Double demerit points at the moment are in effect for the Easter long weekend across several Australian states and territories.
Five days of double demerits began at midnight on Thursday, April 2, in Latest South Wales, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
They’ll run across the Easter break, including the 4 consecutive public holidays from Friday, April 3 through to 11:59pm Monday, April 6.
When you live in one among these three jurisdictions and are travelling interstate, double demerits will still apply.
Double demerits also apply year-round in Queensland for certain offences, though South Australia, Victoria, the Northern Territory and Tasmania don’t have double demerits schemes.
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| State or territory | Double demerit points? |
|---|---|
| Latest South Wales | YES |
| Victoria | NO |
| Queensland | YES* |
| Western Australia | YES |
| South Australia | NO |
| Tasmania | NO |
| Australian Capital Territory | YES |
| Northern Territory | NO |
In NSW and the ACT, double demerit points apply for speeding, illegal cell phone use, failing to wear a seatbelt, and riding a motorbike with no helmet.
In WA, in addition they apply for drink- or drug-driving and running a red light.
NSW Police will perform Operation Easter, with general duties and specialist officers targeting speeding, cell phone use, seatbelt compliance, and motorcyclists and cyclists not wearing helmets.
The variety of road deaths in NSW year-to-date has risen to 88, which Transport for NSW says is 11 greater than at the identical point last yr.
“This Easter, we’re asking drivers to think concerning the those that matter most to them and decelerate, drive to the conditions and make smart selections,” said NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley.
“Police can be out in force targeting illegal, reckless behaviour because all of us want the identical thing: to avoid one other preventable tragedy and ensure our family members make it home alive.”
Western Australia has recorded 45 fatalities to March 31, 2026, down from 53 at the identical point last yr.
WA Police will goal the Easter long weekend with a brand new fleet of BMW X5 SUVs, announced by the state government this week.
Officers will deal with the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of road trauma: speeding, seatbelts, fatigue, distraction, and medicines and alcohol.
“As we approach the Easter long weekend and faculty holidays, I would like to remind all road users to maintain yourself and others protected on the road,” said Police and Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby.
“Incorrectly worn seatbelts, distractions from mobile phones, speeding, fatigue, and medicines and alcohol are all preventable causes of fatal crashes.”
WA Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner added: “The chance of losing your licence mustn’t be the motivating factor to vary your behaviour when behind the wheel. As an alternative, think concerning the risk of losing your life or killing and injuring another person, comparable to a loved one, needs to be the main focus.”
While it doesn’t have a double demerits scheme, Victoria Police has commenced Operation Nexus, with officers intentionally highly visible as they deal with enforcing speed limits.
“We all know this can be a weekend that draws significant travel across the state, so we won’t be taking any possibilities – and neither do you have to,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner, Road Policing Command, Justin Goldsmith.
“Motorists can expect to see a significant police presence on the state’s roads this weekend, and so they should expect to be tested for alcohol and medicines anywhere, anytime.”
Australia’s road toll has increased by 18.7 per cent over the past 12 months, with the 2025 total up 1.7 per cent, or 22 more deaths than the previous yr.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has criticised the federal government’s road safety strategy after 2025 marked the fifth consecutive yr of rising road deaths – a trend it says has not occurred since 1952.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
