As all drivers in Australia know, double demerits apply to every standard holiday in some states. But what do they mean and what do we have to do when they are in place? Well, let’s find out.
The double demerit point system is a scheme used in NSW, QLD, and WA which is applied during any standard holidays. This system offers an incentive for drivers on the road to be more aware of their driving and urges them to be more careful on the road, especially during holidays when many are on the road. This helps to ensure the community is more aware of their surroundings, drivers near them, and themselves. But what do we have to do to ensure that we can stay safe on the roads during this time?
Demerit points are cut if you have been caught for an offense such as speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing your seatbelt, drunk driving, or riding a bike without a helmet. During standard holiday periods, if you are caught for one of these offenses, your demerits that would be cut in a normal period of time, are doubled. For example, if you are caught not wearing your seatbelt while driving by cameras or patrols, the standard demerit points that will be cut is 3, but during double demerits, 6 points will be cut. So how can you avoid getting these points cut?