Double demerits kick in for Australia Day long weekend

Double demerits will run for four days over the Australia Day long weekend period, with drivers warned to be careful on the roads.

Drivers have been warned to take care on the roads this long weekend, with double demerits set to start overnight and run through the long weekend.

Double demerits are in place until 11.59pm on Monday for NSW, the ACT and WA.

Double demerit points apply for speeding, seat belt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences

Motorists caught for speeding, seat belt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences during this time will cop double the demerit points.

The higher penalties mean if you are caught using your phone behind the wheel this holiday period you’ll cop 10 demerit points along with a $344 fine in NSW.

Not wearing a seat belt is six demerit points and a $344 fine. This jumps up to 12 demerit points when driving with two or more unrestrained passengers and can result in a fine of up to $1449.

Drivers caught illegally using their phones behind the wheel will be risking 10 demerit points. Picture: Damian Shaw

Thousands of people are expected to join in celebrations this Australia Day, with NSW Police launching a highly visible policing operation.

“To ensure everyone enjoys the long weekend safely, police will be out in the community focusing on alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour. Anyone acting inappropriately will be dealt with swiftly and face the full force of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb said.

“If you’re planning on having a drink, remember the coveted national culture of ‘mateship’ – look after your mates and drink in moderation.”

The policing operation willy also extend to the NSW waterways, with Australia Day being one of the busiest annual events on Sydney Harbour and across coastal and local inland waterways.

Acting Superintendent Joe McNulty reminded people that the alcohol limit for operating a boat on the water was 0.05, the same as driving.

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Double demerits will run from Friday to Monday.

“With significant maritime traffic expected on the harbour and on waterways across the state, skippers are reminded that police will be conducting drug and alcohol testing on the water as well as compliance checks,” Supt McNulty said.

“Drinking alcohol or taking drugs while out on the water can end in tragedy, so look after your friends and family and act responsibly.”

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER STATES?

Not all states employ double demerits during holiday periods, with only a few others following the same system as NSW and the ACT.

Western Australia applies double demerits during holiday periods, with the long weekend operation running from January 24 to January 27.

During this period the higher penalties will apply to offences such as drink and drug-driving, not wearing a seat belt, driving through a red light, using a mobile phone while driving and speeding.

Queensland also has double demerits, but unlike other states they are not just applied during certain times of the year.

Drivers who repeatedly commit specific offences will receive double demerit points for the subsequent offence.

This only applies if the later offence was committed within 12 months of a previous offence.

This rule is aimed at targeting specific offences including speeding more than 20km/h over the limit, illegal use of mobile phone, not correctly wearing a seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.