A Sydney lawyer has issued a warning to all motorists to take care as the most intense double demerit point period of the year gets underway.

Double demerits will apply from 20 December 2024 until 1 January 2025. 

At most risk of losing their licences in the double up period are the provisional P1 licence holders (four points) and provisional P2 licences (seven points).

Unrestricted licence holders have thirteen points to lose.

During the public holidays, driving offences that attract double demerit points include speeding, improper use of seatbelts, not utilising motorcycle helmets and use of mobile phones.

“For all those drivers who can’t risk a peek at their mobile phone while driving, you will lose 10 points off your licence if you get caught doing so during the double demerit point period,” Sydney traffic lawyer, Mathew Nott, said.

A double demerit doubles the original demerit point allocated for committing a driving offence, however, the fine does not increase.

For example, speeding by up to 10 kilometres over the speed limit, on an unrestricted driver’s licence, attracts a fine of $145 with one demerit point.

However, with double demerits, the offence attracts two demerit points but the fine remains at $145.

Last year, the double demerit holiday period began on 22 December, 2023, and ended on 2 January, 2024.

In that time, NSW police issued 8069 speed infringements, 631 drink-driving charges and 1374 drug-driving charges.

There is an appeals process if you believe that the demerit points and fines are not warranted.

For expert guidance in the appeals process, contact Nott and Co Lawyers, top solicitors for traffic and speeding offences. www.nottandcolawyers.com.au