Double demerit points for NSW drivers kick in for Australia Day

Lucky holidaymakers will be hitting the road to make the most of the public holiday this week, however motorists are being warned to drive safely or they’ll pay a heavy price.

Drivers are being warned to be extra cautious as double demerits are brought in for Australia Day.

For those in NSW and the ACT, double demerits will be in force from 12.01am on Wednesday to 11.59pm on Sunday.

The change means drivers caught committing certain offences on the road will face double the demerit points for that offence.

Police will crack down on drivers flouting road rules over the Australia Day period. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

It applies to speeding, the illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt and riding without a motorcycle helmet.

Drivers are urged to keep in mind that mobile phone detection cameras are active and drivers caught using their phones during a double-demerit period will be hit with a $352 fine ($469 in a school zone) and 10 demerits.

Dubbed Operation Australia Day, law enforcement officers will be on ramped up patrols on the lookout for drivers breaking the rules.

“Double demerits will apply during the operation, and additional police will be deployed across the state, in both regional and metro areas, to keep the community safe over the busy period,” an NSW Police spokesperson said.

The NRMA warned drivers that school zones and their 40km/h limit would be activated on Friday.

Drivers in NSW, ACT and Queensland have been reminded that the 40km/h speed limit in school zones will be operational on Friday, the day after the public holiday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

“Drivers are reminded additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones,” an NRMA spokesperson said.

Queensland’s double demerit point system will remain in operation, with drivers penalised with double points all year round if they commit a second or subsequent offence within 12 months.

Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory will not have a double demerit points system in place, with usual penalties applied to drivers.

Western Australia, which applies double demerit points to drivers on other public holidays, does not have the system in place for the Australia Day period.