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June 25, 2026

Double demerit points for Festive Season starts tomorrow

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Double demerit points will apply for the duration of Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.

Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 will commence at 12.01am tomorrow (Friday, 20 December, 2024) and conclude at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 1 January, 2025.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley is urging everyone to play their part and stay safe on the roads this holiday season.

‘This is such a special time of year – a chance to celebrate with family and friends but it’s also one of the most dangerous times to be on the road,’ Minister Catley said.

‘Some people think it’s okay to check a text, speed on familiar roads, or drive tired, but road rules exist to keep everyone safe. While police will be out and about patrolling this holiday season, it’s up to all of us to take responsibility – and if you do the wrong thing, you can expect to see red and blue lights in your rear-view mirror.

‘You don’t want to get a fine in the mail or lose your licence, but even worse, you don’t want to be the reason someone misses out on celebrating with their loved ones this Christmas.

‘So please, drive like your life depends on it – because it does,’ Minister Catley said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said sadly six people died as a result of crashes on our roads during the Christmas and New Year double demerit period last year.

‘Every choice you make on the road can save lives.

‘With many people expected to be on the roads travelling across the state to celebrate the festive season, I remind everyone to be vigilant and allow extra time to travel, even for short trips.

‘It’s easy to become complacent about road safety, but unsafe driving can have tragic consequences.’

To help plan your trip anywhere in NSW, up-to-the minute traffic conditions can be found at: https://www.livetraffic.com.

Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about unsafe or dangerous behaviour on NSW roads is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.



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