As the festive season approaches, the implementation of double demerits is set to take effect during the Christmas holidays, though the rules vary across Australian states and territories.
While some regions enforce double demerits consistently throughout the year, others choose not to implement them at all. However, drivers from these areas may still face double demerit penalties if they travel across state lines.
Here’s a breakdown of where and when double demerits will be in place for the 2025 Christmas holiday period.
Drivers will incur double demerits if they commit the same type of offense more than once within a 12-month span.
For instance, if a driver is caught using their mobile phone while driving and is caught again within the same year, they will receive double demerits for the subsequent offense.
Victoria, SA, NT and Tasmania
It’s important to note that Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania do not implement double demerits at any time.
But that doesn’t mean drivers are totally in the clear.
Motorists who hold a Queensland licence could still cop double demerits if they’re caught committing an eligible offence in another state or territory.
That’s because Queensland drivers who commit demerit-point offences interstate are subject to the demerit points that apply in their home state for the same offence.
The same goes for drivers from NSW, who are also subject to double demerits in their home state if they’re caught breaking the rules across state lines.
