Demerit Points Scheme
Changes to the demerit points scheme introduced on
31 January 2011
From 31 January 2011, the demerit points threshold for unrestricted licence holders in NSW will increase from 12 to 13 points.
This means if you have an unrestricted NSW Driver Licence (not a learner or provisional licence), and you accumulate 13 demerit points, you will face a licence suspension. Professional drivers (ie those who drive for a living, such as taxi and heavy vehicle drivers) will also be able to claim an additional demerit point – their threshold will increase from 12 to 14 demerit points. For more information about the changed demerit points thresholds, who qualifies for the professional driver status and how to prove it, click on the RTA site link:
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/rulesregulations/penalties/demeritpoints/index.html?hhid=demeritchanges
Demerit points for 22 offences reduced or removed
From 31 December 2010, demerit points for 22 offences committed on or after this date will be reduced or removed.
These include roundabout, indicator, bus lane and towing offences.Demerit points for key road safety offences such as speeding and seatbelt use will remain unchanged. For more information click on the RTA site link:
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/rulesregulations/penalties/demeritpoints/index.html?hhid=demeritchanges
About the Demerit Points Scheme
The Demerit Points Scheme is a national program that allocates penalty points (demerits) for a range of driving offences. The scheme is designed to encourage safe and responsible driving. Along with financial penalties, demerit points provide a strong incentive to drive within the law.
Accumulating points
A driver who has not committed any offences has zero points. When an offence that carries demerit points is committed, the points are added to the licence holder’s driving record. If the licence holder incurs the threshold number of demerit points within a three-year period, a licence suspension or refusal is applied.
The thresholds are as follows:
- Unrestricted licence – 13 points.
- Professional drivers – 14 points (from 31 January 2011).
- Provisional P2 licence – 7 points.
- Provisional P1 licence – 4 points.
- Learner licence – 4 points (from 28 September 2009).