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This Easter some states are introducing harsher penalties for offences such as speeding and mobile phone use in an effort to help curb the number of road deaths and injuries over the holiday.
So, what does this mean for you?
NSW and the ACT are introducing double demerit points from today until the 18th of April. This means that if you are caught speeding, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, or not following helmet laws you will receive twice as many demerits than you typically would.
As for WA, they too are doubling their demerit points, however their list of offences differ slightly. If you are in our largest state this weekend, speeding, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt will result in double demerits. In addition to this, trying to avoid a speed camera, running a red light, or being over the blood alcohol limit or under the influence of an illegal substance will also see your demerit points climb at twice the rate.
Those in QLD should be aware that there is already a double demerit point system in place for repeat offenders. This means that if you commit the same driving offence within a 12 month period you gain twice the amount of demerit points.
VIC, TAS, NT, and SA are not implementing the double demerit point system. However, all states have made it clear that they will significantly be increasing police presence on the roads, especially major highways to help ensure that everyone gets to their destination alive.
Sources:
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/double-demerits
https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/double-demerits.html
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