For many Australians, the Australia Day holiday is all about relaxing by the beach, catching up with friends, or enjoying a day out. But if you’re planning to drive anywhere during the long weekend, it’s essential to know when double demerit points might apply in your state. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know for Australia Day 2025.
NSW, ACT, and WA
In NSW, ACT, and WA, double demerits will be in effect from Friday, January 24, through to Monday, January 27. Even though Friday isn’t a public holiday, the long weekend means many people will be hitting the roads early.
During double demerit periods in NSW, you can lose double points for offences like speeding, illegal mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt, or carrying passengers without proper restraints. The ACT and WA have similar rules, with a few differences:
In the ACT, minor offences like failing to keep left attract one additional demerit point instead of doubling.
In WA, offences like using speed camera-evading devices during this time will cost you 14 demerit points.
It’s worth remembering that these three states and territories are the only ones in Australia that enforce double demerits over public holidays.
Queensland
Queensland takes a different approach. Instead of applying double demerits around public holidays, they have a year-round system for repeat offences.
If you commit the same offence—like speeding by more than 20 km/h, using a mobile phone illegally, or failing to wear a seatbelt—twice within 12 months, double demerits kick in.Queensland drivers should also note that if you commit a traffic offence anywhere in Australia, the penalty will count as though it happened in Queensland.
Victoria, SA, NT, and Tasmania
In Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, double demerit points don’t apply at all. These states and territories stick to their regular demerit point system, even over long weekends and public holidays.
So, before you hit the road this Australia Day weekend, take a moment to check the rules for your state or territory. Staying safe—and keeping your license points intact—is worth it!
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