January 24: Double Demerits in NSW, WA, ACT as Police Crack Down
Double demerits are in force from 23 to 26 January across NSW, WA and the ACT for the Australia Day long weekend. Police have increased patrols targeting speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt offences. Queensland applies double demerits year-round for repeat offences. We explain where rules apply, what offences attract higher road safety penalties, and why this matters to investors. Tighter enforcement can shift travel demand, collision risk, and near-term claims for insurers and mobility services in Australia.
Where and when rules apply
Double demerits apply in NSW, WA and the ACT from Thursday 23 January through Sunday 26 January, inclusive. Police are focusing on high-risk behaviours during the Australia Day long weekend. Regions near beaches, holiday routes, and major highways will see more patrols. Drivers should plan rest stops, check routes, and allow extra time. Compliance aims to lower crash severity and reduce hospital pressure during peak travel.
Police have stated they will target speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt offences. Drink and drug driving checks are also active. Temporary operations often combine marked and unmarked cars, fixed and mobile cameras, and roadside testing. Higher visibility can deter risky behaviour and flatten peak-hour speeds. The emphasis is on simple choices that prevent serious harm and keep licence records clean under double demerits.
Queensland uses double demerits year-round for repeat offences of the same type within 12 months. That policy is separate from the long-weekend operations in other states. It nudges habitual behaviours, such as phone use and seatbelts, by lifting points for repeat breaches. For cross-border travellers, rules change once you enter each jurisdiction, so check state guidelines before starting any trip.
What the penalties mean for drivers
Double demerits increase the demerit points assigned to eligible offences during the period. A single mistake can count twice on your record. That raises suspension risk for drivers with limited point buffers, including provisional and professional drivers. Avoiding distractions, sticking to signed limits, and using rest breaks are simple ways to protect your licence and avoid a backlog of points that carry into the work year.
Financial penalties do not double, but the point load does for listed offences during this window. Police have said they will be out in force on highways and local roads, supported by cameras and random testing. Expect checkpoints near event hubs and coastal routes. Plan for slower segments and compliance stops. Safe decisions reduce the chance of crashes and keep families and communities moving safely over the weekend.
Investor lens for the long weekend
Double demerits can reduce high-severity crashes if compliance improves, lowering near-term claims severity for motor insurers. If traffic volumes rise or drivers reroute under time pressure, minor claim counts may still tick up. Watch for post-weekend claims commentary, catastrophe thresholds, and any guidance colour. Lower severity and steady frequency would be a modest positive for underwriting margins through late January.
Stronger enforcement can shift behaviour. Some households may delay long drives, choose public transport, or split trips to avoid fatigue. Rideshare and car rentals may see steady urban demand but softer regional leisure trips. Traffic timing can flatten peaks around events. Operators should adjust surge, staffing, and messaging to emphasise safe, predictable travel under double demerits.
Service stations near highways may see mixed effects: stable baseline sales, but softer impulse trips during peak patrol hours. Roadside assistance calls often track heat, congestion, and tyre failures. Body shops can face a short lag before repair bookings rise. Safer travel is the core aim, yet investors should watch weekly repair queue lengths and parts availability, which affect cycle times and costs.
What to watch through 26 January
Official updates flag where patrols concentrate and what behaviours draw attention. National coverage notes police are cracking down across the long weekend source. In WA, authorities say officers will be out in force during Australia Day operations source. Monitor these signals for short-term demand shifts.
Heat, storms, and late-night returns can magnify risk even under double demerits. Investors should track traffic congestion maps, roadworks advisories, and event timing. Families often travel early morning or late evening to avoid heat. That can shift peak traffic away from mid-day. Safe speed and planned rest points remain the most effective tools to lower crash risk.
From 27 January, look for insurer claim volumes, severity indicators, and any preliminary trading updates. Mobility platforms may share ride patterns and cancellations. Fuel retailers can assess weekend throughput and promotional effectiveness. If double demerits curb serious incidents without denting travel spend, that is a constructive read-through for insurers and transport-exposed services entering February.
Final Thoughts
Double demerits across NSW, WA and the ACT run through 26 January and focus on speeding, phone use, and seatbelts. For drivers, the best move is simple compliance, planned rest, and extra time on popular routes. For investors, this period is a short, high-signal window. Watch insurer claims mix, roadside demand, and mobility usage patterns. Safer, flatter traffic without a drop in spend would support margins for motor insurers and steady revenue for mobility services. After the weekend, scan police summaries and any insurer commentary for indications of frequency, severity, and repair cycle times that could shape early Q1 expectations.
FAQs
What dates do double demerits apply this weekend?
Double demerits apply from 23 to 26 January in NSW, WA and the ACT. Queensland uses double demerits year-round for repeat offences, which is separate to the long weekend operations. Check local police updates if you plan cross-border travel during the Australia Day long weekend.
Which offences attract double demerits?
Police are targeting speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt offences. Drink and drug driving checks are also active. Not every offence is included, but those core behaviours are the focus during the Australia Day long weekend safety operations. Follow local guidance to confirm coverage in your state or territory.
Do fines also double under double demerits?
No. The demerit points increase, not the fines. The higher points load can still push drivers toward suspensions if they have limited point buffers. Avoid risky behaviours, plan breaks, and give yourself extra time on busy routes to reduce both penalties and crash risk.
Why does this matter to investors?
Enforcement can change collision risk, travel choices, and short-term insurance claims. If compliance improves, insurers may see lower severity. Mobility platforms and fuel retailers could see shifted demand across times and routes. Monitoring police updates and post-weekend claims commentary helps assess near-term impacts on margins and revenue.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
