Two million demerit points removed under NSW Gov scheme

THE NSW Government has moved to permanently introduce a demerit point reward scheme that removes points from the licences of drivers who remain offence-free for a year.

Under the scheme, unrestricted licence holders who avoid committing any traffic offences for 12 consecutive months will have one demerit point removed from their driving record.

More than two million demerit points have been wiped from licences since the scheme was trialled in 2023.

The legislation forms part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion road safety package and is expected to be debated in Parliament in the coming weeks.

Roads minister Jenny Aitchison said the policy was designed to balance enforcement with incentives that encourage safer driving behaviour.

“We believe the best approach is a clear carrot and stick – strong penalties for dangerous behaviour, combined with a real incentive for drivers who do the right thing and stay offence-free,” Aitchison said.

To qualify for the point reduction, drivers must hold an active unrestricted licence and must not commit any offences during the 12-month assessment period.

Learner and provisional drivers are excluded from the scheme due to lower demerit thresholds and higher crash risk.

Aitchison said recognising safe driving over time was key to achieving long-term behaviour change.

“If you follow the rules and drive safely over time, that effort is now recognised, and we think that balance gives us the best chance of changing behaviour and saving lives,” she said.