Double demerits to start tomorrow - what you need to know

The end-of-year holidays are a busy time on the nation's roads, and this year could be even busier as borders re-open and loved ones reunite after pandemic restrictions.

Police will be on watch for driving offences, and depending on where you are, any breaches of the road rules could sting more than usual, with double demerits in some jurisdictions.

Here's what you need to know.

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NSW and ACT

The double demerit period will run from 12.01am December 24, to 11.59pm on January 3.

Heavier penalties will apply for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.

Western Australia

The double demerit period is longer in Western Australia, running from December 24 to January 9, inclusive.

There will be heavier penalties doled out for speeding, drink or drug driving, seatbelt offences, running a red light, phone use, or driving to avoid speed cameras.

The last penalty, which covers both the manner of driving and the use of any device to scramble or block a speed camera, will incur 14 demerit points.

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Queensland

The Sunshine State's double demerit points system runs all year around.

But it only applies to repeat offences - if you commit the same driving illegality twice (or more) in a 12-month period, all subsequent offences after the first will be penalised with double demerits.

Breaches that fall into this category include speeding, phone use, seatbelt offences and motorcycle helmet offences.

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Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory

These jurisdictions don't have double demerit periods at all.

But people are obviously still urged to drive safely and carefully at all times - and police are likely to be out in force on the roads over the holiday period.