Demerit points
Demerit points play a crucial role in promoting safe driving behaviors. Discover the rules, how demerit points are applied, and how to find out if you have any.
A demerit point is a penalty point you get when you commit certain driving offences, such as speeding or dangerous driving. All drivers start with zero demerit points.
Demerit points last for four years. They start from the date you committed the related driving offence.
Demerit points expire if they are used for:
- an extended demerit point period
- a disqualification or suspension (that’s been served in full).
Demerit points stay active if:
- an offence is withdrawn resulting in the extended demerit point period, demerit point suspension or disqualification ending early
- an extended demerit point period is breached by an offence that carries demerit points.
If this happens, the points remain active on your record and still count towards your current total.
Check your demerit point history
Visit VicRoads to check your demerit points history. Demerit points may not immediately show up in your history because of:
- court proceedings
- late payments of a traffic infringement notice.
View a sample 5 year demerit point history record (PDF)
Demerit point limits
The number of demerit points you can get depends on which licence you have.
| Victorian licence type | Details of demerit point limit |
|---|---|
| 5 points in any 12-month period, or 12 points in any 3-year period. |
All other licences, including:
| 12 points in any 3-year period. |
| VicRoads will still record your driving offence details and demerit point history. | |
| Marine licence (for boats and jet skis) | Your demerit point suspension or disqualification doesn’t affect your Victorian marine licence. |