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Summary of Demerit Points

Demerit points only apply to offences committed under the Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA) and/or regulations made under the Act, except an offence of breaching a condition imposed by a court following a successful demerit points appeal (1 point).

The table below summarises some of the more common offences that attract demerit points. References in the table are to the Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA) or the Australian Road Rules (ARR). A complete list of offences attracting demerit points is set out in schedule 4 of the Motor Vehicles Regulations 2010 (SA).

Many offences to which demerit points apply will also result in a fine/expiation fee being applicable. Schedule 4 of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Regulations 2014 (SA) lists the expiation fee amounts for offences contained in the Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA) (and its regulations) and the Australian Road Rules.

For a comprehensive summary of offences and the points they carry, see PD320A - Expiable Offences and Fees - Traffic on the SAPOL website.

Offence pts
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs [s 47(I)] 6

Driving above the prescribed concentration of alcohol [s 47B]

  • Less than 0.08
  • 0.08 - 0.149
  • 0.15 and over

4

5

6

Refuse breath test [s 47E] 6
Dangerous driving [s 46] 6
Excessive speed [s 45A] 9
Failing to stop after accident where a person or animal is injured or killed [s 43(1)] 5
Fail to stop for red traffic light [ARR 56] 3
Fail to give way to police or emergency vehicle [ARR 79] 3
Fail to give way when changing lanes [ARR 148] 3
Fail to wear seatbelt — driver [ARR 264] 3

Exceed speed [ARR 20]

  • less than 10 kph
  • 10 - 20 kph
  • 20 - 30 kph
  • 30 kph or more

2

3

5

7

Failing to indicate [ARR 46,48] 2
Using head lights on high beam [ARR 218] 1
Summary of Demerit Points  :  Last Revised: Fri Jul 1st 2022
The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.