Demerit points are a penalty that may be imposed when you commit a traffic offence.
When issued a driver licence, you start with zero demerit points recorded against your driver licence and demerit points are then accumulated for offences committed where demerit points are applicable.
If you accumulate or exceed the maximum allowable demerit point threshold for your licence type within a three year period, your licence will be subject to a period of suspension.
For example, if you hold a full ACT driver licence, for which the allowable demerit point threshold is twelve, your licence will be suspended if you accumulate twelve or more demerit points within a three year period.
The three year period is calculated from the date of the offence. If you accumulate more than your allowed demerit points for your licence class within a 3 year period, your driver licence will be suspended. Some infringements do not attract demerit points.
The more demerit points that are accumulated within the three year period, the longer the period of suspension that is applied.
While demerit points only count towards a suspension for a three year period, infringements are permanently recorded in the driver licence history.
To check how many demerit points you have accumulated on your ACT driver licence, you will need to apply for the Licence History. Refer to Licence History application page, on how to obtain your Licence History. Alternatively, please phone Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
