When and where are double demerits in force over the 2023 festive period?

Drivers are being warned about double demerit fines that will be in force for motorists travelling over the festive period in certain states.

NSW, ACT, WA and Queensland all have their own double demerit systems for any bad behaviour behind the wheel over Christmas and New Years in 2023.

Here is what we know about the double demerit systems.

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New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory

Double demerits are in force from December 22, 2023 to January 1, 2024.

"During double demerit periods, double demerit points apply for speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seat belt and riding without a motorcycle helmet," the NRMA said.

"Keep in mind that Mobile Phone Detection Cameras are active in NSW and the ACT and drivers caught using their phones during a double demerit period will be hit with a $352 fine ($469 in a school zone) and 10 demerits."

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Western Australia

Double demerits are in force from December 22, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

The following offences will have a double demerit penalty.

• Speeding
• Drink or drug driving
• Failing to wear a seatbelt and child restraint
• Running a red light
• Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving
• Drive a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period)
• Drive a motor vehicle in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period)

Queensland

Double demerits apply all year in Queensland.

People who repeatedly commit specific offences will receive double demerit points for the second or subsequent offence if the later offence was committed within 12 months of an earlier offence.

This doesn't just apply over the Christmas and New Year period, but at any time of the year.

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Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory

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

But people are 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.