Double Demerits ACT: What are the rules?

Demerit points are used to prevent further road incidents and fatalities and encourage Australians to improve their driving habits. However, in some states and territories, double demerits apply during public holiday periods.

In the Australian Capital Territory demerit points are used as a penalty when you commit a traffic offence. And while some traffic offences don't attract a demerit point penalty, other types of penalties (such as suspensions) may apply.

In the ACT, double demerit points can apply during national public holiday weekends.

The number of demerits you receive will depend on:

• The licence type

• The type of offence

• The severity of the offence group

• The time of year (for example, over public holiday periods)

The Australian Capital Territory will only enforce double demerit points over national public holidays.

Here are the offences where double demerit points apply:

• Speed limit offences

• Seat belt offences

• Motorcycle helmet offences

• Mobile phone offences

One extra demerit point will be added to all other types of traffic offences.

Different double demerits systems also apply in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

Governments in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory don't enforce double demerit points.

The type of licence you hold will determine how many demerit points you can get before it's suspended. And the more severe your traffic offence, the more demerit points you'll receive.

When you get a learner licence in the ACT, you start with zero demerit points. Once you upgrade to a provisional licence your demerit points are reset to zero.

The Australian Capital Territory has aligned its double demerit holiday periods to other Australian states (specifically New South Wales).

When a holiday period in the ACT falls outside of NSW holiday periods double demerit points don't apply. These specific holiday periods include Canberra Day and Reconciliation Day.

If you get too many demerit points and reach the maximum demerit point threshold within a three-year period, your licence will be suspended. Once your suspension ends your demerit points will be reset to zero.

And if you have a probationary or restricted licence then it will be cancelled. 

Here are the maximum number of demerit points you can receive before you get suspended:*

*These penalties are correct according to the Australian Capital Territory Government as of February 2025 and are subject to change at any time.

Instead of a suspension period, you can choose to complete a 12-month good behaviour period.

A good behaviour period is only available to full driver's licence holders. You'll be suspended for double your original suspension period if you get two or more demerit points during this time.

You can check the number of demerit points you've already recorded by:

• Calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81
• Visiting an Access Canberra Service Centre

You can request records and apply for licence history either:

• By email
• In person at an Access Canberra Service Centre

We use a range of factors including your age, gender, claims and driving history to assess your level of risk. This also includes the number of demerit points as part of your traffic history.

As long as you hold a valid driver’s licence or a learner's permit you can apply for Car Insurance.