Courts & Police
1 April, 2026
Motorists on notice as Easter approaches
Motorists across the regions are on notice that double demerit points will be in force over the Easter period.
Motorists across the regions are on notice that double demerit points will be in force over the Easter period.
Double demerits will be in force from 12am on Thursday, April 2 until 11.59pm on Monday, April 6.
The double demerit scheme applies to a range of offences including:
· Speeding
· Illegal use of mobile phones
· Not wearing a seatbelt or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt
· Driving with a passenger not wearing a seatbelt or approved restraint, or with a passenger incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint
· Riding without a helmet.
According to Transport for NSW, the Double Demerit – Enforcement road safety campaign has been developed in partnership with NSW Police to encourage safe driver behaviour on NSW roads.
“The campaign reminds drivers and riders that during double demerit periods the penalties for breaking the road rules are more severe,” a spokesperson said.
“The demerit point system provides an incentive for drivers to improve their driving behaviour, obey road rules and comply with NSW traffic laws.”
The Easter long weekend is traditionally one of the busiest times on NSW roads with police out in force.
Motorists are also advised that school zones will still be in operation on Thursday (April 2) and additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in those zones.
Drivers and riders start with zero demerit points but a certain number of points will trigger suspension for each type of licence in NSW.
Those demerit points range from four points for learner drivers through to 14 points for professional drivers – meaning that drivers who commit serious offences during double demerit
points can easily lose their licence, particularly if they have already accumulated points.
Mobile phones offences typically accrue five demerit points – increasing to 10 demerit points during the double demerit period.
Seatbelt offences increase from three demerit points to six demerit points.
Meanwhile, NSW Police has issued an urgent please for motorists to slow down over the Easter long weekend after a concerning rise in the number of fatal crashes across the state this year.
There have been 88 lives lost on NSW already in 2026 – 11 more than at the same time last year.
NSW Police will have a high-visibility presence across the state as part of Operation Easter 2026.
The operation will involve officers from Traffic and Highway Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist police from all police commands and districts across the state.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley is urging motorists and help ensure everyone gets home safely.
“Behind every life lost on the roads is a family left with a lifetime of grief and officers who carry the weight of what they’ve seen long after the sirens stop.
“This Easter, we’re asking drivers to think about the people that matter most to them and slow down, drive to conditions and make smart choice,” she said.
Members of the public are encouraged to report motorists who are driving dangerously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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