I know I’ve accumulated some demerits points, but how many is too many?
Majority of us would have accrued some demerits points in our lifetime, but how many demerit points is too many? What happens when we commit a traffic offence and we have demerit points attached to our name?
If you have been caught committing a traffic offence, either in South Australia or interstate, there is the very real possibility of incurring demerit points on your driver’s licence. The rules surrounding Learner’s and Provisional Licences, and Full Licences differ, and it is important to know the facts.
Learner and Provisional Drivers
For those on their Learner’s Permit or Provisional (1) or (2) licence, accruing four or more demerit points will mean a disqualification from driving for 6 months.
Full Licensed Drivers
For Full Licensed drivers, 12 or more demerit points means that they will receive a disqualification from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence or permit.
- 12 to 15 points means losing the right to drive for three months
- 16 to 20 points means losing the right to drive for four months
- More than 20 points means losing the right to drive for five months
A ‘Demerits Warning Notice’ will be served once accruing 6 or more demerit points, and will outline:
- Offence details
- The date of each committed offence
- The number of demerit points for each offence
- That a disqualification from driving is not far away
Demerit points and their coordinating offences remain on your licence record for three years from the date of the offence. This period is calculated based on that dates each offence was committed.
Common offences leading to incurring demerits points are:
| OFFENCE | DEMERIT POINTS INCURRED |
|---|---|
| 2 | |
| Exceeding the speed limit by less than 10km/h | 3 |
| Exceeding speed limit by 10km/h but less than 20 km/h | 6 |
| Driving recklessly at speed or in manner dangerous to public | 6 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drug | 6 |
| Failing to give way at a pedestrian crossing | 3 |
| Turning at an intersection with “no turn” sign | 2 |
| Failing to move out of the way to police or emergency vehicle | 3 |
A full list of offences can be found in the Road Traffic Act 1961, and it is important to recognise these rules and the demerit point system so as to keep out of trouble.
If you are in need of legal assistance in the areas of traffic offences or criminal charges, please contact us on 08 7132 5636 to seek advice from our experienced Adelaide lawyers.
