Double demerits now in force in Sydney and across NSW: What you need to know

Police will be cracking down on speeding and distracted drivers as holidaymakers take to the roads and double demerit points will be imposed over this long King’s Birthday weekend.

Double demerit points came into effect on 12:01 am on Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m Monday through New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Double demerit points will be applied to all violations of speeding, seat belts, cell phone use and driving without a helmet.

All other traffic violations result in one additional penalty point.

NSW and the ACT are the only state and territory with double points over the June long weekend.

Western Australia will experience a long King’s Birthday weekend with double demerits in September.

NSW and the ACT are the only state and territory with double points over the June long weekend

Meanwhile, Queensland’s double penalty scheme targets drivers who commit repeat offenses on the road and is applied year-round.

Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory do not have colons.

NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said police were concerned about the busy long weekend after 13 people were killed during the same period last year.

“We have seen several fatal accidents on our roads in the last few weeks alone. This should not be acceptable to us as a community,” he said.

‘But it is not only the responsibility of the police to guarantee road safety.

“I would urge anyone who is a passenger in a vehicle to call out the poor behavior of drivers.

‘You may not only save your own life, but someone else’s as well. It’s up to all of us to do better.’