For many Australians, long weekends and holiday periods mean a welcome window to unwind with family and friends. For NSW drivers caught committing certain traffic offences, that may also mean the sting of double demerit penalties.
To help you stay informed and aware out on the road, we list some of the double demerits NSW dates for 2025, and the offences that can earn you those extra demerits. We also look at what happens if you get caught breaking road rules interstate during a NSW double demerits period, and how demerit points may affect your car insurance, including Compulsory Third Party (CTP) premiums.
Are double demerit periods the same across Australia?
Not every Australian state and territory applies double demerit points, but those that do – including New South Wales – typically enforce them during specific times of year, such as public holidays and long weekends. For more information, check out our breakdown of the double demerit rules in Australia.
Along with NSW,1 the Australian Capital Territory2 and Western Australia3 apply double demerit points to certain offences during specific times of year. In Queensland, double demerits apply year-round to certain repeat offences.4 As of February 2025, double demerit points don’t apply at any time of the year in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia or the Northern Territory.
What offences attract double demerit points in NSW?
The NSW double demerits scheme applies to:1
- Speeding
- Seatbelt offences
- Riding without a helmet
- Mobile phone offences.1
During double demerit periods, the demerit points that would usually apply to these offences can be doubled.
For example, a driver caught using their mobile phone unlawfully in NSW – an offence that would normally carry a penalty of five demerit points – could have a total of 10 demerit points applied to their licence during a double demerit period.5
How long do demerit points stay active in NSW?
In NSW, demerit points stay active on your licence for a three-year period, and NSW drivers may have their licence suspended if they exceed their demerit limit. This demerit limit depends on the type of licence you have:1
- Unrestricted licence: 13 points
- Professional drivers: 14 points
- Provisional P2 licence: 7 points
- Provisional P1 licence: 4 points
- Learner licence: 4 points
- Unrestricted licence during a good behaviour period: 2 points1
Do you have to pay double the fine during double demerit periods?
No. If you get caught committing any of the double demerit offences, such as using a mobile phone illegally or carrying passengers who are incorrectly wearing a seatbelt, you’ll be hit with double the points, but not double the fine.6
When are the NSW double demerits periods?
As of October 2023, NSW enforces double demerits during six public holiday periods throughout the year: Australia Day, Easter, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, Labour Day and the Christmas to New Year period.6 In 2025-2026, the Christmas to New Year double demerit period runs from Wednesday 24 December 2025 through to Sunday 4 January 2026.6
NSW double demerit periods in 2025
Double demerit periods for 2025 in NSW are as follows:6
| Public holiday period | Double demerit point period |
| Australia Day | 24 January to 27 January 2025 |
| Easter | 17 April to 21 April 2025 |
| Anzac Day | 24 April to 27 April 2025 |
| King’s Birthday | 6 June to 9 June 2025* |
| Labour Day | 3 October to 6 October 2025 |
| Christmas to New Year | 24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 |
*On Friday, 6 June, school zones are in operation. Additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones.6
Keep in mind, the NSW Government may change the double demerit periods at any time. Please check relevant government websites for updates if this information is important to you.
Do double demerit points transfer across states?
Any NSW driver who flouts the road rules in a state or territory that doesn’t enforce double demerit points won’t necessarily avoid increased penalties. A NSW driver caught committing an offence outside NSW may still have the number of demerit points that the offence attracts in NSW – including double demerits if they’re caught during a long weekend or holiday period – applied to their licence.1
Demerit point relief for safe drivers
If the purpose of double demerits is to incentivise drivers to improve their driving behaviour during peak traffic periods, the flipside is Transport for NSW’s safe drivers trial.6 Under the scheme, if you’re an unrestricted NSW licence holder with active demerit points on your licence, you may be eligible to have one demerit point scrubbed from your licence if you can maintain an offence-free driving record until 31 January 2026.6
“There is no acceptable road toll and that’s why we are using both the carrot and the stick approach to encourage safer driving,” says NSW Premier Chris Minns.7
Holders of a provisional or learner licence are not eligible for demerit point relief under this trial.6
Do demerit points impact your car insurance?
Some insurance companies might take your driving history – including any demerit points you have accrued – into account when calculating your car insurance premium, including CTP.8
“At Youi, if you have accrued demerit points, this will typically increase your premium,” says Marni Jackson, Youi Head of Product for Vehicle, Lifestyle and Leisure.
It might also be worth remembering that if your licence has been suspended for any reason – including if you’ve exceeded your demerit points limit – there’s a possibility that your premium could rise, given you might be perceived as a driver with elevated risk.
When it comes to Compulsory Third Party insurance, Glen Robinson, Youi’s Head of Product for CTP, says demerit points are taken into account for NSW drivers.
“In some states, including New South Wales, the number of demerit points you have incurred contributes to the price of your CTP insurance, with higher demerits typically leading to you paying higher premiums,” says Robinson.
Now that you have the NSW double demerits dates to mark in your calendar for 2025, you can hopefully avoid earning any fines or double demerits, while doing your part to make our roads safer. And if you’re looking for options to keep your vehicle covered, consider our car insurance options to see if one’s right for you.
Information in this article is relevant as of February 2025 and by its nature may change over time. Check relevant government websites for updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: NSW Government – How demerit points work
2 Source: ACT Government – Road Transport (Offences) Amendment Regulation 2018 (No 1)
3 Source: WA Government – Double demerits
4 Source: Qld Government – Double demerit points
5 Source: NSW Government – Centre for Road Safety, Mobile phones
6 Source: NSW Government – Demerit points
7 Source: NSW Government – One million safe drivers rewarded with a demerit point removed, January 2025
8 Source: Canstar – How much does car insurance cost?, September 2024
