Double demerits to be applied from Christmas Eve in NSW, ACT and WA

Australian motorists could be hit with tougher penalties for breaking road rules this Christmas, with a number of states and territories handing out double demerit points from December 24.

Applying to the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Western Australia, double demerits will be slapped on certain traffic offences from Christmas Eve until early next year – potentially leading to a quicker loss of licence in certain situations.

For the ACT and NSW the double demerit period stretches from December 24, 2021, to January 3, 2022, while those in WA are at risk for almost another week – with the end date extended out to January 9, 2022.

It's worth noting each of the aforementioned states and territory all have varying laws on which road rules will be affected by double demerits, as the ACT also includes a list of extras in the period which add just one point rather than doubling the penalty.

For travellers in Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory, no double demerits apply during the public holiday period – though expect police to be extra vigilant given a majority of the country's state borders are now open.

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Despite Australia being in various stages of lockdown throughout the year, the 2021 road toll has risen to 1126 fatalities, a 1.4 per cent increase over 2020.

The New South Wales Government has also reinstated speed camera warning signs for mobile speed cameras, although as opposed to before where the signs would be placed in advance of the camera vehicle, they will now be affixed to the roof – giving drivers less time to react if they're doing the wrong thing.

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Western Australia