Demerit points are a familiar concept for any Australian driver. If you’ve ever been caught speeding or breaking road rules, you know that demerit points can quickly accumulate. But the big question is: how long do they last? Do they follow you forever?
The Basics: How Demerit Points Work
Let’s start with the basics: demerit points are added to your driving record when you break a road rule, and they can lead to penalties like licence suspension or higher fines. In most states and territories, drivers are given a set number of demerit points they can accumulate before facing a suspension or other consequences. But after a certain period, these points start to disappear. So, how long do they actually last?
State-Specific Rules for Demerit Points
For most Australian states, demerit points last for three years from the date the offence was committed. So, if you’ve got a speeding fine or a red-light violation, those points are ticking down in the background. Once they hit the three-year mark, they’re usually cleared off your record. It’s a pretty simple system, but of course, some states have their quirks.
For example, in Victoria, demerit points stay on your record for four years, which might feel like an eternity if you’ve had a bad driving streak. In contrast, New South Wales and Queensland have a three-year expiry, but Queensland drivers have the added complexity of double demerit periods during certain holidays, which makes those points stack up even faster, reports Drive.
What Happens After Three Years?
Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky. Once your demerit points “expire” after three years, they’re generally no longer on your record. However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely forgotten. Courts can still consider old offences during new proceedings, so those points might haunt you in more severe cases.
It’s also worth noting that while expired points might not be on your official record, your history still counts. If you reach your demerit limit, you could be in for a suspension, depending on the rules of your state. So even if your old points no longer exist on paper, they could come into play if you’re dealing with new offences.
The Good Behaviour Program
In many states, including NSW, SA, and QLD, drivers who go over the demerit point limit can apply for a “good behaviour” program. This means you can still drive, but if you collect two or more points during this period, your suspension time gets doubled. It’s like a last-chance system, but it requires some serious self-control.
It’s always a good idea to keep track of your points—especially if you’ve had a few speeding fines or other infractions. Most states allow you to check your demerit point status online. Staying aware can help you avoid surprises and prevent those points from piling up.
