When do colons begin and end in NSW and ACT

Motorists are being warned to slow down and use caution as holidaymakers head out over the Easter long weekend.

Double demerit points and hefty fines will be imposed in several states as police crack down on driving and traffic violations such as speeding, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, using a cell phone while driving and not wearing a seat belt .

Nearly 1,200 people died on Australia’s roads in 2022, a five per cent increase from 2021 national road tolls.

New South Wales:

Double demerits will take effect at 12:01 AM on Thursday, April 6 and last until 11:59 PM on Monday, April 10.

Under the scheme first introduced in 1997, anyone caught speeding, talking on their mobile phone, driving without a helmet or not wearing a seatbelt will lose double the normal number of points on their driver’s license and receive a double fine.

NSW Police will ramp up its crackdown with Operation Easter 2023 – a highly visible traffic operation aimed at reducing road deaths.

The operation will mainly focus on speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue, not wearing seatbelts and helmets and the use of mobile phones.

“This Easter, our officers will be out doing their best to keep the roads safe so everyone can get to their destination in time for a wonderful weekend with loved ones,” said Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Tracy Chapman.

‘The message is simple; drive at the speed limit, focus on the road – not your phone, and make sure you have a plan B when you drink.

“For the past two years, we have seen seven fatalities on the road every Easter weekend. The goal this year is to reduce that number.’

Drivers face the harsher penalty if they are caught speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or using a cell phone

Australian Capital Territory

The country’s capital will have an almost identical dual penal system.

It will begin and end at the same time as NSW and will particularly target speeding, mobile phone, unbelted and helmetless motorcyclists.

Any other traffic violation will result in an additional penalty point being erased from your driver’s license.

With Australians unable to go on holiday abroad, the roads are expected to be very busy

Last year 545 people were tragically killed on the country’s roads and police fear the staggering number will continue to rise

Queensland

Queensland does not operate a double point system during holiday periods.

“Drivers who commit specific offenses repeatedly will be charged double demerit points for the second or subsequent offense if the later offense is committed within 12 months of a previous offence,” Queensland Transport says on their website.

Queensland permit holders are warned that if they commit a traffic offense in any other state in Australia, demerit points may be applied and recorded in your traffic history as if the offense had been committed in the Sunshine State.

Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania

Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania do not have a double points scheme, but police in those areas will be on duty during the holiday season.

Every state and territory will ramp up their police presence ahead of the busy Easter holiday in an effort to lower road tolls in the country.

Double Penalties begin at midnight on Thursday, April 1 and last until 11:59 PM on Monday, April 5