Minister for Justice, Shane Rattenbury, is urging ACT drivers to stay safe on the and follow the road rules this Australia Day long weekend as double demerit points come into effect.
“Double demerit points will apply to speeding drivers from Friday 23 January to Monday 26 January 2015 inclusive,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt are often the main causes of road deaths and serious injuries.
“To encourage drivers to observe these rules, both the ACT and NSW will apply double demerit points for seat belt offences in addition to speeding offences over the Australia Day long weekend.”
If a driver exceeds the speed limit during this period by more than 45km/h, they can accrue 12 demerit points and risk having their licence suspended.
Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 31km/h to 45km/h can accrue eight demerit points, while 16km/h to 30 km/h above the speed limit can attract six points.
“Furthermore, six demerit points can be applied to the licence of any driver who does not wear a seatbelt or allows passengers under 16 years of age to travel unrestrained,” Mr Rattenbury said.
Mr Rattenbury said one additional demerit point, on top of the usual penalty, will be applied to drivers who commit offences such as running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign or using a hand held mobile phone while driving.
“While road safety is always important, holiday periods tend to attract more drivers on our roads than usual,” Mr Rattenbury said. “I implore all drivers to follow the road rules and drive safely.
“Don’t ruin your family’s or someone else’s holiday through fatigue or reckless driving. Take frequent breaks, drive sensibly and survive.”
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