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 to 11:59pm Monday, April 6.
In case you stay in one among 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 rushing, unlawful cell phone use, failing to put on a seatbelt, and driving a motorbike with no helmet.
In WA, in addition they apply for drink- or drug-driving and operating a crimson gentle.
NSW Police will perform Operation Easter, with basic duties and specialist officers focusing on rushing, cell phone use, seatbelt compliance, and motorcyclists and cyclists not carrying 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 12 months.
“This Easter, we’re asking drivers to consider the those who matter most to them and decelerate, drive to the situations and make good decisions,” stated NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley.
“Police will probably 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 residence alive.”
Western Australia has recorded 45 fatalities to March 31, 2026, down from 53 on the similar level final 12 months.
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: rushing, seatbelts, fatigue, distraction, and medicines and alcohol.
“As we method the Easter lengthy weekend and faculty holidays, I wish to remind all street customers to maintain your self and others protected on the street,” stated Police and Street Security Minister Reece Whitby.
“Incorrectly worn seatbelts, distractions from cell phones, rushing, fatigue, and medicines and alcohol are all preventable causes of deadly crashes.”
WA Street Security Commissioner Adrian Warner added: “The danger of shedding your licence shouldn’t be the motivating issue to vary your behaviour when behind the wheel. As a substitute, take into consideration the chance of shedding your life or killing and injuring another person, reminiscent of a beloved one, needs 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 implementing velocity limits.
“We all know this can be a weekend that pulls important journey throughout the state, so we received’t be taking any probabilities – and neither do you have to,” stated Appearing 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 anyplace, anytime.”
Australia’s street toll has elevated by 18.7 per cent over the previous 12 months, with the 2025 complete up 1.7 per cent, or 22 extra deaths than the earlier 12 months.
The Australian Car Affiliation (AAA) has criticised the federal authorities’s street security technique after 2025 marked the fifth consecutive 12 months of rising street deaths – a development it says has not occurred since 1952.
