Double demerits will be enforced for most states and territories this Easter long weekend as drivers are reminded to slow down and drive safe.
The holiday period will see double demerits enforced across most parts of the country with families expected to hit the roads for a weekend getaway to visit loved ones.
Motorists are being warned to “remain vigilant” ahead of the expected spike in holiday 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 told Yahoo.
“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.”
Authorities have warned drivers who decide to speed, use their mobile phone and not wear a seatbelt, can expect heavy penalties, resulting in a loss of license for some drivers.
Read on to see what police enforcement will be used across states and territories over the Easter festive period.
Double demerits in NSW, ACT and WA
Double demerits will be enforced across New South Wales, the ACT and Western Australia starting from Thursday, April 19 to Easter Monday, April 21.
There will be a two-day break of double demerits, until it will be re-enforced across Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, April 27 for Anzac Day.
Fines remain the same and are not doubled.
Double demerit points will apply to offences like the use of no seatbelt, illegal phone use, speeding, and riding without a motorcycle helmet.
Residents in Western Australia will be issued double demerits if they run a red light over this enforced period.
Drivers have been reminded to stay alert, avoid fatal driving, and be safe on the roads.
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray is urging motorists on NSW’s roads to put safety first this Easter.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. I’m urging all drivers to be alert, patient and considerate – especially with more people expected on our roads across the next two weeks of long weekends,” Mr Murray said.
“Let’s make sure everyone gets to their destination safely and enjoys their Easter and Anzac weeks.
“And to the frontline staff working through the long weekends – thank you. Your efforts keep the network moving and our communities safe.”
SA, NT and Tasmania
South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania do not enforce double demerits over this festive period.
All drivers are urged to take extra care when travelling over the long weekend.
Queensland
Double demerits are enforced differently in the Sunshine State with repeat offenders carrying a fine within the space of 12 months issued a bigger fine then first time offenders.
Double demerit points are applied to motorists after certain second or subsequent offences committed within one year of a previous offence.
Offenders will be subjected to hefty fines if they use their seatbelt incorrectly, illegal phone use, motorcycle helmet offences and speeding more than 20km/h above the limit.
The second offence only needs to be within the same offence group to warrant double demerits.
Demerits are issued as normal for motorists over the Easter long weekend – if they have a clear record for more than 12 months.
Fines remain the same and are not doubled.
Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said: “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”.
Victoria
The southern state does not impose double demerit periods, however extra police presence will be enforced over the Easter long weekend.
Police will be launching a major eleven-day road safety operation from Thursday, April 17 to Sunday, April 27.
Police look to target impaired driving, seat belt offenders, excessive speeding, and high-risk driving involving fatigue.
Double demerit enforcement comes as the death toll on Australian roads has risen over the long weekend in previous years.
At least 16 people died across the Easter long weekend in 2023, increasing to 23 from last year.
