Demerit points vanish for safe drivers

Woman driving her car with both hands on steering wheel Photo by moisseyev

Almost 1.1 million drivers are on track to have a demerit point scrubbed from their licence as the NSW Government urges a safe Christmas and New Year on the state’s roads.

The second year of the demerit point return scheme will end on January 16, 2025, giving motorists that little extra incentive to remain offence-free at a time when people travel longer distances to reunite with family or go on holiday.

About 1.5 million drivers were eligible this year, with about 70 per cent still on course to benefit.

It comes at a critical time for road safety, with 323 deaths so far on NSW roads this year – three more than at the same point in 2023.

The demerit point scheme will continue in 2025 after Transport for NSW noted a positive reception among drivers to having an incentive to drive safely as a counterbalance to fines, enforcement and double demerits.

The demerit point scheme is open to eligible unrestricted and professional licence holders with active demerit points.

To qualify for the reduction, they must maintain an offence-free record for 12 months.