New demerit rules announced as long weekend draws near

As NSW residents prepare for another long weekend of extra-cautious driving to avoid double demerits, a recent announcement by the NSW government may have been missed by many.

Premier Chris Minns has delivered on a pre-election promise to reform the demerit point system, with drivers set to have their demerit points restored yearly, instead of a three-year wait - provided they can stick to the rules.

Starting in July 2023, 'safe drivers' in NSW will get a demerit point wiped every year that they don't commit a driving offence, the premier confirmed on social media. While the policy was originally announced during the election campaign to counter the uptick in demerits that came following the removal of speed camera warning signs, it's also expected to aid the increasing number of drivers who have received mobile phone camera infringements, which carry a demerit penalty of a whopping five points.

Meanwhile critics have argued that 'safe' drivers shouldn't have demerit points to begin with.

It remains to be seen if demerit points for certain offences will be adjusted or increased in the wake of the change, although at this point it remains unlikely. Double demerits are in effect throughout the upcoming long weekend, beginning on the 9th of June and wrapping up on the 12th (inclusive).