Double Demerits WA 2026: Dates, Offences and Licence Risks Explained

Western Australia drivers are facing a tougher penalty period as double demerits come into force for the WA Day long weekend, with police targeting speeding, mobile phone use, drink and drug driving, red-light offences and seatbelt breaches.

The double demerit period runs from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1, meaning selected road offences can carry twice the usual demerit point penalty. For drivers already close to their limit, one mistake during the long weekend could be enough to put their licence at risk.

The WA Government’s road safety guidance confirms double demerits apply across key holiday periods, including the Western Australia Day long weekend. The aim is to reduce risky driving when more people are travelling on busy roads and highways.

Do’s for WA drivers during double demerits

• Check the dates before travelling: The WA Day long weekend double demerit period is active from May 29 to June 1. Any covered offence during this window can carry a much heavier points penalty.
• Stay within the speed limit: Speeding is one of the main offences targeted during double demerit periods. Even a small lapse can add extra points to your record.
• Put your phone away before driving: Illegal mobile phone use is a key enforcement focus. Set navigation, music or calls before you leave, and avoid touching your phone while driving.
• Wear your seatbelt correctly: Drivers and passengers should be properly restrained before the car moves. Child restraints must also be fitted and used correctly.
• Plan a sober way home: Drink and drug driving offences carry serious consequences at any time, but the risk is even higher during a double demerit period.
• Allow extra travel time: Long weekends usually mean heavier traffic. Leaving early can reduce the temptation to speed or take risks on the road.
• Check your current demerit points: Drivers who are unsure about their record can use the official WA demerit points enquiry service before travelling.

Don’ts during the WA double demerit period

• Don’t assume a minor offence is harmless: During double demerits, a normally manageable penalty can become much more serious, especially for drivers who already have points.
• Don’t use your phone at traffic lights: Many drivers wrongly think phone rules only apply while the car is moving. If you are in control of the vehicle, phone use can still lead to penalties.
• Don’t run red lights to save time: Red-light offences are included in double demerit enforcement and are treated as high-risk because of the danger at intersections.
• Don’t drive tired on long routes: Fatigue can slow reaction times and lead to mistakes. Take breaks, share the driving where possible and avoid pushing through tiredness.
• Don’t ignore child restraint rules: Children must be secured in the right restraint for their age and size. Incorrect restraint use can attract penalties and increase crash risk.
• Don’t rely on last-minute braking near cameras: Speed enforcement can occur across highways, local roads and busy holiday routes. Consistent safe driving is the only reliable approach.
• Don’t risk driving if you are already close to your points limit: A doubled penalty could trigger licence action, particularly for novice drivers or anyone with existing demerit points.

Licence risk is higher for some drivers

The biggest concern during double demerits is how quickly points can build up. A driver who already has demerit points on their record may have very little room for error over the long weekend.

Novice drivers, including learner and provisional licence holders, should be especially careful because lower point limits can make even one offence more serious. A speeding, phone or seatbelt offence during the enforcement window may create consequences that last well beyond the public holiday.

For full licence holders, the same warning applies. Double demerits can turn a routine infringement into a licence problem if the driver has previous offences. That is why authorities are urging motorists to treat the long weekend as a period for extra caution, not just another few days on the road.

The safest approach is simple: slow down, keep the phone out of reach, wear a seatbelt, stop before drinking, and allow more time than usual for long weekend travel. The penalty period ends on Monday, June 1, but the impact of an offence can remain on a driver’s record long after the weekend is over.