NSW drivers to be rewarded for good behaviour on the roads under permanent change to demerit point system
Motorists in New South Wales will be recognised for good behaviour on the roads after the state government moved to permanently enshrine its demerit point reward program.
The $2.8 billion program, first introduced as a trial in 2023, was introduced to parliament earlier this month as a permanent fixture of the state's demerit point system.
If passed, it will allow unrestricted NSW driver's licence holders to have one demerit point removed after reaching 12 months with no offences.
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NSW drivers will be eligible to scrub demerit points from their licence under a permanent program. Getty
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NSW Premier Chris Minns said the program rewards motorists who have "turned a corner and improved their safety".
"History has shown that enforcement and penalties alone aren't enough to keep our roads safe," Minns said today.
"With the demerit reward program, we're taking a new approach – giving NSW motorists a clear 'carrot and stick' incentive to get their licence and driving record back on track."
When the program was trialled, the government said around 1.7 million drivers would be eligible to have a demerit point scrubbed from their record.
More than two million NSW demerit points have been removed since the trial began three years ago.
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NSW Premier Chris Minns said the program rewards motorists who have "turned a corner". 9News
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the program does not mean road law enforcement will be eased in the state.
"This reform reflects a fair, practical approach to road safety that works with drivers while still holding people accountable," Aitchison said.
"Let's not forget, road safety isn't about choosing between enforcement or education – we need both."
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More than two million NSW demerits points have been removed since it began three years ago. Getty
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The program does not impact drivers who have no active demerit points.
P-plate and learner drivers are not eligible.
In NSW, drivers with a long-term clean record can be rewarded with discounted insurance premiums.
The government ended its Fair Go for Safe Drivers scheme in 2024, which offered a 50 per cent discount on licence renewal fees for drivers with good records.
Instead, drivers may be eligible for a caution instead of some speeding fines or road offences.
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