Seatbelt offences, motorbike helmet offences and speeding offences (for more than 20 km/h over the speed limit) that are committed within one year of the first offence receive double demerit points.
You do not even have to commit the same offence a second or subsequent time to be allocated additional demerit points. The second or subsequent offence only needs to be within the same offence group for you to be allocated additional demerit points.
For example, if you commit the offence where you failed to wear a seatbelt as a driver, you will be allocated three demerit points (plus a $330 fine). If you commit a second offence within one year where you drive a vehicle while a passenger less than 16 years old is unrestrained, you will be allocated three demerit points plus an additional three demerit points because it is within one year of the first offence. This is a total of nine demerit points for the year and $660 worth of fines!
These additional demerit points apply all year for repeat offenders in Queensland not just school holidays. Local Road Policing Officers report that double demerit points are applied regularly in Bundaberg.
For more examples of how additional demerit points are allocated check out the factsheet on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.
Content courtesy of Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland