Dooley Blog

Everyone hopes they will never be in the situation where they lose their licence but it can happen to anyone. As the Christmas season approaches so too does the longest continuous period of the double demerit scheme. This is significant for example if you are caught speeding less than 15km/ph you would normally accrue 3 demerit points however during double demerits it would result in the accrual of 6 points. This is almost half the number of points you are allowed to accrue in any 3 year period. If you are involved in two such offences or are on a learner or provisional drivers licence you could find yourself without a licence.

As well as the double demerit scheme being in place there is also a higher police presence on the roads therefore the chance of getting caught is higher. Other offences such as drink driving and speeding 30km/ph or more can result in an immediate loss of licence.

What is important to know is if your licence is suspended or you are disqualified from driving you MUST NOT drive during that period. If you do drive and are caught then you could face a heavy fine, 18 months imprisonment and a 12 month licence suspension and if it is a second major traffic offence then the penalties are much more severe.

If your licence is suspended for any period of time, either by a court or the RTA, we recommend that at the end of your suspension period you go to the RTA (do not drive there) to renew your licence and confirm that you are able to drive. If you do not do so and continue to drive, although your suspension period may be over, your licence may still be cancelled and you will be guilty of the offence of driving whilst unlicenced, the penalty for which could be a heavy fine, up to 18 months imprisonment and up to 12 month licence suspension.

If you have an issue involving a traffic offence, contact us. 

If travelling over the holiday period, remember the advice “Revive and Survive”. Below are the sites for the December and January Driver Reviver sites throughout New South Wales. You should check these prior to travelling to allow you to plan your journey.

Driver Reviver December

Driver Reviver January

Here are a few other tips for safe driving throughout the holiday period:

- Make sure your vehicle is serviced and in good shape for travel.

- Ensure your passengers wear seat belts and child safety restraints are fitted correctly.

- Be flexible with your travel plans. Leave early to avoid peak traffic hours.

- Stay fresh and alert. Take plenty of breaks, get fresh air and eat healthy snacks to keep your brain alert.

- Don’t drive long distances in one sitting. Rest and revive. Fatal traffic accidents are often single vehicle crashes that occur late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

- Keep your speed down and drive to the conditions. Give yourself plenty of time and distance to react to the traffic around you.

- Pull over if you need to answer a mobile phone call.

- Choose a designated driver who will not be drinking.

Also, remember, double demerit points will be in force for the Christmas / New Year holiday period from midnight Thursday 22 December 2011 until midnight Monday 2 January 2012.