Where are double points in effect this October long weekend? Here’s our state-by-state breakdown
Double demerit points will be introduced in some parts of the country as millions of Aussies hit the road for the Labor Day long weekend.
Penalties for reckless drivers will vary across the country, with some states, such as Victoria and South Australia, choosing not to impose harsher penalties.
Western Australia has imposed double demerits on the King’s Birthday, which the state celebrated on September 25, but police will not enforce the same rule this weekend.
Other jurisdictions such as NSW will begin enforcing double demerits from 12.01am on Friday.
Tougher penalties will apply to drivers heading out to enjoy the Labor Day long weekend, with most states doubling penalties
Double demerits will be in force for four days, from Friday September 29 to Monday October 2, as police look to combat fatigue and recklessness this long weekend
New South Wales
From 12.01am on Friday, NSW Police will penalize anyone caught breaking road rules this weekend with additional demerit points.
These increased fines will apply on roads across the state until 11:59pm on Monday.
Anyone caught speeding, using mobile phones behind the wheel, not wearing a seat belt in the car and riding a bicycle without a helmet risks a double penalty.
ACT
According to the ACT, police will start imposing double demerit points from 12.01am on Friday, with the more severe penalties in force until 11.59pm on Monday.
The federal police will also look for violations of speeding, seat belts, helmets or mobile phones.
Other offences, such as driving at night without headlights, will still cost drivers the loss of an additional penalty point if caught.
Queensland
In QLD, double points are not in effect at any time during the year and this standard will not be changed before or after the Labor Day weekend.
However, repeat offenders caught committing the same offense more than once within a twelve-month period are routinely hit with double demerits in the state.
This includes anyone driving more than 20km/h over the limit, as well as those using their mobile phone behind the wheel, or seat belt and motorcycle helmet violations.
In NSW, ACT and QLD drivers receive double demerit points for varying degrees of offences, with ACT targeting specific offenses and NSW doubling them for any violations
VIC, SA, TAS and NT will not change their sentences over the next four days, but WA did when they celebrated the King’s Birthday in September
Western Australia
In Western Australia, double points are not awarded for all public holidays.
There will be no special penalties for drivers in the state this weekend.
Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania
In Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Northern Territory, police will issue violations as usual without harsher penalties.
That does not mean that drivers should feel too comfortable, the police warn.
In the Garden State, Victorian Police announced Operation Regal on Thursday, which will see more patrols on the roads over the long weekend.