Australia is gearing up for its yearly Easter weekend, where drivers caught breaking the rules face double the usual demerit points for each offense. Police will be out in force on roads nationwide to catch errant drivers, though not every state will participate in the double demerit initiative.
From Thursday, March 28, through Monday, April 1, police in New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory will enforce double demerit points for various offenses, including speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, and not wearing a helmet while riding.
In both NSW and the ACT, the use of mobile phone detection cameras means that drivers caught on their phones during this period will face a fine of $352—or $469 in school zones—and accrue 10 demerit points.
Meanwhile, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory will not implement double demerit points, but they will increase police patrols on the roads throughout the extended weekend.
In Queensland, the approach to double-demerit points is unique, operating continuously rather than being specifically introduced for congested long weekends.
The double whammy of demerits applies to people who have committed a second offence within 12 months of the first.
Police have cautioned drivers that they do not have to recommit the same offence to score a double demerit.
