Double demerit points are now active across New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory for the Australia Day long weekend, starting Friday, January 23, and concluding at 11:59 pm on Monday, January 26. This means harsher penalties for speeding, mobile phone use while driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt.
State-by-State Breakdown
- New South Wales, Western Australia, and ACT: Double demerits apply to speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt violations.
- Western Australia: Additional double demerits will be issued for drink/drug driving, running red lights, and attempts to evade speed cameras.
- Queensland: Already operates under year-round double demerits, so no change for the holiday period.
- Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania: No additional penalties will be enforced.
Increased Police Enforcement
Authorities across the country are deploying increased patrols to enforce road rules. NSW Acting Minister for Police Paul Scully emphasized that “police will be out in force to keep people safe on our roads.” The goal is to deter risky behavior and reduce accidents, as speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving remain major contributors to fatal collisions.
Victoria’s Operation Amity
While Victoria won’t apply double demerits, it will conduct Operation Amity from January 23–26, focusing heavily on speeding. According to Victoria Police, speeding contributes to at least 30% of fatal crashes. During the 2025 Christmas and New Year period, 6,820 speeding offenses were detected, with most drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10–25 km/h.
Growing Concerns Over Road Safety
Despite record numbers of traffic cameras and related revenue generation, Australia’s road toll continues to rise. This suggests that simply increasing enforcement may not solve the problem, and broader safety measures may be needed. The effectiveness of current strategies is questionable given that fatalities remain a significant issue.
Authorities urge drivers to prioritize safety by planning ahead, driving to conditions, and avoiding fatigue. The message is clear: road safety is paramount, and non-compliance carries increased consequences this long weekend.
