How does the Demerit Points System affect me as a driver?

Every driver starts with zero (0) demerit points on his/her driving permit record.
The vast majority of the traffic offenses and violations form part of the Traffic Ticketing System and the Demerit Points System.
Demerit points are placed on a person’s driving permit record only after payment of a Traffic Ticket.
Failure to pay the Traffic Ticket and/or contest the Traffic Ticket within the prescribed time frame; or conviction before a court for a traffic violation or offence that carries demerit points, will result in demerit points being placed on a person’s driving permit record.
Demerit Points will stay on your record for a maximum of two (2) years.
Once two (2) consecutive years have passed without the driver accumulating additional demerit points, these points will automatically be removed from his/her driving permit record.
If a driver reaches their maximum threshold of demerit points according to the law, he or she can be disqualified from driving for a specified period.
For the purpose of administering demerit points and disqualification periods, there is a distinction between:
- A newly licensed driver or provisional permit holder (an individual who holds their driving permit for a period of twelve (12) months or less from the date of issue).
- An experienced driver (an individual who holds their driving permit for a period of more than twelve (12) months from the date of issue).