Demerit points are a form of penalty imposed when certain traffic offences are committed. Demerit points range from one to 10 points per offence.
When you are issued with a learner permit/driver licence you will have zero demerit points. Demerit points accumulate if you commit an offence that carries demerit points. A fine may also be imposed together with demerit points. Demerit points are valid for three years from the date of the offence.
If you commit an offence which carries demerit points, VicRoads will send you a letter which lists how many demerit points you have accumulated and the details of the offence(s).
If you have a:
- full driver licence and get 12 or more demerit points in any 3 year period; or
- learner permit or probationary driver licence and you get 5 or more demerit points in any 12 month period or you get 12 or more demerit points in any 3 year period,
you will be advised by VicRoads that you have these demerit points and given a notice with two options, as follows.
You can elect to keep your licence but you must not accumulate any other demerit points during a 12 month period specified on your option notice or your permit/licence will be suspended for double the time that it would have been suspended under option 2.
If you choose option 1 you should call VicRoads on 1300 555 325 (this automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week) and confirm your option selection at least seven days before the option 2 suspension is scheduled to commence.
If you choose option 2 you do not need to respond to the option notice. Your licence suspension will start on the date specified in this notice. The suspension period will be three months for the first 12 points (or 5 points if you have a learner permit or probationary licence) plus one month for every additional four points listed in the option notice.
A demerit point suspension cannot be imposed or operate concurrently with any other licence suspension or cancellation.
You can enquire about the demerit points on your driver's licence or request a copy of your demerit point history that details demerit points incurred, date and type of offence.
To enquire about number of demerit points only (this is a free service):
- Call VicRoads on 13 11 71 and follow the prompts.
Purchase your driver history report for a fee of $8.30. You can do this:
- online and have the report mailed to you. Pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- by calling VicRoads on 13 11 71 and pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- writing a letter enclosing a cheque to:
VicRoads
Demerit Points Section
Locked Bag 7000
Kew VIC 3101.
VicRoads cannot provide information such as registration number, location of incident and other personal details. If you require this type of information contact Civic Compliance Victoria:
| Phone: |
(03) 9200 8111 or for regional enquiries please call 1300 369 819 |
| Postal Address: |
Civic Compliance, Victoria GPO Box 1916, Melbourne 3001 |
| Address: |
Ground Floor, 277 William Street, Melbourne 3001 |
A demerit point suspension
cannot be served while other licence suspension or cancellation penalties are imposed or while you remain unlicensed following a licence cancellation.
If your licence is under a demerit points suspension:
- and your licence is suspended for another offence, the demerit points suspension will stop until the period of suspension for the other offence is completed. Following this, the balance of the demerit point suspension will be served
- and your licence is cancelled for another offence, the demerit points suspension will stop until the period of cancellation is completed. Following this, you will need to apply for a new driver licence and the balance of the demerit point suspension will be served immediately following the issue of the new licence.
If your licence is suspended or cancelled for an offence and the penalty for that offence imposes demerit points which together with other current demerit points will exceed the allowable threshold, you will receive a demerit point option notice (as described above) when:
- the suspension for the offence has been completed, or
- you have been re-licensed after a licence cancellation.