When do double demerits start? here’s your guide to the Easter and Anzac Day long weekend

Double demerits will be enforced across most of the country this long weekend, with drivers being urged to stay vigilant on the roads.

With the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends quickly approaching, drivers are being urged to slow down and stay safe during one of the most dangerous and busiest times on Australian roads.

Double demerits will be in force across most of the country with thousands of motorists expected to hit the roads for a weekend getaway or to visit loved ones during the holiday period.

New data has found more than a quarter of Aussies plan to take off the three working days between the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends for an extended break and almost two-thirds of those are planning to travel.

Motorists are being warned to “remain vigilant” ahead of the expected surge in traffic on both local and regional roads.

“We’re expecting traffic to ramp up as we get closer to Easter, particularly as the rest of the states fall into their school holiday period,” NRMA’s Peter Khoury said.

NRMA’s Peter Khoury said traffic is expected to ramp up over the extended long weekend, with many expected to hit the roads for a holiday or to visit loved ones. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“We know that a lot of families are going to take that time off between Easter and Anzac Day and make it a longer holiday … we’re going to see not just more people on the roads, but more people driving on unfamiliar roads, particularly regional highways, and more people driving on roads for longer distances.

“These challenges, coupled with the wet weather we’ve been seeing in Queensland and NSW – and a lot of roads are already damaged – are a concern,” he told Yahoo.

Those caught breaking the rules – including speeding, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt – can expect heavy penalties, authorities warn.

Double demerit points will be in force across New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory from April 17 to 21, then again from April 24 to 27 this year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

New South Wales, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory will have double demerits in place between April 17 and 21 then April 24 to 27 this year.

Although double demerit points apply all year around in Queensland, police operations are ramping up to help drivers “make safe choices”.

“Easter is a time for families and friends to create lasting memories. We do not want to see anyone’s holiday period end in tragedy,” QPS Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid the “fatal five” as they hit the road to celebrate the long weekend, such as those heading to Sydney’s Royal Easter Show. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“It’s critical that drivers and riders stay alert and avoid the fatal five: driving under the influence, speeding, fatigue, distraction, and failing to wear a seatbelt correctly.”

Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania are free from double demerits with normal penalties, plus extra police patrols, in place.

It comes as the death toll on Australian roads has risen over the long weekend in prior years.

At least 16 people lost their lives across the Easter long weekend in 2023, which increased to 23 last year.

Originally published as When do double demerits start? here’s your guide to the Easter and Anzac Day long weekend