NSW Police have issued a warning to motorists to slow down and drive safely as double demerits come into force for the holiday period.

Double demerits are in place from Wednesday (24 December) to Sunday, 4 January, targeting speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

The double demerits period is in addition to Operation Christmas and New Year 2025, which will also run until 4 January.

The high-visibility police operation involves officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist police from all police commands and districts across the state.

Five deaths have occurred on the roads since the operation began on Friday.

Police have detected almost 3000 speeding offences, 231 drink driving offences, and 489 positive drug driving offences. There have been more than 116,000 breath tests and 6330 drug tests conducted.

There have been 351 people who have lost their lives on NSW roads this year, which is 28 more than the same time last year.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police would be out in force over the Christmas and New Year period, but ultimately road safety came down to the choices drivers made.

“Double demerits are in place to reinforce the importance of following the road rules, particularly during busy holiday periods when traffic volumes are higher,” Minister Catley said.

“Every choice on the road has consequences. People must take responsibility for their actions and ensure they are not putting themselves or others at risk.

“NSW Police will not tolerate reckless or dangerous behaviour and will use every power at their disposal so everyone can celebrate safely this holiday period.

“I thank NSW Police for their tireless work keeping the community safe over Christmas and the New Year, often at the expense of time with their own families, so others can enjoy the holiday period safely.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said road safety was everyone’s responsibility, and the Christmas and New Year holiday period was one of the busiest times on our road network.

She said the Government was “pulling every lever to make our roads safer, but we can’t change the decisions of motorists".

"We need every motorist across NSW to ensure they’re making safe choices behind the wheel.

“Every death on our roads is one too many, and we are urging all drivers to make safe choices so they can get home safely to their loved ones this holiday period.

“The number of deaths on our roads is not just a number. Every single person who has died one our roads this year left behind family, friends and loved ones.

“Double demerits are in place to deter dangerous behaviour and remind motorists that speeding, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt or riding without a helmet can have devastating consequences.”

Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com, calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.

Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.