Drivers in New South Wales have been warned of an extended double demerits period covering Thursday’s one-off public holiday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared September 22 a national public holiday for Australians to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
With many people anticipated to be taking Friday off too, it’s set to be a busy time on the country’s roads.
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In NSW, the Day of Mourning precedes the school holiday break, prompting an extended double demerits period.
Double demerits will apply from 12am on Wednesday, September 21, until 11.59pm on Sunday, September 25.
The extra penalties will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
In Australia, only NSW, Western Australia and the ACT apply double demerit penalties during set periods.
WA Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner confirmed the state’s double demerits period would run as normal from 12.01am on Friday, September 23, to 11.59pm on Monday, September 26 – the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
Extending the period into Thursday, September 22 was considered, but is not possible under current legislation.
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Nine.com.au has contacted the ACT government to ask whether double demerits will be in force at any point this week.
Victoria, South Australia the Northern Territory and Tasmania do not have a double demerits scheme.
Queensland does apply double demerits, but for repeat offences year-round, rather than during set periods.
Specifically, if a driver commits the same offence two or more times in a 12 month period, double demerit points will apply to the second and any subsequent offences.
