Driving in Australia requires more than just a licence and a vehicle—it demands an awareness of state-by-state road rules, fines, and demerit point systems. As regulatory bodies roll out updated penalties and enforcement strategies in 2026, staying informed is more important than ever. This article provides an up-to-date overview of common traffic offences, fines, and demerit point penalties across Australia’s states and territories, highlighting key differences and what drivers need to watch out for.
Whether commuting locally, undertaking a road trip interstate, or relocating across state lines, understanding how infringements work—including how demerit points follow you—is critical. It helps avoid unpleasant surprises, preserves your driving history, and avoids potential license suspension. The breakdown below elucidates how each jurisdiction handles infractions such as speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, and more.
Understanding Demerit Points & Interstate Reciprocity
Before diving into state specifics, it’s helpful to grasp how the demerit point system works nationally. In general:
A demerit point is added to a driver’s license when they commit a relevant traffic offence; repeated infractions can lead to license suspension.
All Australian jurisdictions have entered the Australian Road Rules Agreement, meaning demerit points incurred in one state should be recorded on the driver’s home license.
Each state sets its own point-limit for license suspension (often 12 points in a 3-year period for unrestricted licenses, except some variation).
Some states apply double demerit points during holiday periods or for repeat offences within 12 months.
Key takeaway: A traffic offence in one state can affect your license in another. If you travel inter-state, you remain liable for demerits and fines.
State-by-State Snapshot of Common Fines & Demerit Points
The following sections provide selected examples of fees, points and offences in major states. These are representative—they don’t cover every offence. Always check the official state-government site for the latest figures.
New South Wales (NSW)
Unrestricted license holders may accumulate 13 demerit points in a 3-year period before suspension.
Mobile phone while driving, seatbelt offences, and speeding remain high-visibility targets for enforcement.
Example: Headlights off at night—fine of AUD $140 and 1 demerit point for not using headlights in darkness.
Queensland (QLD)
The QLD government publishes a detailed schedule: e.g., Learner or P-plate drivers may face 4 demerit points and a fine of AUD $267 for failure to display correct plate.
QLD applies double demerit points all year for repeat offences within 12 months for some categories (e.g., mobile phone, seatbelt, speeding).
Example: Failing to display red “P” plates (P-plate driver) – 2 demerits, AUD $267 fine.
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Victoria (VIC)
Demerit point limits: full license – 12 points in any 3-year period; learner/provisional – 5 points in 12 months or 12 points in 3 years for drivers under 22.
Fine examples (full license holder):
Speeding <10 km/h over: AUD $254 + 1 point.
10-24 km/h over: AUD $407 + 3 points.
Demerit points for offences range 1-10 depending on seriousness.
Western Australia (WA)
Demerit points can be between 1–7 for traffic offences in WA depending on the offence; points may be doubled on long weekends/holiday periods.
Mobile phone use: Holding/touching phone while driving – fine up to AUD $1,000 and 4 demerit points.
Note: WA may not always record demerit points accrued in another jurisdiction on a WA license (but the offence is still noted).
South Australia (SA) & Other Territories
While not detailed in this article, SA and others follow similar demerit point systems and fine scales. For example, a speeding case in SA resulted in a larger fine and 7 demerit points.
Territory-specific rules apply; always check local laws.
Most Frequently Enforced Offenses in 2026
Here are some of the top offences that result in fines and demerit points across Australia:
Speeding – Even small increments over the limit attract fines + points. For example, VIC shows 1 point for <10 km/h over.
Mobile phone use while driving – Major target. In WA: AUD $1,000 + 4 points.
Seatbelt offences – Enforcement is rising with new camera tech in NSW: huge increase in seatbelt fines (+1,400%) when using AI cameras.
Failure to give way / excessive slow driving / obstructing traffic – Some states like Victoria and SA have introduced rules penalizing driving too slowly or blocking traffic flow.
Call to Action
Are you confident about your license’s demerit point status? Take a moment today to:
Visit your state’s transport website and check your current demerit point balance.
Review the latest fine-and-point tables for your state and familiarize yourself with top offences (e.g., mobile phone use, seatbelt, speeding).
If you travel interstate or for work, refresh your knowledge of the destination state’s fine and demerit policy.
Share this article with friends or colleagues—especially new drivers or people relocating—to ensure everyone stays safe and informed on Australia’s roads in 2026.
Conclusion
Road rules in Australia may seem broadly similar from state to state, but fines, demerit points and enforcement practices vary significantly across jurisdictions. In 2026, as enforcement becomes more technologically driven and audit-systems improve, the risk of unknowingly accumulating points or facing steep fines is higher than ever.
Drivers and riders should treat their license as a valuable asset. By staying informed, driving responsibly and understanding how demerit points apply—even when travelling interstate—they can avoid license suspension, hefty fines and compromised mobility. Road safety isn’t just about following signs—it’s about staying current with your state’s rules, keeping your record clean and protecting your driving privileges long-term.
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