Drivers travelling during the King’s Birthday long weekend are being warned to obey road rules, with double-demerit penalties now in force in parts of the country and police stepping up patrols on major roads.

Motorists in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will be subject to double demerits from Friday through to Monday night as authorities target dangerous driving behaviour during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The tougher penalties apply to offences including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, failing to wear a seatbelt correctly and riding a motorcycle without a helmet. In NSW, additional penalties may also apply in school zones on Friday, while other traffic offences can attract an extra demerit point.

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Transport for NSW has reminded drivers that the initiative doubles demerit points rather than financial penalties, increasing the risk of licence suspensions for repeat offenders.

Police across NSW will maintain a highly visible presence throughout the holiday period, with officers focusing on behaviours known to contribute to serious crashes and fatalities.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley urged motorists to take responsibility behind the wheel, saying road safety depended on every driver making sensible decisions.

Queensland operates a different system, with double-demerit penalties enforced year-round for drivers who repeat certain offences within a 12-month period. The state’s rules apply to speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet infringements.

Meanwhile, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not operate double-demerit schemes. However, police in those jurisdictions will still conduct major road safety operations over the long weekend.

Victoria Police has launched Operation Regal, targeting highways, freeways and routes to regional tourism destinations and alpine areas as snow season begins. Authorities have warned that cold and wet conditions could increase risks for motorists.

South Australia’s Operation Safe Long Weekend will focus on the so-called “fatal five” road safety factors, while Tasmania Police will continue a mix of overt and covert patrols aimed at reducing dangerous driving and preventing road trauma.