Double demerit points are now in effect for the Easter long weekend across several Australian states and territories.
Five days of double demerits began at midnight on Thursday, April 2, in New South Wales, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
They’ll run across the Easter break, including the four consecutive public holidays from Friday, April 3 through to 11:59pm Monday, April 6.
If you live in one of these three jurisdictions and are travelling interstate, double demerits will still apply.
Double demerits also apply year-round in Queensland for certain offences, though South Australia, Victoria, the Northern Territory and Tasmania don’t have double demerits schemes.
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| State or territory | Double demerit points? |
|---|---|
| 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 points apply for speeding, illegal mobile phone use, failing to wear a seatbelt, and riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
In WA, they also apply for drink- or drug-driving and running a red light.
NSW Police will carry out Operation Easter, with general duties and specialist officers targeting speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt compliance, and motorcyclists and cyclists not wearing helmets.
The number of road deaths in NSW year-to-date has risen to 88, which Transport for NSW says is 11 more than at the same point last year.
“This Easter, we’re asking drivers to think about the people that matter most to them and slow down, drive to the conditions and make smart choices,” said NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley.
“Police will be out in force targeting illegal, reckless behaviour because we all want the same thing: to avoid another preventable tragedy and ensure our loved ones make it home alive.”
Western Australia has recorded 45 fatalities to March 31, 2026, down from 53 at the same point last year.
WA Police will target the Easter long weekend with a new fleet of BMW X5 SUVs, announced by the state government this week.
Officers will focus on the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of road trauma: speeding, seatbelts, fatigue, distraction, and drugs and alcohol.
“As we approach the Easter long weekend and school holidays, I want to remind all road users to keep yourself and others safe on the road,” said Police and Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby.
“Incorrectly worn seatbelts, distractions from mobile phones, speeding, fatigue, and drugs and alcohol are all preventable causes of fatal crashes.”
WA Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner added: “The risk of losing your licence should not be the motivating factor to change your behaviour when behind the wheel. Instead, think about the risk of losing your life or killing and injuring someone else, such as a loved one, should be the focus.”
While it doesn’t have a double demerits scheme, Victoria Police has commenced Operation Nexus, with officers intentionally highly visible as they focus on enforcing speed limits.
“We know this is a weekend that attracts significant travel across the state, so we won’t be taking any chances – and neither should you,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner, Road Policing Command, Justin Goldsmith.
“Motorists can expect to see a major police presence on the state’s roads this weekend, and they should expect to be tested for alcohol and drugs anywhere, anytime.”
Australia’s road toll has increased by 18.7 per cent over the past 12 months, with the 2025 total up 1.7 per cent, or 22 more deaths than the previous year.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has criticised the federal government’s road safety strategy after 2025 marked the fifth consecutive year of rising road deaths – a trend it says has not occurred since 1952.