How do I find out my demerit points balance?
You can enquire about the demerit points currently on your driver's licence or request a copy of your driving record (you will need to have your driver's licence with you) in the following ways:
A certified copy of your driving record can be provided for a fee.
Please note:You cannot obtain other people’s driving records or details.
How long does it take for demerit points to show on my record?
The RTA will be advised of the offence and add the demerit points after you pay the fine to the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO), or if you do not pay the fine, when an enforcement order is made by the SDRO for collection of the fine. If the offence is heard by a court, after the court determines the matter.
When are offences too old to count towards demerit point suspension?
The law does not limit the counting of demerit points to offences that are less than three years old. Demerit points remain on a person’s driving record irrespective of the age of the offence. However, the RTA considers that only offences less than 40 months old can be counted towards a notice of suspension.
My licence has been suspended. When can I start driving again?
If your licence is still current, you can start driving as soon as your suspension period ends. This date will be shown on your Notice of Suspension. If your licence has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew your licence when your suspension period has ended.
Please note that renewal notices are not sent to suspended drivers, so you will need to check your licence is current before you start driving again.
Are all my demerit points cleared from my record when I complete a period of suspension of my driver’s licence?
Demerit points which contribute towards a demerit point suspension or refusal and which are shown on a Notice of Suspension or Refusal can’t be counted towards further licence suspensions. However, all your offences and demerit points will be displayed on your driving record because this accurately reflects your driving history. If other offences are recorded after a Notice of Suspension has been issued, the points for those offences will remain on your record and may count towards future suspension.
What if my licence has been disqualified by a court?
Demerit points are unaffected by a court disqualification. Any demerit points on your record will remain and may be used to suspend or refuse a licence at a later time. If the offence which resulted in the disqualification attracts demerit points, these will also be recorded on your record. Demerit points are recorded even if you are found guilty of the offence and the court dismisses the offence under Section 10(1) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999.
If a demerit point licence suspension period is interrupted by a court disqualification, the unserved suspension period may need to be served at the end of the disqualification period.
If you reach or exceed your demerit point limit during a period of disqualification, you may be refused a licence when you re-apply. The motor registry staff will advise you of this and whether you are eligible to apply for a good behaviour licence instead of a period of refusal.
What if I commit a demerit point offence while driving outside of NSW?
Australian states and territories exchange traffic offence information. If you hold a NSW licence and commit an offence in another state, the offence may attract demerit points in NSW.
What if I hold a licence from another state or territory and commit a driving offence in NSW?
Details of demerit point offences committed in NSW will be sent to your home state and included on your driving record. If you exceed 12 or more points in a three-year period, the RTA may withdraw your right to drive in NSW.
What types of vehicles are meant by the ‘vehicle classes’ shown in some demerit point offences?
The Road Transport (General) Regulation 2005 defines vehicle classes as follows:
Class A motor vehicle:
A motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) less than 4.5 tonnes, or
A motor vehicle and trailer combination with a Gross Combined Mass (GCM) less than 4.5 tonnes.
Class B motor vehicle:
A motor vehicle with a GVM more than 4.5 tonnes but less than 12 tonnes, or
A motor vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM more than 4.5 tonnes but less than 12 tonnes.
Class C motor vehicle:
A motor vehicle with a GVM more than 12 tonnes, or
A motor vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM more than 12 tonnes.
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