With Anzac Day approaching right after the Easter weekend, drivers are advised to exercise heightened caution on the roads as double demerit points are reinstated for certain traffic offences during this long weekend.
Double demerits apply in various states, activating penalties for infractions such as speeding, mobile phone usage while driving, not wearing seatbelts, and riding without helmets. These demerit points are used to track repeat offenders, and accumulating a specific amount can result in licence suspension.
In New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), double demerits will be effective from Thursday, April 24, through Sunday, April 27. Particularly severe violations can see offenders docked as much as 14 points in one instance, significantly impacting their driving privileges. This includes actions aimed at evading detection by speed cameras.
In contrast, Queensland handles double demerit points differently. The state applies this system year-round but only penalises drivers who commit the same offences twice within a 12-month period. This also covers significant breaches such as speeding over 20 km/h above the limit and violations involving seatbelts and mobile phone use.
Other states like Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory do not employ double demerit systems as part of their road safety measures. Instead, these jurisdictions maintain standard penalties for traffic offences, meaning that the consequences for driving violations during Anzac Day will be no different than any other time of the year.
Victoria Police has been actively conducting road safety operations since April 17, intending to continue until April 27. During this period, road rules are enforced stringently, with a focus on user compliance to ensure safety during the holiday period on the roads.
As the long weekend approaches, it’s essential for drivers to remain vigilant and informed about the varying laws that apply across different states, as well as the increased risks on the roads during this busy time.