While many of us settle in for the end-of-year festivities and some much-needed relaxation, there’s one thing that can quickly dampen the holiday spirit: getting a hefty fine or losing your driver’s license before the new year even starts.
Yes, double demerit season is here. In some states, this brings harsh repression, harsher penalties and the risk of losing your driver’s license altogether.
But not every state treats the holiday season the same. Some are increasing enforcement and penalties, while others are not using a dual punishment program at all.
Here’s what you need to know about double demerits and holiday traffic laws in your state.
N.S.W
In NSW, double demerit points will be in effect from December 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
If you are caught, you can receive double demerit points:
- Driving too fast
- Not wearing a seat belt, wearing one incorrectly, or driving a passenger who is not properly restrained
- Illegal use of a mobile phone
- Riding without a helmet
If you are caught committing any of these offenses you will lose double the penalty points and risk a hefty fine.
For example, drivers caught using their phones during this period could face a $423 fine and 10 demerit points.
Additional penalties may also apply if an offense is committed in a school’s operating area.
ACT
Drivers in the ACT could face double demerit points from December 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026, in line with NSW.
Double demerit points apply to violations including:
- Driving too fast
- Not wearing the seat belt or wearing it incorrectly, or driving a passenger while doing so
- Using your phone illegally
- Riding without a helmet
Western Australia
WA’s double penalty period runs from December 19, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
During this time, the following offenses will incur double penalty points:
- Driving too fast
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Not wearing a seat belt and child seat
- Driving through a red light
- Illegal use of a cell phone while driving
- Drive a motor vehicle equipped with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during the double demerit period)
- Drive a motor vehicle in a manner that evades detection by a speed camera (14 points during the double demerit period)
Queensland
Queensland does not apply double points during specific holiday periods.
Instead, double demerit points apply throughout the year for second or subsequent offenses committed within one year of a previous offense.
These include:
- Driving more than 20 km/h faster than the speed limit
- Cell phone violations
- Driver’s seat belt violations
- Failure to ensure that passengers under the age of 16 are appropriately secured
- Motorcycle helmet violations.
Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory
Double points do not apply at any time of the year in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania or the Northern Territory.
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