Demerit points
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I find out how many demerit points I have accumulated?
- How do I pay my fine?
- Who issues demerit points?
- How can I find out if my drivers licence has been suspended?
- How long does it take for demerit points to clear?
- When does a demerit point disqualification take effect after I have been issued with demerit points?
- What role does the fines enforcement registry play in demerit points?
- I think I have possibly accumulated more than 12 demerit points but I haven't received a disqualification notice. What do I do?
- Can I apply for an extraordinary licence?
- I am trying to obtain car insurance cover and my potential insurer has asked for a record of any demerit points I may have accumulated? Who can provide me with this information?
1. How can I find out how many demerit points I have accumulated?
To find out how many demerit points you may have accumulated, please call our Licensing team on:
1300 720 111
Also, your most recent driver’s licence renewal will also show your balance at the time of issue.
2. How do I pay my fine?
Visit the Infringements section on the WA Police website for more information about payment, non-payment fees and contesting infringements.
3. Who issues demerit points?
Demerit points are issued by the WA Police or an authorised officer for motoring offences. The points can vary anywhere from one to six points depending on the type of offence, except during long weekends and holiday seasons when the allocated demerit points for the offence will be double. Visit the WA Police website for more information about infringements.
4. How can I find out if my drivers licence has been suspended?
Visit the Department of the Attorney General’s online licence suspension check to see if your licence is suspended due to the non-payment of any fines you have incurred.
5. How long does it take for demerit points to clear?
The demerit points associated to an infringement will expire three years from the date of the offence. When 12 or more points are accrued within the three-year period, an Excessive Demerit Point Notice is created. Once the Excessive Demerit Point Notice is personally served on a person the disqualification period will commence 28 days from the date of service. The period of disqualification will depend on the number of demerit points accumulated within the three-year period.
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6. When does a licence demerit point disqualification take effect after I have been issued with demerit points?
The licence disqualification period will take effect 28 days after the Excess Demerit Point Notice has been personally served on the person.
7. What role does the fines enforcement registry play in demerit points?
The demerit point disqualification is cumulative with all other suspensions. This means that if a person has a fines suspension against their drivers licence they will need to either pay out the fines or organise a time to pay by contacting the fines enforcement registry on 1300 650 235. If this is not done the demerit point disqualification will not start until the fines have been paid and the person will not be eligible to elect the Good Behaviour Period.
8. I think I have possibly accumulated more than 12 demerit points but I haven't received a disqualification notice. What do I do?
You need to ensure that the Department has your correct address details. You can change them here.
For example, Mr. Smith accumulates 12 demerit points on his driving licence. The disqualification isn't personally served to Mr Smith as he has recently changed addresses. This means that his driving licence disqualification period cannot commence.
He continues to accumulate demerit points. He is located and personally served the Excessive Demerit Point Notice. The period of disqualification will depend on the number of demerit points accumulated. More than one Excessive Demerit Point Notice may be created and this will result in more than one disqualification period.
9. Can I apply for an extraordinary licence?
You can no longer apply for an extraordinary licence in the event of being disqualified due to demerit point offences.
You now have two options. You can now accept the qualification associated with the amount of demerit points you have accrued or elect to take the Good Behaviour Period option. This allows you to continue to drive for a period of 12 months subject to the following conditions:
- You must not commit a driving offence where the penalty involves more than one demerit point
- You must not commit a driving offence that results in a court disqualification from holding or obtaining a drivers licence.
See the Demerit point - Double or Nothing section for more information.
10. I am trying to obtain car insurance cover and my potential insurer has asked for a record of any traffic infringements I may have against my licence. Who can provide me with this information?
Visit the WA Police website for more information about obtaining a certified copy of your traffic infringement information.
Licensing can provide a certified copy of a served Excessive Demerit Point Notice or Breach Notice. You will need to attend a licensing centre with primary identification and complete an Authority to release record of demerit point suspension form and make a payment of $18.20.
A copy of the notice will then be posted to you.
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