Aussie drivers to get demerit point wiped off their records within weeks - here's who's eligible

By LISA EDSER, NEWS REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

More than a million Aussie drivers are about to have a demerit point wiped off their record in a welcoming move for motorists.

Some 1.3million drivers in NSW will have a demerit point scrubbed within five weeks as part of the one-year demerit point scheme.  

The trial of the one-year scheme was rolled out to encourage safe driving and will close on January 17, 2024. 

To be eligible, drivers must not have had any offences since January 17 this year.

To wipe a demerit point from a driving record, it normally takes three years.

1.3million drivers in NSW will have a demerit point scrubbed within five weeks as part of the one-year demerit point scheme

1.3million drivers in NSW will have a demerit point scrubbed within five weeks as part of the one-year demerit point scheme

To be eligible, drivers must not have had any offences since January 17 this year

To be eligible, drivers must not have had any offences since January 17 this year

The NSW Government announced in June the scheme would be moved up six months earlier, allowing drivers to be rewarded for good behaviour sooner.

At the time of the announcement, some 1.7million NSW motorists were eligible, with almost 400,000 since being slapped with at least one demerit point.

'The demerit point trial is all about reducing the road toll,' NSW roads minister John Graham said on Monday.

'I am deeply concerned by the number of lives lost on NSW roads. The road toll is rising in other states so this is a shared problem across the nation.'

The government is pleading for drivers to use the demerit return scheme as an incentive to drive safely. 

'The road toll [in NSW] is sitting at 349 people this year. It is a concerning rise,' Mr Graham said.

'We urge all drivers to be as safe as possible heading into the end of the year and the summer holiday season when lots of us drive long distances.'

To wipe a demerit point from a driving record normally takes three years

To wipe a demerit point from a driving record normally takes three years

'The more people who qualify for a point, the safer our roads will be,' said the NSW Minister for Roads John Graham (pictured centre) with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison (pictured left)

'The more people who qualify for a point, the safer our roads will be,' said the NSW Minister for Roads John Graham (pictured centre) with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison (pictured left)

In the last 12 months to December 14, there was an increase of 61 deaths on NSW roads compared to the previous 12 months.

'The demerit trial is an important carrot for them to maintain a clean record over this last 5 weeks of the trial period,' regional transport minister Jenny Aitchison said.

'If all 1.3 million motorists drive safely and within the speed limit then we will see fewer deaths at a time when we must focus on turning the road toll around.' 

Ms Aitchison reminded holiday and festive drivers to follow the speed limit, take regular breaks, have a plan B if drinking and obey signs.

'Simple acts such as wearing your seatbelt and putting your phone away could just save yours or another road user’s life,' she said.

'Be especially cautious near curves and bends, where more than half of all rural road fatalities occur.'

The NSW Government is investing close to $2.6billion in road safety programs such as seat belt compliance.

'As well as improved infrastructure, education and funding police operations,' Minister Graham said.

'Our message is crystal clear: drive safely and you’ll get a point scrubbed from your licence. The more people who qualify for a point, the safer our roads will be,' he said.

The public has embraced the trial and it will be remain in place in 2024. 

New South Wales

Most watched News videos