Demerit Points & Fines in Australian Capital Territory (2026-27)
12 points within 3 years (full licence; suspension 3–5 months by tally).
ACT Road Transport (Offences) Regulation (Republication 104, 1 July 2026) · 2026-27 scheduleThe Australian Capital Territory runs a hybrid double-demerit scheme that behaves differently from the more common holiday model, described in full below. It also splits mobile phone offences into tiers, separating less serious conduct such as handling a phone for a call from messaging and social media use, which is treated more seriously.
Drink-driving and drug-driving are handled strictly through the courts in the ACT: there are no infringement notices for either, so every matter of this kind is a court matter. If your licence is exposed, that makes early legal advice particularly worthwhile. The schedule shown here carries the date of the version it was drawn from.
| Offence | Points | Fine |
|---|---|---|
Speeding by up to 15 km/h · details
| 1 | $394 |
Speeding by 15–30 km/h · details
| 3 | $563 |
Speeding by 30–45 km/h
| 4 | $750 |
Speeding by more than 45 km/h
| 6 | $1,891 |
Using a mobile phone (calls / general use)
| 3 | $615 |
Using a phone for messaging or social media
| 4 | $745 |
Driver not wearing a seatbelt · details
| 3 | $641 |
Failing to ensure a passenger is restrained
| 3 | $641 |
Running a red light · details
| 3 | $619 |
Drink driving (court only in the ACT)
| — | court |
Drug driving (court only in the ACT)
| — | court |
| Driving an unregistered vehicle | 0 | $750 |
| Using an uninsured vehicle | 0 | $710 |
| Fine basis: Infringement amount, Road Transport (Offences) Regulation as at 1 July 2026. Court-only offences carry no on-the-spot fine; where a figure is shown it is the court-imposed maximum. | ||
How ACT compares with the other states
- Each state's lowest speeding band: ACT's $394 fine is the highest of the 8 states with an on-the-spot fine, $294 more than the lowest (WA, $100).
- Driver not wearing a seatbelt: ACT's $641 fine ranks 2nd highest of the 8 states with an on-the-spot fine; the highest is QLD ($1,295) and the lowest VIC ($418).
- Running a red light: ACT's $619 fine ranks 2nd highest of the 8 states with an on-the-spot fine; the highest is QLD ($690) and the lowest TAS ($213).
| Offence compared | ACT fine | Rank (1 = highest) | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each state's lowest speeding band | $394 | 1 of 8 | ACT $394 | WA $100 |
| Holding or using a handheld phone while driving (full licence) | $615 | 3 of 8 | QLD $1,295 | TAS $426 |
| Driver not wearing a seatbelt | $641 | 2 of 8 | QLD $1,295 | VIC $418 |
| Running a red light | $619 | 2 of 8 | QLD $690 | TAS $213 |
| Driving an unregistered vehicle (shortest lapse where the fine depends on it) | $750 | 3 of 6 | VIC $1,046 | TAS $266.25 |
| Speeding 12 km/h over the limit | $394 | 4 of 8 | QLD $518 | NT $150 |
| Speeding 27 km/h over the limit | $563 | 5 of 8 | SA $987 | NT $300 |
| Each state's own band for the same conduct; court-only matters are not ranked against on-the-spot fines. | ||||
Losing your licence in ACT
| Licence type | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Full / open licence | 12 points within 3 years (full licence; suspension 3–5 months by tally). |
| Provisional / learner | Provisional and learner: 4 points; probationary: 2 points. |
Double demerits in ACT
The Australian Capital Territory's holiday scheme carries an extra layer compared with the standard interstate model. During declared holiday periods, points are doubled for speeding, seatbelt, helmet and mobile phone offences, in line with the familiar approach. On top of that, every other offence that carries points has an additional point added while the period is in force, so even offences outside the doubled group become more costly to your licence. Fines are not affected either way; only the points change. The dates are declared before each period, so it is worth checking the official notice before a long weekend.
Frequently asked questions
- How many demerit points can you get in ACT before losing your licence?
- 12 points within 3 years (full licence; suspension 3–5 months by tally). Provisional and learner: 4 points; probationary: 2 points.
- Does ACT have double demerits?
The Australian Capital Territory's holiday scheme carries an extra layer compared with the standard interstate model. During declared holiday periods, points are doubled for speeding, seatbelt, helmet and mobile phone offences, in line with the familiar approach. On top of that, every other offence that carries points has an additional point added while the period is in force, so even offences outside the doubled group become more costly to your licence. Fines are not affected either way; only the points change. The dates are declared before each period, so it is worth checking the official notice before a long weekend.
Compare a penalty across all 8 states
Other states
Penalties are the standard on-the-spot amounts for a first offence by a full-licence holder unless noted. Aggravated, repeat and court-elected matters differ. This is information, not legal advice.