As Anzac Day weekend approaches, many Australians are preparing to travel, but not all drivers will be subject to the same double demerit rules across the nation. The double demerit period for some regions will commence on Friday, April 24, running until Monday, April 27, while others, such as those in certain jurisdictions, do not implement any such penalties.
Currently, only New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory enforce double demerits during public holidays like Anzac Day. During this period, offences resulting in double demerits include speeding, drink and drug driving, and improper seatbelt use.
In contrast, Queensland maintains a year-round double demerit system for specific repeat offences, including mobile phone use while driving, non-compliance with seatbelt regulations, and exceeding the speed limit by over 20 km/h. In these cases, drivers may accrue double demerits if they commit these infractions multiple times over the span of a year.
Regions such as Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory do not apply any double demerits at any time of the year. However, authorities in these areas still encourage responsible driving throughout the Anzac Day weekend.
As the public holiday approaches, it’s crucial for all motorists to be aware of the different regulations in their respective regions and drive responsibly to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads.