Double Demerits WA: Dates to Mark in Your Calendar

Long weekend around the corner? That could be your cue to set out on a road trip and explore some of the spectacular natural beauty Western Australia has to offer. But with double demerits in WA during long weekends and holiday periods, it can also mean certain driving offences can carry harsher penalties than usual.

In this article, we list the double demerits WA dates to be aware of, as well as the offences that can attract double demerits. We also explain what happens if you get pinged in another state or territory during a double demerits window, and how demerit points may affect your car insurance premiums.

When are double demerits in WA?

In WA, double demerit periods generally coincide with long weekends and public holidays.¹

Long weekend double demerits in WA exist for good reason – these holiday periods typically create higher volumes of traffic, especially on popular holiday routes with higher speed limits.²

“Long weekends and holiday periods are risky times for road safety,” WA Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner told ABC News.³

“More vehicles on the roads during peak travel times, such as long weekends and holidays, can result in a higher number of crashes for a range of reasons.”³

“We know double demerits work, but the fear of getting caught shouldn’t be your key reason to drive safe.”³

Double demerits WA 2025-2026 dates

​​Below are the dates when double demerits will be in effect in WA over the 2025-2026 Christmas and New Year period, and across 2026.⁴

Dates are subject to change, however, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the relevant government website.¹

*The King’s Birthday may be observed on different dates in some regional areas – check the WA Government’s website for details.⁴

What offences are subject to double demerit points in WA?

The WA double demerits scheme applies for offences related to:¹

• Speeding
• Drink or drug driving
• Failing to wear a seatbelt or child restraint
• Running a red light
• Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving
• Driving a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period)
• Driving a motor vehicle in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period).¹

During double demerit periods, the demerit points that would usually be applied to your licence if you were caught committing any of the relevant offences can be doubled.⁵

For example, a driver caught not wearing a seatbelt – an offence that normally carries a penalty of four demerit points in WA – could have a total of eight demerit points applied to their licence during a double demerits period.⁵

What if I exceed my points during a double demerits period?

Depending on the type of licence you have, your demerit point limit in WA may be four, eight or 12. If this amount or more is accrued within a three-year period, you will be served with an Excessive Demerit Point Notice (EDPN) and risk having your licence disqualified for a period of time.⁶

This means that if you’re caught during a WA double demerits period driving with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera, or in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera, you could automatically have your licence disqualified or be subject to a good behaviour period.¹

What is the good behaviour period in WA?

In WA, eligible full-licence drivers can choose to serve a 12-month good behaviour period instead of having their licence suspended if they accrue too many demerit points.

Full licence holders generally risk having their licence disqualified for a minimum of three months if they accumulate 12 or more demerit points within a three-year period.⁶

For learner and provisional licence holders, the threshold is lower – it’s four or more demerit points from when you get your learner’s permit until you’ve had your P-plates for one year, and eight or more if you’re in your second year of P-plates.⁷

During the 12-month good behaviour period, drivers are allowed to keep driving but if they receive more than one demerit point , they will have to serve double the original licence disqualification period.⁶

Do double demerits mean double fines in WA?

No. While demerit points are doubled for certain offences during double demerit periods, any fines that are issued, including speeding fines in WA, remain unchanged.⁸

Are double demerit periods the same nationwide?

In short – no. Not all Australian states and territories use double demerit points.⁹

Along with Western Australia, only New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory apply double demerit points to certain offences during specific times of the year.⁹ In Queensland, double demerits are applied year-round to certain repeat offences committed within 12 months of the original offence.¹⁰

Double demerit points don’t apply at any time of the year in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia or the Northern Territory.⁹

What if I’m caught breaking road rules interstate?

WA drivers who are caught breaking road rules interstate won’t have demerit points applied to their WA licence – even during double demerit periods.⁶

Demerit points accrued in other Australian jurisdictions require you to pay the infringement, but the demerit points aren’t recorded against your WA driver’s licence.⁶

What if you’re an interstate driver booked for a double demerits offence while driving in WA?

Depending on where you live, it’s possible those double demerits might follow you home and be applied to your licence.¹¹ However, different rules apply in different states and territories, so before getting behind the wheel in WA, you might want to consider checking with the relevant local authority.

Do demerit points impact my car insurance?

Some insurance companies might take your driving history – including any demerit points you’ve accrued – into account when calculating your premium.¹²

​“It could 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 your premium could rise, given you might be perceived as a driver with elevated risk,” says Marni Jackson, Youi Head of Product, Vehicle and Lifestyle.

And bear in mind, if you’re asked by your insurer how many demerit points you’ve accrued, you have a duty under Australian law to answer truthfully.​¹³

​​“Depending on the insurer, they may even reduce or refuse to pay a claim if you give the wrong information,” says Jackson.¹³

How to check your WA demerit point status

Active demerit points expire after three years in WA.⁶ You can check how many you have at any time by jumping onto the Department of Transport’s website and using your date of birth and your driver’s licence details to search for your record.¹⁴

Already planning a long-weekend road trip in WA? Now that you understand how the state’s double demerits scheme works, you might consider starting a quote with Youi to find you-shaped insurance for your ride.

Note: Information in this article is relevant as of September 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant Government websites for updates if this information is important to you.

¹ Source: WA Government – Double demerits, September 2025
² Source: WA Government – Motorists urged to drive cautiously over a wet long weekend, May 2025
³ Source: ABC News – When do double demerits start and where do they apply during the public holiday period?, April 2025
⁴ Source: WA Government – Public holidays in Western Australia, August 2025
⁵ Source: WA Government, Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure – Driving offences (speeding, alcohol and traffic)
⁶ Source: WA Government, Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure – Demerit points
⁷ Source: Legal Aid Western Australia – Demerit point suspension
⁸ Source: WA Government – Easter double demerit reminder, April 2024
⁹ Source: Drive – What offences get double demerit points, January 2025
¹⁰ Source: Qld Government – Double demerit points
¹¹ Source: NSW Government – How demerit points work
¹² Source: Canstar – Do demerit points affect your car insurance premiums?, April 2025
¹³ Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. See our Car Insurance PDS for full details
¹⁴ Source: WA Government, Department of Transport – Driver’s Demerit Point Enquiry