Victorian motorists will not face double demerit points during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, with the state maintaining its long-standing position against the use of a double demerits scheme.
Unlike New South Wales, the ACT and Western Australia, Victoria does not apply increased demerit penalties during peak holiday periods. The policy remains unchanged for the 2025 festive season, despite a significant rise in traffic volumes as families travel across the state for Christmas gatherings and summer holidays.
However, Victoria Police have warned that the absence of double demerits should not be interpreted as leniency. Road policing operations will be intensified across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, with a strong focus on speeding, mobile phone use, drink and drug driving, seatbelt compliance and dangerous driving behaviours.
Authorities say enforcement will be supported by an expanded network of mobile and fixed speed cameras, booze and drug buses, and high-visibility highway patrols on major arterial roads.
Police have reiterated that road safety remains a critical concern, with national data showing an increase in road fatalities in 2025 compared to the previous year. Victorian officers say preventing serious injuries and deaths — rather than issuing fines — remains the core objective of holiday enforcement campaigns.
Drivers are being urged to plan their trips carefully, allow extra travel time, and avoid risky behaviour behind the wheel, particularly during periods of heavy congestion.
Victoria’s road safety strategy continues to rely on consistent penalties year-round, rather than seasonal punishment increases, with police stressing that every driver is responsible for protecting lives on the road.
