Demerit points for dangerous driving
Why do some road fines include demerit points while others don’t? The answer is simple really.
According to the SA Gov website, the number of demerit points incurred for an offence depends on how likely it is to put other road users in danger and cause a crash.
At one end of the scale, most parking offences don’t include any demerit points, and driving in an unregistered vehicle on the road only incurs a fine.
Using your fog lights when they’re not required will see you receive just one point.
Speeding, on the other hand, includes a range of demerit points depending on how fast the motorist is travelling. If you’re above the speed limit by less than 10km/h, you’ll receive two demerit points, a $202 fine, and you’ll also have to pay the $102 Victims of Crime Levy.
If you’re caught speeding by 45km/h or more, you’ll receive a whopping nine demerit points along with a $1895 fine and $102 Victims of Crime Levy.
Driving while using your mobile phone? You’ll receive a fine along with three demerit points.
You can see which road offences include demerit points here.
How many points can you accrue?
If you accumulate 12 or more points in a three-year period, you may have your driver’s licence disqualified.
If you’re a driver with a learner’s permit or provisional licence and accrue four or more demerit points, you’ll be disqualified from driving for six to 12 months.
Do demerit points expire?
Demerit points apply from the date of an offence and will expire three years after they’re accrued.
So, if you receive two points for driving 8km over the speed limit on 29 June 2025, the points will expire on 29 June 2028.
Can I check how many points I’ve accrued?
Yes, you can check how many points you’ve accrued at mySAgov. You can view the road offences you’ve committed, the offence date and how many demerit points you’ve accrued.