Double demerit points return for Christmas and New Year 2025-26

Thousands of Australian motorists are expected to hit the roads over the Christmas and New Year break, a time traditionally associated with heavier traffic, longer journeys and increased pressure on road safety enforcement.

To curb risky behaviour during this high-risk period, double demerit points will once again apply in parts of the country, significantly increasing the penalties for certain driving offences.

Where will double demerits apply this Christmas?

New South Wales (NSW), Western Australia (WA) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are the only jurisdictions that enforce double demerit points during designated holiday periods. Queensland (QLD) does not run holiday double demerits, but instead applies higher penalties year-round for specific offences.

In NSW, double demerit points will be enforced from 12:01 am on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, to 11:59 pm on Sunday, 4 January 2026. The same will be followed by the authorities in ACT.

In WA, the enforcement period for double demerit points begins earlier (and already underway), running from 12:01 am  Friday, December 19, 2025, through to 11:59 pm Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Importantly, double demerits apply to eligible drivers from these jurisdictions, no matter where they are driving, meaning motorists won’t avoid tougher penalties simply by crossing state borders.

1/1 Photos

Double demerit rules by state and territory

1/1 Photos

Which offences attract double demerit points?

The offences covered under this limited-time policy, vary slightly between jurisdictions.

• New South Wales: Speeding, illegal mobile phone use, failing to wear a seatbelt, and riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
• Australian Capital Territory: The same offences as NSW attract double demerits, with an additional single extra demerit point applied to all other traffic offences during the enforcement period.
• Western Australia: Speeding, drink or drug driving, running a red light, failing to wear a seatbelt or child restraint, and illegal mobile phone use. Driving a vehicle equipped with a radar detector, or attempting to evade speed camera detection, incurs a 14-point penalty during the double demerit period.
• Queensland: No holiday double demerits, but higher penalties apply year-round for offences including travelling more than 20km/h over the speed limit, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences, and failing to properly restrain passengers under 16. Double points apply if the same offence is committed twice within 12 months.
• Everywhere else: Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not apply double demerit points at any time of the year.

With enforcement ramping up during the busiest travel period of the year, authorities are urging motorists to plan, drive to conditions and obey road rules to avoid both harsh penalties and serious safety risks over the festive season. We’d urge all drivers of Australia to celebrate responsibly and make the most of the Christmas summer break with some fantastic drives.