We are just over a week away from most of the country shutting down for the Christmas/New Year break.
The silly season always sees a spike in certain offences, the most common being traffic related.
In New South Wales, the main double demerit period will run from 22 December 2017 until 1 January 2018. This is the longest double demerit period on the calendar each year and it is designed to limit motor accidents on hectic New South Wales roads as people head up and down the coast for holidays.
New South Wales Police’s “Think Twice” campaign will focus on speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, seatbelt laws and riding a motorcycle without a helmet. An additional double demerit period will run from 25 January 2018 – 28 January 2018 for Australia Day celebrations.
To put this in perspective, during a double demerits campaign, a speeding offence at the lower end of the scale, say up to but not over 10km/h over the legal limit, will attract 6 demerit points as opposed to 3.
A person holding a New South Wales unrestricted driver’s licence can accrue 13 demerit points before losing their licence for a demerit point suspension.
Suspensions typically work as follows:
- 13 to 15 points – 3 month suspension
- 16 to 19 points – 4 month suspension
- 20 or more points – 5 month suspension
Greater suspensions and penalties apply for learner and P plate drivers.
The other common traffic offence that occurs at this time of year is drink driving.
Remember, the legal limits for driving with alcohol in your blood are as follows:
- Learner, P1 or P2 – ZERO
- Drivers of vehicles of “gross vehicle mass” greater than 13.9 tonnes, drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods and drivers of public vehicles such as taxi or bus drivers – 0.02
- All other drivers – 0.05
- Drink driving offences attract significant fines and loss of license and stay on your record forever.
From the team at Complete Legal and Conveyancing, have a fantastic holiday season and remember, if you require any legal services, do not hesitate to get in touch.
