Warning to NSW drivers as double demerit period looms
Drivers are urged to take particular care on New South Wales roads during the holiday break as double demerits come into force.
The heavier penalties will be in place from tomorrow, December 24, to Sunday, January 4.
Double demerits will apply to speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences in that time period.
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Double demerits are in force in NSW from Christmas Eve. Getty
The demerits will run in partial conjunction with Operation Christmas and New Year 2025, which began on December 19 and will also wrap up on January 4.
The high-visibility road patrol operation has so far detected almost 3000 speeding offences, 231 drink-driving offences, and 489 drug-driving offences.
There have been five deaths on NSW roads since the operation began, bringing the state's total road toll so far this year to 351, up 28 from 2024.
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People are urged to pay attention to the road rules. Getty
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said while police would be out in force over the holiday period, road safety would ultimately come down to drivers.
"Every choice on the road has consequences," Catley said.
"People must take responsibility for their actions and ensure they are not putting themselves or others at risk."
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Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said the choices drivers made on the road could mean the difference between families reuniting safely or facing tragedy.
"Christmas and the New Year is traditionally a time to celebrate and enjoy time with loved ones. We want all people who to set out on our roads to get to their destination safely," Driver said.
"Every road user has a moral and legal responsibility to use the roads without putting others at risk and no one wants to be saying 'sorry' after a crash because then it is too late."
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