of AI mobile detection cameras. ## Double Demerit Schedule by State/Territory: ### New South Wales (NSW) Double demerit points are active from January 23 to January 26. These apply to: * Speeding * Illegal mobile phone use * Not wearing or incorrect wearing of seatbelts (including passengers) * Riding without a helmet For example, speeding by 10-20 km/h over the limit incurs 6 demerit points during this period, compared to the usual 3. ### Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Double demerits are in effect from January 23 to January 26, mirroring NSW. Unlike NSW, double demerits in the ACT apply to all traffic offenses. ### Western Australia (WA) Double demerit points are active from January 23 to January 26, aiming to promote safe driving during long weekends and public holidays. ### Queensland (QLD) Queensland does not have a specific double demerit window for holidays. Instead, double demerits are applied if a driver commits the same offense a second time within a 12-month period. This applies to: * Speeding * Illegal mobile phone use * Not wearing or incorrect wearing of a seatbelt ### South Australia (SA), Victoria (VIC), Northern Territory (NT), Tasmania (TAS) These states and territories do not operate a double demerits scheme.