NSW – Minister announces change to demerit point scheme

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Minister for Roads Michael Daley announced the new demerit point scheme would be introduced on 1 July 2009 to make the system fairer for motorists and our roads safer for the entire community.

Mr Daley said the RTA had worked in close conjunction with the NSW Police and the State Debt Recovery Office to introduce the new system as quickly as possible.

“When I announced the new system in March of this year, I asked the RTA to make the changes to the demerit point system their number one priority,” he said.

“I’m pleased to announce today that the new demerit point will be introduced on 1 July, two months ahead of schedule.

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“There is no such thing as safe speeding but I have always acknowledged that the system could be fairer for motorists who inadvertently speed by just a few kilometres over the limit.

“That’s why we’ve reduced the demerit point penalty for people caught driving up to 10kmh from three points to one.
“But the more you speed, the more harshly you will be punished and make no mistake – anyone caught doing more than 10kmh over the limit is either deliberately speeding or not paying attention and these motorists will not escape lightly.

“There is no place for these drivers on our roads and this new system makes sure that message is loud and clear,” Mr Daley said.

From 1 July, the following demerit point system will apply for unrestricted licence holders:

* 1 to 10kmh over the speed limit will attract one demerit point and an $84 fine;
* 11 to 20kmh over the speed limit will attract three demerit points and a $197 fine;
* 21 to 30kmh over the speed limit will attract four demerit points and a $338 fine;
* 31 to 45kmh will result in a three month suspension, five demerit points and a $647 fine;
* Over 45kmh will result in a six month suspension, six demerit points and a $1,744 fine.

“The new bands have been designed to drive down the number of speeding-related deaths and injuries by better reflecting the seriousness of the offence,” he said.

Mr Daley said that the NSW Government would continue to build on its policy to stamp out speeding among P plate drivers, with the penalties for P2 drivers to increase.

“P2 drivers caught speeding from 1kmh to 30kmh over the limit will lose an additional demerit point from next month,” he said.

“This means that P2 drivers will lose their licence on their second speeding offence and P1 drivers will continue to lose their licence for just one offence.

“The RTA will now roll out a comprehensive awareness campaign to get the message out to drivers across NSW.

“This will include a letter to all P plate drivers, warning them of the new tougher new penalties that will apply to them from next month,” Mr Daley said.

Schedule of Demerit Point Changes

Source: RTA