Demerit points are the main part of the safety system of roads in Australia. They are designed to promote safe and responsible driving. Australian drivers show great interest in checking their demerit points to avoid misunderstandings. But they wonder how to check demerit points. In this article, we will discuss the checking of demerit points to help you remain on top of your driving record.
What are the demerit points?
Demerit points are the penalty points added to the record of a driver for engaging in definite traffic offences in Australia. Each offence has a specific number of points depending on its severity. All drivers begin with zero demerit points. When a driver commits an offence, these points are added to his records. These points tend to be voided three years after the offence date. However, collecting too many demerit points within a fixed time can result in fines, penalties, suspension of licence, and possible legal outcomes for severe violations.
Why is it crucial to check demerit points?
An Australian driver needs to check demerit points. Checking these points assists in:
- Stay compliant with road safety rules.
- Avoid mistakenly accruing too many demerit points.
- Organize the driving behaviour to stop licence suspension.
Methods to check demerit points
You can get help from the following methods in checking the demerit points:
1. Mobile apps
Many Australian states have launched official mobile apps to make it easier for drivers to access their records. Apps such as Service NSW and Queensland TMR allow users to:
- Receiving cautions about updates related to licence.
- Approaching the records of their demerit points.
- Managing other operators.
2. Telephone services
Phone services are available for those who do not have internet access. Consult the transport authority of your state or territory to check the demerit points safely.
3. Visit personally
Drivers also have the option to visit a service centre or local transport office to check their demerit points. Don’t forget to bring your identification like your driving licence to approach the records.
4. Driver record request
You can also check the demerit points by requesting a report of formal driver history. This document includes the balance of demerit points and a detailed driving history. You might need to pay a fee to access this service.
Checking demerit points in different states and territories
There is a different system of managing and checking demerit points in states or territories in Australia. Here is information about checking demerit points based on your location:
1. New South Wales (NSW)
In New South Wales, you can use these methods for checking demerit points:
Online Checking
- Requirements: You will need a MyServiceNSW Account to check demerit points online. If you have created a new account or have not entered them earlier, the details about your NSW driver’s licence or a vehicle registered plate number in your name will also be required.
- How to check: First, click the ‘check online’ button. Then log in to or create a MyServiceNSW account. Then enter the NSW driver’s licence or details about the plate number of a vehicle registered if you have created a new account or you have not entered them before. Now welcome the terms and conditions. Finally, review the record of demerit points.
Physically check
You have also an option to visit the Service NSW Centre along with the driving licence for this purpose.
2. Victoria
- Online Checking: Log in to the myVicRoads account. This account will help you to check the demerit points, order a history report of a driver, or privilege verification letter.
- Via phone: Reach out to VicRoads by calling 13 11 71 for assistance.
3. Queensland
- Online checking: The Queensland government offers the service ‘Check my demerit points’ for driver assistance. Demerit points will be displayed on this service when the violation has been completed.
- Physically check: Visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre.
4. Western Australia (WA)
- Online checking: In Western Australia, you can enter the Department of Transport’s online tool to check the demerit points.
- Via phone: Contact 1300 720 111 to ask about the demerit points.
5. South Australia
- Online checking: Log in to mySAGOV account. Click ‘Start now.’ Check your demerit point status and select ‘Demerit point inquiry.’ You can look at your offences below the section of Demerit point offences. This will show the number of demerit points that arise from the offences, the nature of the offence, and its date.
There is no demand for the fee to check the demerit points.
- In-person: You can also visit a Service SA customer service centre. This centre will help you determine the demerit points.
6. Tasmania
- Online checking: Visit the Service Tasmania website. You can see the number of your demerit points at my service as. For this purpose, create or log in to the account and link the Driver’s licence and Vehicle Registration Services.
- Via phone: You can also inquire about the demerit points by calling 1300 13 55 13.
7. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Online checking: The ACT government offers an online service portal. You can use this portal to get information about the demerit points.
- In-person: Also visit the Access Canberra Service Centre for help.
8. Northern Territory
- Online Checking: The Northern Territory government plays a role in providing online services to check demerit points.
- In-person: Visit a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) to get information about demerit points.
Key considerations about demerit points
Consider the following key factors:
- Privacy: Information about demerit points is usually restricted to the licence holder to protect personal information.
- Updates: Demerit points require time to be updated after an offence, so it is suggested that you should check it regularly, particularly when you have done a traffic offence recently.
- Highway offences: Demerit points for offences committed in other states or territories are usually transferred to your home state’s record.
How many demerit points can you accumulate?
The approaches of demerit points depend on the licence type or rules and regulations of the territory. Consider the following examples:
- Provisional driver: Provisional (p-plate) drivers can commonly accumulate 4-8 demerit points depending on the licence type, length of time they hold, and state and territory.
- Full licence holder: Full-licence holders can typically accumulate 12 demerit points within 3 years before facing a suspension of driver’s licence.
- Learner drivers: Learner drivers in Australia can typically accrue up to 4 demerit points.
Exceeding this limit of threshold can cause:
- A suspension time that ranges from three months to more.
- Provisionary licences after the suspension.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check demerit points is crucial for driving responsibly in Australia. You can stay informed about your demerit points by using mobile apps, online portals, or visiting the service centres. Every state and territory of Australia has its system for determining demerit points. The number of demerit points accumulated depends upon the laws of the state and territories. Ensure to check your demerit points regularly to contribute to safer Australian roads.
