DOUBLE demerit points are in effect until midnight Monday. 

Double points will be enforced for speeding and seatbelt offences across the ACT and interstate. One additional demerit point will be applicable for all other types of offences.

Sgt Susan Ball, of police traffic operations,  says Canberrans should stay vigilant on the roads over the long weekend.

She says police will “actively target” dangerous driving with high-visibility patrols monitoring major arterial roads as well as the back streets.

“We’ll also patrol rural areas like the Cotter, which see an increase in traffic on weekends,” she says. 

“Motorists should think carefully about the impact of losing their driver licence. Think about the impacts that could have on your work, your social life and your family. With double demerits in effect, you could lose your licence with just one or two offences.”

“If you’re caught exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h or more, you will accrue 12 demerit points and lose your licence.  If you’re caught without your seatbelt on or with a passenger without their seatbelt on, you’ll lose 6 demerit points, which is half-way to losing your licence.”

Motorists who commit any other traffic offence, such as running red lights and failing to stop at stop signs, will receive one demerit point in addition to the usual penalty.

Police issued 214 Traffic Infringement Notices and over the Canberra Family and Community Day and Labour Day long weekends last year.