Open Licence

Penalties & Fines

Demerit points are recorded on your traffic history when you commit a traffic offence. For more information on demerit points please visit the Department of Transport & Main Roads website.

Demerit Point Offences

The best way to avoid demerit points or a fine is to obey the road rules. Some of the types of offences for which you could be allocated points are:

Speeding more than 40km/h over the speed limit (8 points and $933)
Speeding - 30-40 km/h over the speed limit (6 points and $466)
Speeding – 20-30km/h over the speed limit (4 point and $333)
Failure to obey traffic lights (3 points and a $300 fine)
Disobeying stop or give-way signs (3 points and up to a $300 fine)
Disobeying traffic lane arrows on a roundabout (3 points and an $80 fine)
Driving a vehicle with more than the maximum number of persons (3 points and a $186 fine)
Failing to wear a seat belt (3 points and a $300 fine)

View the full list of demerit points and fines.

Licence Disqualification

Your licence will be disqualified if you are convicted of a drink or drug driving offence, dangerous driving offence, or a criminal offence involving a vehicle.

Did you know?

If you drive a motor vehicle while disqualified from holding a driver licence and you are convicted of this offence, you could be disqualified for two to five years and may receive a fine of $6,000.

What to do if you accumulate 12 or more demerit points

If you accumulate 12 or more licence demerit points within a 3 year period, the Department of Transport and Main Roads will send you a notice giving you two options:

Accept a 3-month licence suspension period
OR
Agree to a one-year Good Behaviour period

Here’s some info from the RACQ Legal Advisory service if you should end up in this position.

What do I do next?	Choose one of the options and inform the Department of Transport and Main Roads in writing. You can use the form that comes with the notice.
When can I take the Good Behaviour Period?	You can only take the Good Behaviour Period if you elect this option by the date specified on the notice. If you don’t do this in time, your licence will be automatically suspended for three months. If you are not sure about the start date for the Good Behaviour Period, ring the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 2380.
What if I get 2 or more demerit points while on a Good Behaviour Period?	Your licence will be suspended for six months instead of three months.