The Minns Government will today issue an urgent plea for motorists to drive safely ahead of the busy holiday period, as traffic volumes increase across New South Wales and double demerits come into force.
Double demerits will apply statewide from midnight tonight until Sunday, 4 January 2026 inclusive, targeting high risk behaviours such as speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.
A second double demerits period will also be in effect over the Australia Day long weekend, from Friday, 23 January 2026 to Monday, 26 January 2026.
This warning comes at a sobering time. 347 lives have already been lost on NSW roads this year - 25 more than this time last year.
Drivers are urged to make safe choices every trip by:
- Obeying speed limits and driving to the conditions
- Putting mobile phones away while driving
- Wearing seatbelts correctly and ensuring all passengers are properly restrained
- Never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Resting when fatigued and taking regular breaks on long journeys
Every life lost on our roads is one too many. These holidays, slowing down and making safer choices behind the wheel can mean the difference between getting to your destination safely and not getting there at all.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
"Police will be out in force across New South Wales over the Christmas and New Year period to help keep the community safe, with a strong focus on deterring dangerous behaviour on our roads.
"Double demerits are in place to reinforce the importance of following the road rules, particularly during busy holiday periods when traffic volumes are higher.
"People must take responsibility for their actions. Every choice on the road has consequences and it's up to each of us to ensure we don't put ourselves or others at risk.
"The NSW Police will not tolerate reckless or dangerous behaviour on our roads and will use every power at their disposal so everyone can celebrate safely this holiday period."
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"Road safety is everyone's responsibility, and the Christmas and New Year holiday period is one of the busiest times on our road network.
"The Minns Government is pulling every lever to make our roads safer, and we need every motorist across NSW to ensure they're making safe choices behind the wheel.
"Every death on our roads is one too many, and we are urging all drivers to make safe choices so they can get home safely to their loved ones this holiday period.
"The number of deaths on our roads is not just a number. Every single person who has died on our roads this year left behind family, friends and loved ones.
"The grief, trauma and sadness after the loss of a loved one lasts a lifetime. We must do all we can every time we get behind the wheel of a car, or ride a motorbike, to ensure that everyone comes home safe.
"Double demerits are in place to deter dangerous behaviour and remind motorists that speeding, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt or riding without a helmet can have devastating consequences."
