The inevitable holiday season “double demerits” scheme will take effect over the Easter and ANZAC period again this year.
Double demerits will apply in NSW from 13 April 2017 until 17 April 2017 and again from 21 April 2017 until 25 April 2017.
The double demerit points scheme applies to the following types of offences:
• Seatbelt offences
• Riding a motorcycle without a helmet
• Illegal use of mobile phones
• Speeding offences
This means that if you are caught committing any of these offences, twice the usual amount of demerit points will apply.
For example, if you hold an unrestricted driver’s licence and you are caught speeding in excess of 10 kms per hour over the speed limit, but less than 20 kms per hour over the speed limit, you would normally accrue 4 demerit points. For this offence, which is one of the most common, you will accrue 8 demerit points during the double demerit period.
If you accrue more demerit points than the demerit points threshold for your particular class of licence, you will be issued with a Notice of Suspension and will not be able to drive for a period of time, depending on the nature of your offence.
The demerit points thresholds are:
Unrestricted Licence: 13 Demerit Points
Professional Drivers: 14 Demerit Points
Provisional P2 Licence: 7 Demerit Points
Provisional P1 Licence: 4 Demerit Points
Learner Licence: 4 Demerit Points
Many people believe you “lose” points when you are convicted of a traffic offence, but in actual fact, you start with zero, and accrue points with each new offence. Once you hit your demerit points threshold, the RMS intervenes and suspends your license.
If you are issued with a Notice of Suspension due to the accrual of too many demerit points you can appeal to the Local Court to have your suspension overturned. The Court will take into account a number of different circumstances including your need for a licence, the need to consider public safety, the nature of your offences, and your traffic record.
If you have received a Notice of Suspension and would like to know if you are able to appeal this decision, please contact us.
