NSW and ACT: Drivers warned as double fault penalties imposed over King’s Birthday long weekend

This long weekend in June will see double infractions across New South Wales and the ACT as police specifically target dangerous driving on our roads.

The four-day operation will take place in NSW and the ACT, with police on duty Friday to Monday.

Double penalties will be imposed for all speeding, seat belt and cell phone offenses and driving without a helmet.

There is an additional penalty point for all other traffic offences.

ACT Street Police Officer Acting Inspector Ken Williams said the police are increasing their street presence ahead of the ACT’s usual public holiday stampede.

Traffic offenses on the King’s Birthday long weekend are subject to double penalties

“If you’re traveling interstate, remember to respect the conditions and take regular breaks,” he said.

“We want people to do the right thing … slow down, obey the speed limit and if you’re drinking all weekend please don’t drive.”

Inspector Williams took the opportunity to urge motorists to cooperate with police when conducting road safety operations over the sovereign’s birthday long weekend.

“Police don’t want to report violations, but we will if we see drivers violating the Highway Code,” he said.

In addition to an increased police presence on state and territory streets, cell phone detection cameras will also remain active throughout the long weekend.

During this period, a driver caught using their cell phone will be fined $352, increasing to $469 at school, and a staggering 10 penalty points.

Any person not wearing a seat belt during this period will be assessed a whopping six demerit points and a $352 fine.

A driver with four or more unbelted passengers faces 12 penalty points and a whopping $1,487 fine.

The road crackdown applies in NSW and the ACT Friday to Monday

Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania do not include double demerit operations in their road safety strategies.

Standard penalties and fines will apply to motorists enjoying the King’s Birthday long weekend in these states and territories, although there will likely be an increased police presence on the roads.

Western Australia and Queensland celebrate the King’s Birthday Bank Holiday on Monday 25th September and Monday 2nd October.

While double offenses do exist in Queensland, they do not only apply during bank holidays like in NSW, ACT and WA, but instead apply to drivers who repeatedly commit specific offenses within a 12 month period.

This system may still apply to Queensland license holders committing traffic offenses in other states and territories.

While penalties across New South Wales and the ACT are doubled over the four-day period, the fines remain the same.