Demerit Points – what are they and how do they work?
Refresh your knowledge on the drivers licence demerit points system and find out which offences are the most frequent.
What are demerit points?
In Queensland, demerit points are added to your traffic record when certain offences are committed. Your licence will start at 0, and points will only accumulate if infringements are recorded.
The number of points added, will depend on the offence type, when it was committed, and whether it is a subsequent offence, which may result in double demerits. Different licence type holders will have varied demerit point limits over a specified time.
A list of the most common offences is below, however, the full list of offences can be found on the Transport and Main Roads website.
- Speeding offences
- Traffic light infringements
- Incorrect helmet or seatbelt usage offences
- Mobile phone offences.
Once you have met or exceeded the demerit point limit relevant to your licence type, you will receive a sanction – resulting in either a licence suspension or the option to continue driving under a period of good driving behaviour for one year if you hold an Open, P1, P2 or P type provisional or probationary licence.
More information on how the sanctions relevant to your licence work and what happens if you breach the conditions whilst serving a suspension/good driving period can be found below.
- Learner licence limit: 4 or more points within any one-year period
- P1 & P2 licence limit: 4 or more points within any one-year period
- Open licence Limit: 12 or more points within any three-year period.
Double demerits
Double demerits are enforced if a specific offence has been committed more than once within a 12-month period.
This includes:
- Offences for speeding more than 20km/h over the speed limit
- Mobile phone offences
- Driver seatbelt offences
- Driver failing to ensure passengers under 16 are appropriately restrained
- Motorcycle helmet offences.
How double demerits are applied
More information about double demerits in Queensland can be found here.
When do demerit points reset?
For Queensland licence holders, the following rules apply:
- Learner and provisional licence: Demerit points will reset one year after the offence occurred. If a driver holding either a learner or provisional licence exceeds their limit of four demerit points within the one-year period, a sanction notice will be sent.
- Open licence: Demerit points will be reset three years after the offence occurred. If a driver holding an open licence exceeds their limit of 12 points within the three-year period, a sanction notice will be sent.
To view your demerit points click here.
*Fine as at FY24/25
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