Driving is a privilege, not a right. If you’re facing licence issues in Perth, chances are your demerit points may be stacking up. Whether it’s from speeding, running red lights, or using your mobile phone while driving, each offence can lead to consequences, eventually putting your licence at risk.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to check your demerit points in Perth, explain what those points mean, and when it’s crucial to get legal help from traffic lawyers Perth residents rely on.
What Are Demerit Points?
Demerit points are part of the Western Australian (WA) traffic law enforcement system. Each time you commit a traffic offence—like speeding or not wearing a seatbelt—you may receive a fine along with demerit points. These points are recorded against your driver’s licence and can accumulate over time.
In WA, if you exceed a certain number of demerit points within a specific timeframe, your driver’s licence can be suspended, leading to serious inconveniences and potential job loss for those who rely on driving for work.
Why You Should Check Your Demerit Points
If you’re asking, “How do I check my demerit points?”, you’re not alone. Many drivers in Perth are unaware of how close they are to a licence suspension until it’s too late.
Here’s why it’s important to check your demerit points in Perth:
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Avoid a licence suspension due to accumulated points.
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Stay informed about the status of your licence.
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Prevent legal complications and higher insurance premiums.
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Plan ahead and seek early legal advice if needed.
How to Check Your Demerit Points in Perth
Checking your demerit points is a straightforward process through the WA Department of Transport.
– Online via DoTDirect
You can easily check your demerit points online using the WA Government’s DoTDirect portal.
Steps:
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Visit www.transport.wa.gov.au
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Log in or create a DoTDirect account.
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Click on your driver’s licence information.
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View your current demerit point status.
You’ll be able to see:
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The number of points currently on your licence.
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Any recent infringements?
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Licence status (active, suspended, expired).
– Request via Phone or In Person
Alternatively, you can call the Department of Transport or visit a licensing centre for assistance. However, online access is the fastest and most convenient method.
Demerit Points Threshold in WA
Here’s a quick overview of the demerit point limits that apply in WA:
| Licence Type | Demerit Point Limit (over 3 years) |
|---|---|
| Full Licence | 12 Points |
| Provisional Licence | 4 Points |
| Learner’s Licence | 4 Points |
| Extraordinary Licence | 0 Points (strictly monitored) |
If you exceed these limits, you may face:
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Licence suspension for 3 months or more.
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Court appearances for serious offences.
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Increased penalties for repeat violations.
Common Offences That Add Demerit Points
Here are some typical infractions and their corresponding demerit point values in WA:
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Speeding (minor): 2–3 points
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Speeding (serious): 6–7 points
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Using a mobile while driving: 3 points
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Running a red light: 3 points
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Failing to wear a seatbelt: 4 points
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Drink or drug driving: Criminal charges + points
If you’re worried about accumulating points from repeat offences, now is the time to seek help from traffic lawyers Perth WA locals trust.
When Should You Seek a Traffic Lawyer?
If you’re thinking, “Do I need legal advice for my demerit points?”, the answer could be yes, especially if:
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You are close to losing your licence.
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You’ve received a court notice for a serious traffic offence.
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You’re unsure about the impact of your current offences.
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You’re on a provisional or extraordinary licence.
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You want to contest a traffic infringement notice.
Experienced traffic offence lawyers can assess your case and guide you on the best course of action, including challenging fines or negotiating alternatives.
How Traffic Lawyers in Perth Can Help
Traffic lawyers Perth professionals are equipped to help with:
– Demerit Point Consultation
They’ll explain your current standing, what risks you face, and how to reduce or manage your points.
– Court Representation
If your offence goes to court, a traffic lawyer can represent you and advocate for a reduced penalty or alternative sentence (such as a fine instead of suspension).
– Extraordinary Licence Applications
If you lose your licence but still need to drive for work or family commitments, traffic lawyers Perth WA can help you apply for an extraordinary licence—a special permit allowing conditional driving.
– Challenging Infringements
Sometimes, traffic infringement notices are issued in error or can be successfully challenged due to circumstances. Legal representation improves your chances of success.
What Happens If You Ignore Your Demerit Points?
If you ignore mounting demerit points, here’s what could happen:
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Immediate licence suspension once you cross the threshold.
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Loss of driving privileges affects work, family, and lifestyle.
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Increased legal complications if you continue driving while suspended.
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Permanent record of offences impacting future job applications and insurance.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’ve already searched “check my demerit points” and found yourself near the limit, it’s time to act.
How to Avoid Demerit Point Accumulation
Here are some proactive steps to avoid licensing issues in the future:
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Obey road rules at all times—especially in school zones and construction areas.
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Avoid distractions, particularly mobile phones and in-car devices.
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Drive defensively and anticipate hazards.
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Review demerit points regularly through DoTDirect.
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Get a consultation on demerit points Perth drivers trust from qualified legal professionals.
Conclusion
Dealing with traffic fines or a potential licence suspension is not just frustrating—it can be life-changing. That’s why it’s essential to check your demerit points in Perth regularly and seek early legal guidance if you’re nearing the limit.
Whether you’re facing a minor traffic offence or a more serious charge, working with expert traffic lawyers in Perth WA, can help you understand your rights, challenge unfair penalties, and protect your licence.
Need Legal Help?
Get a consultation on the demerit points Perth drivers rely on. Contact our experienced traffic offence lawyers today and protect your right to drive with confidence.
