As Australia enters the ANZAC Day long weekend, motorists face significantly stricter penalties in several states and territories. Authorities are ramping up enforcement to combat rising road fatality rates, with double demerit points serving as a primary deterrent for high-risk driving behavior.
Where Double Demerits Apply
The implementation of double demerit points is not uniform across the country. Because ANZAC Day (April 25) falls on a Saturday this year, certain jurisdictions have extended the penalty period to include the following Monday to account for the public holiday.
Double demerit points are in effect from midnight, Friday, April 24, until 11:59 PM, Monday, April 27, in:
– New South Wales (NSW)
– Western Australia (WA)
– The Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
In contrast, motorists in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory will not face double demerits, nor will they observe a public holiday on the Monday. Meanwhile, Queensland maintains a year-round double demerit system, meaning the holiday period does not change the standard penalty structure for drivers there.
Targeted Enforcement and Police Operations
Law enforcement agencies are preparing for high-visibility operations designed to intercept dangerous driving habits. In New South Wales, police have identified specific “high-risk behaviors” that will be the primary focus of roadside checks and patrols:
- Speeding
- Illegal mobile phone use
- Improper seatbelt use
- Motorcycle helmet violations
Police Minister Yasmin Catley emphasized that these penalties are a response to driver choices, noting that increased presence on highways, metropolitan networks, and regional roads is intended to prevent avoidable fatalities.
The Growing Context of Road Fatalities
The push for stricter enforcement comes at a critical time for Australian road safety. While some regions show slight improvements, the national trend is concerning.
National and Regional Trends
- National Toll: Australia’s national road toll has increased by 3.0% year-on-year, with 1,326 deaths recorded through March 2026 compared to 1,287 in the same period last year.
- State-Specific Spikes: Tasmania and Queensland have seen the most dramatic increases in fatalities, rising by 29.4% and 11% respectively.
- NSW Impact: New South Wales maintains the highest total death toll in the country, with 365 deaths—a 9.3% increase from the previous year.
The Situation in Western Australia
In Western Australia, the road toll for the first three months of 2026 stands at 175 deaths, a slight decrease from the 196 recorded during the same period in 2025. However, the state continues to navigate complex issues regarding enforcement, including recent controversies over AI-issued fines and significant investments in new police vehicle fleets.
Summary: As road fatalities rise across much of Australia, authorities in NSW, WA, and the ACT are utilizing double demerit points over the ANZAC Day long weekend to curb high-risk driving and reduce the national death toll.
