Double demerit factors at the moment are in impact for the Easter lengthy weekend throughout a number of Australian states and territories.
5 days of double demerits started at midnight on Thursday, April 2, in New South Wales, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
They’ll run throughout the Easter break, together with the 4 consecutive public holidays from Friday, April 3 by way of to 11:59pm Monday, April 6.
In case you dwell in certainly one of these three jurisdictions and are travelling interstate, double demerits will nonetheless apply.
Double demerits additionally apply year-round in Queensland for sure offences, although South Australia, Victoria, the Northern Territory and Tasmania don’t have double demerits schemes.
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| State or territory | Double demerit factors? |
|---|---|
| New 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 factors apply for dashing, unlawful cell phone use, failing to put on a seatbelt, and using a bike and not using a helmet.
In WA, in addition they apply for drink- or drug-driving and operating a purple mild.
NSW Police will perform Operation Easter, with normal duties and specialist officers focusing on dashing, cell phone use, seatbelt compliance, and motorcyclists and cyclists not sporting helmets.
The variety of street deaths in NSW year-to-date has risen to 88, which Transport for NSW says is 11 greater than on the similar level final yr.
“This Easter, we’re asking drivers to consider the those who matter most to them and decelerate, drive to the situations and make good selections,” stated NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley.
“Police might be out in pressure focusing on unlawful, reckless behaviour as a result of all of us need the identical factor: to keep away from one other preventable tragedy and guarantee our family members make it house alive.”
Western Australia has recorded 45 fatalities to March 31, 2026, down from 53 on the similar level final yr.
WA Police will goal the Easter lengthy weekend with a brand new fleet of BMW X5 SUVs, introduced by the state authorities this week.
Officers will deal with the ‘Deadly 5’ causes of street trauma: dashing, seatbelts, fatigue, distraction, and medicines and alcohol.
“As we strategy the Easter lengthy weekend and college holidays, I need to remind all street customers to maintain your self and others secure on the street,” stated Police and Street Security Minister Reece Whitby.
“Incorrectly worn seatbelts, distractions from cellphones, dashing, fatigue, and medicines and alcohol are all preventable causes of deadly crashes.”
WA Street Security Commissioner Adrian Warner added: “The chance of dropping your licence shouldn’t be the motivating issue to vary your behaviour when behind the wheel. As an alternative, take into consideration the chance of dropping your life or killing and injuring another person, similar to a cherished one, ought to be the main focus.”
Whereas it doesn’t have a double demerits scheme, Victoria Police has commenced Operation Nexus, with officers deliberately extremely seen as they deal with imposing pace limits.
“We all know this can be a weekend that draws vital journey throughout the state, so we gained’t be taking any probabilities – and neither must you,” stated Performing Assistant Commissioner, Street Policing Command, Justin Goldsmith.
“Motorists can anticipate to see a serious police presence on the state’s roads this weekend, and they need to anticipate to be examined for alcohol and medicines wherever, anytime.”
Australia’s street toll has elevated by 18.7 per cent over the previous 12 months, with the 2025 whole up 1.7 per cent, or 22 extra deaths than the earlier yr.
The Australian Car Affiliation (AAA) has criticised the federal authorities’s street security technique after 2025 marked the fifth consecutive yr of rising street deaths – a pattern it says has not occurred since 1952.
