WHAT ARE DEMERIT POINTS?

The demerit points system encourages drivers to follow road safety rules or bear the consequences. Driving schools in the country also focus on teaching basic safe driving practices to their students.

Road Safety is the need of the hour, no matter where you live. The Australian government emphasises the need for road safety and tries to ensure it in various ways.

The demerit points system in Australia was started a long time ago to encourage drivers to follow road safety rules or be responsible for breaking them. Driving schools in the country also focus on teaching basic safe driving practices to their students through courses like the Safer Drivers Course.

Let us delve deeper into the topic of demerit points and their impact on your driving license:

ABOUT DEMERIT POINTS

Demerit points are penalty points added to a driver’s driving record for violating a traffic law. These points show up on your driving license and are accumulated as your offenses increase. When the collected demerits cross the limit of offences allowed, it can lead to license suspension or disqualification.

THE DEMERIT POINTS SYSTEM: HOW IT WORKS

The system of assigning demerit points varies in each Australian state and territory but its underlying principles are the same across the country.

Here are the main facets of the Demerit Points system:

OFFENSE CATEGORIES:

Demerits points are given for violating traffic laws. However, these offences can differ in their type and severity. All traffic violations are divided into different groups based on their severity. Common offences have fewer demerits while more serious offences can have more demerits added to your license. The severity of the demerits is decided based on the type of offence. For example, not wearing a seatbelt has fewer demerits compared to breaking a signal, etc.

POINTS ALLOCATION:

Points are allocated to a license based on the type of offence committed. Each traffic offence has a set number of demerit points, typically between 1 and 6, depending on its severity. If it is a small offence the point is 1 and if it is something big like breaking a signal or ignoring traffic signs, the points are more.

ACCUMULATION LIMITS:

The demerit point system is there to encourage the drivers to drive safely and responsibly. So, whenever drivers break the traffic laws, they get demerit points. These points get accumulated in their record for a predefined duration, often of three years. The number of demerits you can receive also has a set limit. If you cross the limit of demerits within the set duration, you have to face the consequences which can also include suspension or disqualification.

DURATION OF POINTS:

If you keep getting demerit points on your license, it becomes a never ending process. So, the Australian government has kept a specific time duration for demerit points. From the day you get the demerit, it remains active for the duration of three years, and then it will expire if you stay out of trouble. But if you exceed the set limit of demerit points within this duration, you will have to face the consequences and pay the penalties according to your offences.

HOW IT IMPACTS YOUR LICENSE

Having demerit points on your license can adversely affect your license and reputation. Here are some issues you may have to face if your list of demerits is long:

SUSPENSION OR DISQUALIFICATION:

Demerit points limit is there to control and prevent drivers from committing offenses. And the number of demerits you get also depends on the severity of your violation. So, if you’re caught speeding or breaking signals it may et you more points than using mobile phones while driving. But when you have so many demerits that you surpass the limit set by the government, that shows your disregard for the law as well as the safety of everyone on the road. You may get disqualified or your license may also get suspended when you cross the limit of demerit points.

PROBATIONARY PERIODS:

The law is the same for all offenders but the penalty you receive depends on the severity of the offence you’ve committed. If you’re a new or probationary driver, the limit of demerit points is usually lower. This means you can stand to lose your license moire easily if you’re not careful and safe when driving. New drivers should ensure their driving school teaches them the road laws related to their state. For example, a Sydney driving school should teach the students which laws are applicable everywhere and which laws are specific to Sydney.

INCREASED INSURANCE PREMIUMS:

Drivers with a record of traffic offences, including demerit points, may face higher insurance costs. Demerit points can also affect your insurance premiums negatively. For a driver with a record of traffic offenses including demerit points, the insurance costs are also higher. If you want to keep your insurance costs to a minimum, learn to drive safely and responsibly today. You can join a Safer Drivers Course or similar programs to improve your driving and learn safe driving habits.

COMMON OFFENCES AND DEMERIT POINTS

Demerit point penalties for traffic offences differ based on the seriousness of the violation:

SPEEDING:

Speeding is one of the biggest causes of accidents on the road. Hence, going over the speed limit can get you demerit points, and the higher your speed the more points you’ll receive.

MOBILE PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING:

Using your phone while driving can be a big distraction, leading to crashes. It can also earn you demerit points.

FAILURE TO WEAR SEATBELT:

Not wearing a seatbelt, or ensuring your passengers wear one, can affect the safety of everyone in the vehicle and result in fatalities in case of accidents. Hence, failing to wear seatbelts can get you demerit points.

WRAPPING UP

Having knowledge of the demerit points system can help you better navigate the complex traffic laws of Australia. While keeping all this information in mind while driving can become frustrating at times, you should remember it’s for everyone’s safety. Driving schools like Onroad Driving Education also need to actively encourage students to cultivate safe driving habits to avoid getting demerit points. If demerit points system can successfully deter drivers from committing driving offences, we can hope for a better future with safer roads and more responsible drivers!

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