When do double demerits start across the nation for Australia Day?
Australia Day is just around the corner, meaning police will be penalising dangerous drivers over the long weekend.
The penalties will vary in each state and territory, with double demerits coming into effect in some for the long weekend.
Here is what you need to know about your state and territory for January 26.
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Double demerits will come into effect in NSW at 12am on January 25, and will stick around until midnight on January 28. Nine
New South Wales
Double demerits will come into effect in NSW at 12am on January 25, and will stick around until midnight on January 28.
During the long weekend, drivers will be hit with double demerits for speeding, seatbelt and mobile phone offences.
The fines will not be doubled in price.
Double demerit points also apply for riding without a helmet
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT follows the same double demerit period and rules as New South Wales.
They will come into effect at 12am on January 25, ending at midnight on January 28.
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Victoria is one of several states that does not use a double demerits scheme. AAP
Western Australia
Double demerits will apply on Australia Day this year in Western Australia.
They will come into effect on Thursday, January 25, and will continue until Sunday, January 28.
Double demerits apply to several road rules including:
- Speeding
- Drink or drug driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt and/or a child restraint
- Running a red light
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Driving while using a device to evade the detection of a speed camera
- Driving a car in a way that evades the detection of a speed camera
Queensland
In Queensland, a double demerit system applies all year.
The rules will not change for Australia Day.
Anyone found to be committing the same offences repeatedly in a twelve-month period will be hit with double demerits.
The rule covers speeding, seatbelt and mobile phone offences.
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Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania
Double demerit points do not apply in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
The usual road penalties will apply on Australia Day.
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