In Short: Double demerit period runs Friday January 23 to Monday January 26 for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and helmet offences

-NSW Police will conduct high-visibility patrols targeting dangerous driving behaviours across regional and urban roads

- 355 lives were lost on NSW roads in 2025, with most fatalities occurring on regional roads where speed was a key factor

Drivers across regional NSW face increased police presence and double demerit penalties this Australia Day long weekend as authorities crack down on dangerous driving. Operation Australia Day will run from Friday January 23 to Monday 26 January 26, with Traffic and Highway Patrol officers supported by general duties and specialist police across all commands and districts.

For communities in areas like Hay, Balranald, Carrathool and Central Darling, where long-distance travel on country roads is often necessary during holiday periods, the operation means heightened enforcement on regional routes.

Double demerit penalties will apply for the entire period for speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt offences and motorcycle helmet violations.

Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully said too many families had their lives shattered by dangerous driving.

“This long weekend, police will be out in force to keep people safe on our roads. Double demerits are in place, and enforcement will be highly visible. Speeding, drink or drug driving, using your phone or not wearing a seatbelt are choices that can cost lives,” Mr Scully said.

“If you’re travelling this long weekend, plan ahead, be patient, drive to the conditions and don't drive fatigued.” “The goal of this operation is simple. We want everyone to get where they’re going safely and return home to their loved ones.”

The operation comes after NSW recorded 355 road deaths in 2025, with the majority occurring on regional roads. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said police would target speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use and restraint offences.

“Our message is that if you are travelling on our roads this weekend then we want everyone to reach their destination safely,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“Too many lives are lost on our roads because of poor decisions.

“If you plan on drinking, then have a Plan B and don't drive. Even speeding a couple of kilometres over the speed limit increases the risk of crashing so don’t do it.

“This operation is about preventing tragedy. One moment of inattention can have lifelong consequences.”

For drivers in remote areas where distances between towns can be significant, fatigue management becomes particularly important. Police recommend regular breaks, sharing driving duties where possible, and avoiding travel during high-risk times.

Director for NSW Executive Director for Transport Safety, Chadi Chalhoub, said every person on the road has a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe.

“NSW ended 2025 with an unacceptably high 355 lives lost on our roads, most on regional roads, with speed a key factor in fatal crashes,” Mr Chalhoub said.

“With people travelling at the end of the summer break and ahead of the school term, drivers and riders are urged to slow down and drive to the conditions.

“As families prepare for the school year, drivers are reminded that school zones return from January 27 and to be alert for children, even on pupil-free days.

“The safest journeys are the ones where everyone makes it home.”

Drivers planning long-distance travel can access current road conditions and traffic information through the Live Traffic NSW app, livetraffic.com website, or by phone: 132 701, or by accessing TfNSW journey planning tool: myjourneynsw.info

Members of the public can report dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.