In Australia, double demerit points are a system of deterrence and punishment for drivers who commit traffic offences. Double demerit points are applied during designated holiday periods and long weekends. This article will discuss the repeat offences for which double demerit points apply all year round.
Double Demerit Points Overview
Double demerit points are a system of deterrence and punishment for drivers who commit traffic offences. Under this system, drivers who commit certain traffic offences will receive double the usual number of demerit points for the offence. For example, if a driver commits a traffic offence that usually carries 3 demerit points, they will receive 6 demerit points if double demerit points are applied. Double demerit points are usually only applied during designated holiday periods and long weekends to encourage safe driving.
Repeat Offences for All Year Round Application
There are several repeat offences for which double demerit points apply all year round.
The first repeat offence is not wearing a seatbelt. Not wearing a seatbelt carries a penalty of 4 demerit points, which can be doubled to 8 demerit points if double demerit points are applied.
The second repeat offence is using a mobile phone while driving. Using a mobile phone while driving carries a penalty of 4 demerit points, which can be doubled to 8 demerit points if double demerit points are applied.
The third repeat offence is speeding. Speeding carries a penalty of up to 6 demerit points, depending on the speed, and can be doubled to 12 demerit points if double demerit points are applied.
The fourth repeat offence is riding an unregistered vehicle. Riding an unregistered vehicle carries a penalty of 6 demerit points, which can be doubled to 12 demerit points if double demerit points are applied.
The fifth repeat offence is riding an uninsured vehicle. Riding an uninsured vehicle carries a penalty of 6 demerit points, which can be doubled to 12 demerit points if double demerit points are applied.
In summary, double demerit points are a system of deterrence and punishment for drivers who commit traffic offences. Double demerit points are usually only applied during designated holiday periods and long weekends but, for repeat offences such as not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone while driving, speeding, riding an unregistered vehicle, and riding an uninsured vehicle, double demerit points apply all year
