During the recent holiday period, NSW and Victoria had a strict police operation that led to the detection of more than 30,500 traffic offences. The purpose of this extensive crackdown was to ensure the safety of the roads during the holiday period which is a peak time for road travel and tends to increase the road traffic safety risks.
Operation Labour Day 2025 was the enforcement surge’s primary catalyst. This operation, which took place from the 3rd to the 6th of October, involved the NSW police, including specialist and general duties officers, addressing the core road safety concerns involving the detection of impaired, fatigued, and distracted driving as well as the illegal use of mobile phones while driving, speed limit, and seatbelt and helmet violations. The operation employed double demerits which was an effective method to discourage reckless behaviour by increasing penalties.
In the ACT and NSW, double demerits were in place from midnight Friday to midnight Monday of the long weekend and distracted driving penalties were some of the highest with mobile phone use fines while driving pegged to $423 and 10 demerits in addition to higher fines for infractions that occurred in school zones and 10 demerit points in addition to school zones which illustrates the ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks that come with distracted driving.
Along with the introduction of the new crackdown came an escalating number of road deaths.
Authorities recommended road users plan their trips, take breaks, and stay alert to minimize the chances of an accident due to fatigue. There were calls to exercise patience, keep to the speed limit, use seat belts, and drive sober. Police in Victoria, although not observing the Labour Day holiday, focused their efforts in concert with the national traffic safety campaign which was aimed at the protection of all road users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the double demerit system?
A1: Double demerit points is a system of demerit point punishment that temporarily increases the stack of points assigned to a traffic offence by two.
Q2: Are these traffic laws enforced only during holidays?
A2: No, laws like the use of mobile phones while driving and drink driving are enforced all year, though double demerits and some other laws do only apply during holiday periods.
Q3: How can travelers stay safe during busy holiday travel?
A3: To stay safe, travelers should not speed, drive under the influence, take distracted breaks such as with a mobile phone, and must wear seat belts.
