Double demerits start midnight tonight

ACT Policing is urging motorists to drive safely over the Christmas – New Year period as double demerits begins at midnight tonight and in place until 11.59pm Sunday, 3 January 2021.

Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Inspector Marcus Boorman said Police will be patrolling the streets of Canberra enforcing traffic laws.

“If you want to be irresponsible on our roads and break the traffic laws, you will be caught. This is not about revenue raising, the fine does not increase during this period. This is about added consequences for doing the wrong thing on the roads,” Detective Inspector Boorman said.

“I’d like to remind anyone driving during this festive time to take that extra bit of time, to take care, and to look out for each other on the roads.

“If you see dangerous behaviour on our roads, I encourage you to contact police on the police assistance line 131444 or 000 if it is life threatening.”

Offences that incur double demerit points include all speeding and seatbelt offences, the use of a mobile phone while driving, and riding a motorbike without a helmet. All other traffic offences incur one extra demerit point during the period.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au