Double-Demerit Points Apply Over King’s Birthday Long Weekend

With the New South Wales road toll rising to 158 in 2024, 26 more than for the same period last year, drivers are being urged to drive carefully this King’s Birthday long weekend and refrain from committing traffic offences, and thereby potentially endangering the safety of themselves and other road users.

Which traffic  offences attract double-demerit points?

Hand-in-hand with national holidays comes double-demerits for certain traffic offences, namely:

• Speeding,
• Illegal use of mobile phones,
• Not wearing a seatbelt, and
• Riding without a helmet.

What are the double-demerit periods for 2024?

The remaining double-demerit periods for this year are:

Demerit-point scheme

As most drivers are already aware, every licensed driver in New South Wales is allocated a certain number of ‘points’ each three years, and reaching that number will result in suspension from driving for a period of between three and six months, depending on the number of points exceeded.

The allocated points for New South Wales drivers are as follows:

• Professional driver licence: 14 points.
• Unrestricted licence: 13 points.
• Provisional P2 licence: 7 points.
• Provisional P1 licence: 4 points.
• A Learner licence: 4 points.

Demerit points appeals

Provisional and learner drivers are permitted to appeal against a demerit point suspension, but professional and unrestricted licence holders are not.

Unrestricted and professional drivers may, however, contest the alleged traffic offences or offences that resulted in the demerit point suspension by electing to take the penalty notice or notices to court. In the event the prosecution is unable to prove the offence/s beyond a reasonable doubt, the driver will be found not guilty and any associated demerit points will be revoked.

Alternatively, these drivers may elect to take the penalty notice to court, plead guilty and seek to persuade the magistrate to exercise his or her discretion to impose a non-conviction order such as a section 10 dismissal, in which case demerit points will also be revoked.

Drive safely for everyone’s benefit

At the end of the day, the best advice is to drive safely and stay within the road rules, thereby enhancing the safety of all road users and not facing the prospects of a licence suspension.

Facing a driver licence suspension?

However, if you do find yourself facing the prospects of a driver licence suspension, contacting and receiving specialist advice from experienced traffic lawyers is a good way to maximise the likelihood of protecting your licence and your livelihood.