The real cost of having demerit points on your licence is higher than you think. Did you know each demerit point lasts for 40 months? You may also pay over half more for your green slip – for 3 years. If you reach the limit, you lose your licence.
How many demerit points can I get before losing my licence?
Most drivers on a full licence are suspended if they incur 13 or more demerit points in a 3-year period. This period is measured from the first to the last offence.
Some people say they ‘lose’ points but, in fact, they ‘add’ points to their licence. Every driver starts off with zero points on their licence. You accrue demerit points with each offence up to a threshold, usually 13 points. Then your licence is suspended.
Having a suspended licence may affect your ability to work or carry out family duties.
How long do demerit points stay on my record?
Demerit points stay on your driving record for 40 months. After 40 months, the demerit points come off your total but the offences stay on your record.
Essential to know
- The NSW government extended a trial for motorists who had at least one demerit point on 17 January 2025.
- If they maintain a clean record for 12 months to 31 January 2026 (not 3 years as usual) one demerit point will come off their licence.
Do demerit points affect my green slip price?
Yes, demerit points do affect the price of your green slip. Some vehicle owners could save over $300 each year on their greenslip premium if they have no demerit points. This is a saving over 3 years of $900!
For our example, we used the green slip calculator for a woman, 45, with an insured Rav4 in the metro area with 0-3 or more demerits (no other offences) at 1 October 2025.
Greenslip price range and extra paid with demerit points
| Demerit points |
Greenslips price range |
Extra paid with demerits |
| 0 | $488-$691 | – |
| 1-2 | $588-$791 |
$100 (+20.5%) |
| 3 and above | $769-$791 | $281 (+57.6%) |
-
With only 1 demerit point, it costs $100 more for the cheapest green slip.
- With 3 or more demerit points, it costs $281 more for the cheapest green slip.
Demerit points stay on your record for 40 months so their negative effects on your green slip price last for 3 years.
Total 3-year cost based on cheapest green slip price
| Demerit points |
Total 3-year cost of green slips |
Extra paid with demerits |
| 0 | $1,464 | – |
| 1-2 | $1,764 | $300 (+20.5%) |
| 3 and above | $2,307 | $843 (+57.6%) |
-
With 1-2 demerit points, you could pay $300 (21%) more for the cheapest green slip over 3 years.
- With 3 or more demerit points, you pay $843 (58%) more – the same as if you bought nearly 2 more green slips!
It literally pays to drive safely. Use the green slip calculator to compare prices.
What kinds of offences get demerit points?
Demerit points apply to common offences, such as speeding, double parking, mobile phone use and running red lights. The number of demerit points depends on the offence, your licence and whether or not it’s in a school zone.
|
Traffic offence |
Demerit points |
Demerit points school zone |
||
| Drive in bus lane | 1 | |||
| Double park | 0 | 2 | ||
| Overtake when unsafe | 2 | 4 | ||
| Not wear seatbelt | 3 | 3 | ||
| Not stop at traffic lights | 3 | 4 | ||
| Not give way when required | 3 | 4 | ||
| Travel at 20 kph over limit | 4 | 5 | ||
| Use mobile phone while driving | 5 | 5 |
TfNSW provides a full list of all offences that incur demerit points.
Do I have demerit points on my licence?
If you’re uncertain how many demerit points you have, check them online.
Our research shows:
- 69% of visitors to the greenslips.com.au Calculator in the year to June 2025 saved money because they had no demerit points.
- 19% of visitors had 1 to 4 demerit points and pay extra for their green slips for 3 years.
Learn more about demerit points. Get a quote for your cheapest green slip.
your opinion matters: