NSW Police has launched a statewide traffic operation aimed at curbing dangerous driving and preventing further loss of life as drivers hit the roads for the Anzac Day long weekend.
Police will have a high-visibility presence across the state during Operation Anzac Day 2026 from 12.01am Friday 24 April 2026 to 11.59pm Monday 27 April 2026.
A double demerits period targeting speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences will be in place for the same time period.
Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist officers from all police commands and districts across the state will be deployed to urge drivers to make smart choices on the road.
There have been 108 lives lost on NSW roads this year, which is five more than the same time last year.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said "let there be no doubt," NSW Police officers would be out in force this long weekend and they would be targeting the behaviours we know put lives at risk on our roads.
"This is a high-visibility operation, and drivers can expect to see police on highways, in regional areas and across our metropolitan road network," Minister Catley said.
"There is no excuse for speeding, using your mobile phone, or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt. These are not just offences, they are choices – and they could cost you your life.
"If you make the wrong decision behind the wheel, you will be caught and you will face the consequences. Double demerits are there to deter risky behaviour and encourage safer driving when our roads are at their busiest."
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King said every driver had a responsibility to make safe choices.
"We are seeing far too many lives lost on our roads, and every one of those deaths is a tragedy that didn't need to happen. Our message this long weekend is simple: slow down and pay attention when driving," Acting Assistant Commissioner King said.
"This operation isn't about issuing tickets. It's about stopping dangerous behaviour before it ends in a fatal crash.
"If we can prevent even one family from receiving a knock on the door, it's worth every resource we put into it.
"Drivers should expect to see police out on roads. If you do the wrong thing, you will be stopped, you will be tested, and you will be held accountable."
Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com, calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.
Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
