Anzac Day: When double demerit periods apply for motorists

Anzac Day has come and gone - but drivers are being warned that doesn't mean double demerits are over.

Double demerit points apply in some states for driving offences - and they will be in force after April 25.

Demerit points are penalty points that you receive if you commit certain offences.

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They are: Speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt and riding without a helmet.

If you commit an offence while driving or riding, you may have demerit points added to your record. Offences that attract demerit points also come with a fine.

If you reach your demerit point limit, your licence can be suspended.

But not every state or territory works in the same way.

Here is when double demerits apply this Anzac Day period.

New South Wales and ACT

For drivers in NSW, double demerits will apply from 12.01am tomorrow, Wednesday 24 April to 11.59pm Sunday 28 April 2024.

Early-morning drivers have been warned.

ACT follows the same dates, however, comparatively minor offences, like failing to keep left, just attract a single extra point instead.

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Western Australia

Double demerits don't apply for Anzac Day in the state.

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Queensland

Queensland approaches double demerits differently to NSW, WA, and the ACT.

Rather than having them in place for all drivers around public holidays, the Sunshine State instead keeps them in effect year-round, but only for drivers who commit the same offence twice in the space of 12 months.

This applies for speeding more than 20km/h over the limit, as well as mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory

Victoria, SA, Tasmania and the NT don't employ double demerits as part of their road safety strategies.

That means penalties for driving offences committed around Anzac Day in those jurisdictions are the same as for those committed at any other time of the year.