Did you benefit from NSW’s New Demerit Point Initiative that was implemented in 2024?

Updated Monday 28th April, 2025

KEY TAKE OUTS:

• From April 2024, New South Wales drivers were able to lose one demerit point from their record if they did not obtain any driving offences.
• After a positive reception among drivers, the demerit point initiative has been extended into 2025 and beyond, continuing to reward safe driving behaviour.
• The second year of the demerit point return scheme ended on 16 January 2025, coinciding with a period when many motorists travelled long distances to reunite with family or take holidays.
• New road safety measures have also been introduced in 2024 and 2025, including average speed cameras for light vehicles, increased mobile speed camera sites, seatbelt enforcement via mobile phone cameras, and stricter requirements for foreign licence holders.

The NSW Government has fast-tracked and expanded a trial initiative aimed at rewarding safe drivers sooner. Originally announced as part of the 2023 election campaign, the trial was implemented from January 17, 2023, and allowed eligible drivers to have one demerit point removed if they remained offence-free for a 12-month period.

Premier Chris Minns, commenting on the program’s launch, stated:

“It’s time we put safety back at the centre of our road rules, not revenue raising. Reducing the road toll and rewarding safe driving across the state is the aim of this trial, and we hope it gives drivers that little bit of extra incentive to achieve a spotless record.”

The Minister for Roads, John Graham, also noted:

“Drivers in NSW are very much used to the stick approach, so this demerit trial is an important carrot for them to maintain a clean record over a 12-month period to the benefit of all motorists, pedestrians, and communities.”

Following its success, with almost 1.5 million drivers eligible and just over one million (1,003,610) remaining offence-free by the end of the second year, the NSW Government has extended the initiative. The scheme continues, now allowing eligible motorists to benefit again through to January 31, 2026.

Who is Eligible?

The demerit point initiative applies to:

• Unrestricted and professional licence holders who have incurred demerit points but remained offence-free for the qualifying 12-month period.
• Drivers who do not obtain any new driving offences during the eligible year.

It does not apply to:

• Learner licence holders
• Provisional P1 or P2 licence holders

These drivers remain subject to stricter conditions under the Graduated Licensing Scheme.

How Does it Differ from Existing Demerit Point Rules?

Under standard rules, demerit points expire three years after the date of the offence. This initiative allows safe drivers to actively remove a point after just one offence-free year, providing an earlier reward for safe behaviour.

New Road Safety Measures Introduced

Alongside the continuation of the demerit point initiative, the NSW Government has introduced several additional road safety reforms in 2024 and 2025, including:

• Trial of Average Speed Cameras for Light Vehicles: From 2025, average speed cameras will not only monitor heavy vehicles but will also apply to light vehicles across designated road corridors.
• Expansion of Mobile Speed Camera Enforcement: An additional 2,700 roadside enforcement sites have been added across the state where mobile speed cameras can operate.
• Seatbelt Enforcement via Mobile Phone Cameras: Existing mobile phone detection cameras are now authorised to detect and fine drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.
• Mandatory Licence Conversion for Foreign Licence Holders: All motorists driving on an overseas licence must now convert to a NSW driver’s licence within six months of residing in the state.
• Enhanced Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mandatory drug and alcohol testing now applies to all drivers and riders involved in crashes that cause grievous bodily harm.
• $518 Million Road Safety Infrastructure Program: The NSW and Australian Governments have jointly invested to enhance road safety measures statewide through to 2026.

The overarching aim remains clear:

“We need everyone to work together to create a safer driving environment and ultimately push road trauma to zero.”

Need Assistance with Driving Offences?

At Coutts, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean driving record and the serious implications that demerit points and driving offences can carry. With the extension of this initiative to reward safe drivers, it is more important than ever to stay informed and understand your rights on the road.

If you find yourself facing driving offences or require guidance on how this new system may impact you, our team is here to help. Navigate the ever-evolving road rules and regulations with confidence alongside Coutts. Reach out to our expert legal team today at 1300 268 887. Your safety and legal standing on the road are our top priority.