Double Demerit Points Explained for the 2025–2026 Christmas Holiday Period | Tynan Motors
As thousands of Australians prepare to hit the roads over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, Tynan Motors is reminding drivers to stay informed about double demerit points and prioritise road safety during one of the busiest times of the year.
Increased traffic, long-distance travel and holiday fatigue all contribute to higher risk on the roads — making awareness of double demerit periods especially important.
Where Do Double Demerit Points Apply?
Only three Australian jurisdictions enforce double demerit points during specific holiday periods:
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Western Australia (WA)
Queensland operates under a different system, applying higher penalties year-round for certain serious offences.
Importantly, if you are licensed in NSW, ACT or WA, double demerit points apply no matter where you are driving, including interstate.
Double Demerit Dates for Christmas 2025 / New Year 2026
New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory
- From 12:01am Wednesday, 24 December 2025
- Until 11:59pm Sunday, 4 January 2026
Western Australia
- From 12:01am Friday, 19 December 2025
- Until 11:59pm Sunday, 4 January 2026
Tynan Motors encourages all drivers to plan ahead and take extra care during these enforcement periods.
Which States and Territories Enforce Double Demerits?
| State or Territory | Double Demerit Points |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Yes |
| Victoria | No |
| Queensland | Yes (year-round for certain offences) |
| Western Australia | Yes |
| South Australia | No |
| Tasmania | No |
| Australian Capital Territory | Yes |
| Northern Territory | No |
Offences That Attract Double Demerit Points
New South Wales Double demerits apply for:
- Speeding
- Illegal mobile phone use
- Failing to wear a seatbelt
- Riding a motorcycle without a helmet
Australian Capital Territory The ACT applies double demerits for the same offences as NSW. In addition, an extra single demerit point applies to all other traffic offences during the double demerit period.
Western Australia Double demerit points apply for:
- Speeding
- Drink- or drug-driving
- Running a red light
- Failing to wear a seatbelt or child restraint
- Illegal mobile phone use
Driving a vehicle fitted with a radar detector, or attempting to avoid speed camera detection, can attract significantly higher penalties during the double demerit period.
Queensland’s Year-Round Higher Penalties
Queensland does not run holiday-specific double demerit periods. Instead, higher penalties apply year-round for certain offences, including:
- Speeding more than 20km/h over the limit
- Mobile phone offences
- Seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences
- Failing to ensure passengers under 16 are properly restrained
In Queensland, double demerits apply when the same offence is committed twice within 12 months, with the second offence attracting double points.
Staying Safe This Holiday Season with Tynan Motors
At Tynan Motors, road safety is always a priority. Whether you’re travelling locally or heading away for the holidays, obeying speed limits, staying off your phone and ensuring everyone is properly restrained can help keep you and others safe.
Before setting off, consider:
- Planning rest stops
- Checking your vehicle’s condition
- Allowing extra travel time
- Staying alert and well-rested
From all of us at Tynan Motors, drive safely this festive season and enjoy your Christmas and New Year responsibly.
Source: carexpert.com.au