How Many Demerit Points Do You Get in Australia in 2025 (For Each Offence)?

How many demerits do you get for each offence

Maximum Demerit Points Allowed Before Suspension in 2025

Full Licence Holders

For fully licensed drivers, the demerit point threshold across most Australian states and territories remains:

• 12 points in a rolling 3-year period before facing suspension or other penalties.

• If you reach 12 points, you may receive a notice of suspension or the option to take a good behaviour period.

Provisional (P1 & P2) and Learner Drivers

Drivers on provisional or learner licences have lower demerit point limits due to their inexperience on the road:

• P1 drivers: Maximum of 4 points before suspension.

• P2 drivers: Maximum of 7 points before suspension.

• Learner drivers: Maximum of 4 points before suspension.

Professional Drivers

Some states offer higher demerit point limits for professional drivers, such as taxi, truck, and bus drivers. In New South Wales, for example, professional drivers can accumulate up to 14 demerit points before penalties apply.

Read more: How to Check Demerit Points for an Australian Driver’s License in 2025

Common Traffic Offences and Their Demerit Points in 2025

Below is a general list of offences and the corresponding demerit points that apply in most states:

Speeding Offences

• Less than 10 km/h over the limit: 1-2 points

• 10-19 km/h over the limit: 3-4 points

• 20-29 km/h over the limit: 4-6 points

• 30-40 km/h over the limit: 6-8 points

• More than 40 km/h over the limit: 8-10 points + potential suspension

Mobile Phone Use While Driving

• Using a mobile phone while driving (general offence): 4-5 points

• In school zones: 5 points

• Learner or P1 drivers using a phone at all: 4-5 points (automatic suspension in some states)

Failure to Wear a Seatbelt

• Driver not wearing a seatbelt: 3-4 points

• Passenger not wearing a seatbelt (driver responsible): 3-4 points per passenger

Running a Red Light

• Failing to stop at a red traffic light: 3-5 points

Drink & Drug Driving Offences

• Exceeding legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) limits: 4-10 points + suspension

• Drug driving offences: 4-12 points + suspension

Other Notable Offences

• Driving unlicensed or on a suspended licence: 6-12 points + heavy fines

• Driving an unregistered vehicle: 3-5 points

• Failing to stop at a stop sign: 3 points

• Not giving way at a pedestrian crossing: 3-4 points

Double Demerits: What You Need to Know

In several states, double demerit points apply during public holidays and long weekends. This means certain offences will incur double the usual points, quickly pushing drivers over their limits. Offences most commonly subject to double demerits include:

• Speeding

• Mobile phone use

• Seatbelt offences

• Drink and drug driving

States That Apply Double Demerits

• New South Wales (NSW)

• Western Australia (WA)

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Queensland (QLD) (for seatbelt, speeding, and mobile phone use offences)

How to Check Your Demerit Points in 2025

Each state and territory provides online services to check your demerit point balance. You can check by:

1. Online Portals

Most transport departments allow you to check demerit points online with your driver’s licence number and personal details:

• NSW: Service NSW - www.service.nsw.gov.au

• VIC: VicRoads - www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

• QLD: Department of Transport and Main Roads - www.qld.gov.au/transport

• SA: MySA GOV - www.sa.gov.au

• WA: Department of Transport - www.transport.wa.gov.au

• TAS: Department of State Growth - www.transport.tas.gov.au

• NT: MVR Online Services - www.nt.gov.au

• ACT: Access Canberra - www.act.gov.au

2. Phone Inquiry

Each state’s road authority provides a hotline where you can request your demerit point balance.

3. In-Person Request

Visit a transport office with your licence and request a printed demerit point record.

4. Written Request

You can also request a record by mail, which is useful for official documentation needs.

What Happens If You Reach Your Demerit Point Limit?

If you exceed your demerit point limit, you may receive a Notice of Suspension. Your options may include:

1. Serving the suspension period – You cannot drive during this period.

2. Choosing a good behaviour period – This usually lasts 12 months, where any further demerit points will lead to a longer suspension.

Appealing a Suspension

In some states, you can apply for a hardship appeal to allow limited driving (e.g., for work purposes). Check with your local road authority for specific rules.

How to Avoid Accumulating Demerit Points

• Follow speed limits at all times.

• Use hands-free devices or avoid mobile phone use altogether.

• Always wear a seatbelt, ensuring passengers do too.

• Obey road signs and traffic lights to prevent unnecessary penalties.

• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Conclusion

The demerit point system in Australia in 2025 remains strict, ensuring drivers remain responsible on the roads. With full licence holders limited to 12 points, and P-plate and learner drivers restricted to 4-7 points, it’s crucial to drive carefully to avoid suspension. Regularly checking your demerit point balance and understanding the offences that attract penalties can help you maintain your driving privileges.

For more details, visit your state’s transport authority website or contact them directly.

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