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How Demerit Points Work In The Holiday Season

As we all know that when holiday season draws near, more and more people start to go out. People are celebrating and going out to shop for gifts, decorations and other things that they might need for Christmas, Boxing Day or for the New Year’s.

The increased number of people going out means there is an increase in traffic on the roads and it gets a little crowded. Moreover, the law enforcement officers are also more vigilant in the holiday season because of the potential damage a traffic offence like speeding or drunk driving might cause. To encourage drivers and riders to obey the traffic laws more strongly, the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) department has introduced a period of time, when the penalty for breaking the laws of the road are more severe.

Usually, whenever you commit an offence, demerit points for that certain offence are added to your driving record. If you reach the limit of demerit points within a 3-year period on your respective license type, the RMS can suspend or refuse to renew it.

🚨 What Are Demerit Points During Holidays (Double Demerits)?

In New South Wales (NSW), demerit points during holiday periods refer to the double demerit point system—a temporary enforcement measure aimed at deterring dangerous driving during high-risk times such as public holidays and long weekends.

✅ What Happens During Double Demerits?

Certain driving offences that usually carry a demerit point penalty will incur double the usual points if committed during designated holiday periods.

For example:

• Speeding <10 km/h over the limit:

  • Normal: 1 point → Holiday: 2 points

• Using a mobile phone while driving:

  • Normal: 5 points → Holiday: 10 points

• Not wearing a seatbelt:

  • Normal: 3 points → Holiday: 6 points

• Riding without a helmet (motorcyclists):

  • Normal: 3 points → Holiday: 6 points

⚠️ These extra points can quickly lead to license suspensions, especially for provisional and learner drivers who have lower point thresholds.

Sources: Transport for NSW – Demerit Points and Double Demerits

🎯 NSW Holidays with Double Demerit Points

Double demerit periods apply during high-risk holidays, as designated by Transport for NSW.

The government’s road safety site clearly outlines the double demerit periods, the applicable offences, and the enforcement approach:

• • Double demerit periods for 2024–2026 are listed, including:

    • Christmas & New Year: 20 December 2024 – 1 January 2025

    • Australia Day: 24–27 January 2025

    • Easter: 17–21 April 2025

    • Anzac Day: 24–27 April 2025

    • King’s Birthday: 6–9 June 2025

    • Labour Day: 3–6 October 2025

  • Offences that attract double demerits include:

    • Speeding

    • Illegal mobile phone use

    • Not wearing seatbelts (including passengers)

    • Riding without a helmet

📌 Note: Double demerits usually begin midnight the day before the holiday and run until midnight the day after the holiday or weekend ends.

Sources:

NSW Government – Demerit Points and Offences

Service NSW – Check Your Demerit Points

What’s Different About Demerit Points In The Holiday Season

The Roads and Maritime Services has a double demerit points period to encourage drivers to abide by the laws of the road and encourage safe driving in the holiday season. As this holiday season starts with Christmas and ends on New Year’s Day, the double demerit points period specified starts from the midnight on December 22nd 2017 to January 1st 2018.

Double demerit points means that if you were to break any road law and it had 2 demerit points for that certain offence to be added to your driving record, in this particular time period the demerit points added will be double the normal amount. So you will having 4 demerit points added instead of 2 to your record.

This double demerit point system applies to certain types of offences which includes:

• Use of mobile phones while driving
• Riding without helmet
• Not wearing your seatbelt
• Exceeding speed limit

✅ Tips for Safe Holiday Driving

Avoid demerit points — and serious consequences — with these tips:

• Plan your trips: Avoid peak traffic hours

• Take breaks: Don’t drive tired

• Avoid phone use: Use hands-free or pull over

• Stick to the speed limit

• Designate a driver if drinking

🧠 Remember: The best way to beat double demerits is to avoid getting them altogether.

Why Choose Platinum Lawyers for Traffic Offence Matters

1. What makes Platinum Lawyers different from other firms?

We provide specialised expertise in traffic law with a strong track record of successful license appeals and reduced penalties for clients.

2. Do you have experience with demerit point-related suspensions?

Yes — our team has handled hundreds of license suspension cases and regularly appears in local and district courts across NSW.

3. Are consultations confidential and obligation-free?

Absolutely. Your initial consultation is completely confidential and free, with no obligation to proceed unless you’re satisfied.

4. Can you help with urgent court matters?

Yes, we offer fast-tracked legal services for urgent court appearances, especially during high-risk holiday seasons when double demerits are enforced.

5. Do you handle appeals for provisional and learner drivers?

Yes — we have experience representing P1, P2, and learner drivers, who are particularly vulnerable during double demerit periods.

6. Will I have a dedicated lawyer handling my case?

Yes, we assign a dedicated solicitor to each case, ensuring personalised attention and consistent communication throughout.

7. Do you offer fixed-fee services?

Yes, we offer transparent fixed-fee pricing for most traffic matters, so there are no surprise costs.

8. Can you help reduce or avoid license suspension?

Yes — through strong court advocacy, preparation, and alternative penalty applications, we often help clients retain their licenses.

9. Are your lawyers familiar with local courts?

Yes, our legal team frequently practices in local NSW courts, giving us deep knowledge of local procedures and magistrate expectations.

10. Do you handle drug and drink driving cases?

Yes — we specialise in all traffic offences, including drink driving, drug driving, and negligent driving charges.

11. Can you help prepare a strong traffic offenders program report?

Absolutely — we’ll guide you through programs like the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program (TOIP), which can improve court outcomes.

12. How do I contact Platinum Lawyers?

📞 Call us at (02) 8084 2764 or visit our website to book a consultation. We’re ready to help you defend your rights on the road.

If your license is being suspended due to demerit points reaching their limit on your certain license type, you have a 28-day period in which you can file an appeal for your license at your local court.

At Platinum Lawyers, we have the best means available to prepare an effective license appeal application for you. We will prepare all the documents that are required and provide you with the Best Lawyers in Traffic Offences to represent you in court so you have a higher chance of retaining your driving license. For more information, call us at (02) 8084 2764.