How many demerit points do I have?

Nobody likes seeing the red and blue flashing lights in the rear view mirror. A run-in with the law usually means you’ve done something wrong and are facing a penalty as a punishment, which typically consists of a monetary fine and some demerit points.

But what are demerit points, exactly? How many demerit points do you get? How long do demerit points last on your drivers licence? In this article we’ll aim to answer all your most important questions about making sure you stay on the right side of the law and keep your licence.

What are demerit points? What is their purpose? How do they work? How are they taken away?

Demerit points are, to put it in plainer terms, penalty points. Each time you commit a driving offense you may be punished with demerit points applied to your licence, with each state applying its own rules in terms of how many demerit points you can have before your licence is suspended.

The main purpose of the demerit point system is to encourage safe driving by punishing dangerous and illegal behaviour. It allows for drivers to make mistakes and not lose their licence, while repeat offenders eventually get their licence suspended if they don’t learn to behave and follow the rules.

How many demerit points do you get on each licence phase in this state?

While demerit points are used across Australia each state has its own road rules and deals with the licence points in their own unique ways.

Here is a rundown of how many you get on a full licence and for restricted licences (learners and those on P-plates).

New South Wales

Full licence - 13 points in a three year period.

Restricted - P2: seven points; P1 and learner: four points.

Victoria

Full - 12 points in a three year period.

Restricted - Five points in 12 months or 12 points three years.

Queensland

Full - 12 points in a three year period.

Restricted - Four points in 12 months.

South Australia

Full - 12 points in a three year period.

Restricted - Four points in 12 months.

Western Australia

Full - 12 points in a three year period.

Restricted - Eight points in 12 months for provisional, four points in 12 months for learners.

Tasmania

Full - 12 points in a three year period.

Restricted - Four points in 12 months.

Northern Territory

Full - 12 points in a three year period.

Restricted - Four points in 12 months.

ACT

Full - 12 points in a three year period.

Restricted - Four points in 12 months. 

How can you check how many demerit points you have?

If you find yourself asking ‘how many demerit points do I have?’ don’t worry, each state provides an online resource to check the status of your licence. Here’s a list for you to do a demerit point check.

NSW

Vic

Qld

SA

WA

Tas

NT

ACT

How long do demerit points last/when do they reset?

While there are some subtle differences from state-to-state, broadly speaking your demerit points remain on your licence for three years from the date of the offense. Most states require you to not commit any more driving offenses in that time in order for them to expire, or your three year period starts again.

Where can you go to find out more information about demerit points in Australia?

Visit your state’s driving authority for more information about any specific details on demerit points as there are some small but important changes around the country.

One good example of this is ‘double demerit’ periods, which sees law enforcement penalise you twice the amount of points during specific periods; so if speeding usually carries a three-point penalty you will be docked six points.

This is common in New South Wales, Western Australia and the ACT during holiday periods when there is more traffic on the road, while Queensland applies double points for repeat offenders within a 12 month span.

However, other states do not take this approach, so it’s important to know the local rules when you’re driving, especially interstate.