Drivers across the Clarence Valley could soon benefit from a permanent change to the state’s demerit system, with the Minns Government introducing legislation to reward motorists who remain offence free.
The proposed reform would make the Demerit Point Reward Program a permanent feature of the NSW licensing system. Eligible unrestricted licence holders will be able to have one demerit point removed from their record after remaining offence free for a continuous 12 month period.
For a regional community like the Clarence Valley, where many residents rely on their vehicles daily for work, school runs, medical appointments and long distance travel to larger centres, keeping a licence is not just convenient, it is essential.
Since the trial began in 2023, more than two million demerit points have been removed across NSW. Thousands more drivers are expected to qualify under the final year of the trial, with additional points to be returned later this year.
The reform forms part of a record $2.8 billion road safety investment over four years, aimed at safer roads, improved infrastructure, stronger enforcement and education.
Importantly, this is not a softening of penalties. Fines, licence suspensions and police action remain firmly in place for dangerous and repeat offenders. Instead, the program works alongside enforcement by encouraging consistent safe driving over time.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the approach balances accountability with positive reinforcement.
“We believe the best approach is strong penalties for dangerous behaviour, combined with a real incentive for drivers who do the right thing and stay offence free,” she said.
For Clarence Valley motorists travelling busy stretches such as the Pacific Highway, Yamba Road, or rural roads connecting outlying communities, the reform provides an added incentive to slow down and stick to safe driving habits.
Only unrestricted licence holders are eligible. Learner and provisional drivers remain excluded under the Graduated Licensing Scheme due to their higher risk profile and lower demerit thresholds. Drivers must hold an active licence and remain free of relevant offences for the full 12 month period to qualify.
With road trauma continuing to impact regional communities, including those across the North Coast, the legislation aims to encourage long term behaviour change while maintaining strong consequences for unsafe driving.
For many in the Clarence Valley, where losing a licence can mean losing access to employment or vital services, the reform offers something simple but powerful, recognition that safer choices behind the wheel matter.
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