Demerit points stack up against a limit set by your state and licence type. Reach it and you’re suspended. On a full licence the limit is 12 points in most states (13 in NSW); learners and P-platers have much lower limits (often just 4). Points generally last 3 years from the offence date (4 in Victoria). Pick your state below for the exact rules.
The exact limits and suspension periods are set by each state and territory. Open your state for the detail:
Demerit points are added to your driving record when you’re penalised for an offence. They build up against a limit set by your state and your licence type. Reach the limit and your licence is suspended. On a full licence that limit is 12 points in most states and 13 in NSW, measured over a rolling 3-year period. Points last three years from the date of the offence in every state except Victoria, where they last four.
Go over and you’re suspended, usually on a sliding scale: about 3 months for the first band of points, 4 months a little higher, and 5 months for the most. Every state also offers full-licence holders a "good behaviour" option, keep driving for 12 months on a much tighter points limit (often just 1 more point), but breach it and the suspension typically doubles.
| State | Full-licence limit | Learner / P limit | Points last |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 13 points | P1/L: 4, P2: 7 | 3 years |
| VIC | 12 points | 5 in 12 months | 4 years |
| QLD | 12 points | 4 in 12 months | 3 years |
| SA | 12 points | 4 points | 3 years |
| WA | 12 points | 4, then 8 | 3 years |
| TAS | 12 points | 4 in 12 months | 3 yrs (1 yr novice) |
| ACT | 12 points | 4 points | 3 years |
| NT | 12 points | 5 in 12 months | 3 years |
Provisional and learner drivers have far lower limits, often just 4 points (5 in Victoria and the NT over 12 months). Because a single mid-range speeding or phone offence can be 3 to 4 points, one mistake can be enough to lose a learner or P1 licence. Some states cancel the novice licence rather than suspend it, meaning you have to re-apply afterwards.
Points fall off your record three years after each offence (four in Victoria), so they clear on a rolling basis. After a suspension you can generally drive again the day it ends, provided your licence hasn’t expired. Some states, like the ACT and WA, reset your balance to zero once a suspension is served; others simply let the points expire on the normal timetable.
Demerit points are tied to the fine. If the fine is withdrawn on review, the points aren’t applied. So if you believe a camera or speeding fine was wrong, it can be worth requesting a review before you pay, Fight My Fine helps you draft that letter.
On a full licence, 12 in most states and 13 in NSW. Learners and provisional drivers are suspended far sooner, often at just 4 points (5 in Victoria and the NT).
Three years from the date of the offence everywhere except Victoria, where they last four years.
Your licence is suspended, usually for 3 to 5 months depending on how far over you are. Full-licence holders can instead choose a 12-month good behaviour period, but breaching it typically doubles the suspension.
You can normally drive again the day the suspension ends if your licence is still current. Points expire three years after each offence, and some states reset your balance to zero once a suspension is served.
If the fine that added the points looks wrong, Fight My Fine helps you draft a review or leniency letter, structured around what the reviewing officer looks for. You get a free case-strength check first, and if your grounds are weak we tell you before you pay. Flat price: $10 for parking and toll fines, $15 for all other fines.
Fight My Fine is a self-help tool, not a law firm, and this page is general information, not legal advice. You are the author and sender of every letter. The issuing authority makes the final decision on any review. For serious matters or court, speak with a qualified lawyer or a free service such as LawAccess NSW.