Demerit points, fines and licence suspension in Northern Territory

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the demerit limits for learner, provisional and open licence holders.
• You can explain how long points stay on your record.
• You can describe what happens when you reach your limit.
• You can list fines and points for common novice offences.
• You can explain how unpaid fines can lead to suspension.

What you need to know and understand

• Demerit points count from the date of the offence and stay active for up to 3 years.
• A learner or provisional licence is suspended at 5 or more points in any 12-month period, or 12 or more points in any 3-year period.
• An open licence is suspended at 12 or more points in any 3-year period.
• Points do not reset when you move from one licence type to another.
• A suspension during your provisional period is added onto the length of your Ps.
• The NT Fines Recovery Unit can suspend your licence if you do not pay a fine on time.
• The NT Government demerit pages do not describe a double demerit scheme, so do not assume one applies here. Check with MVR if unsure.

How long a suspension lasts

For learner and provisional drivers, the length depends on how many points you reach:

• 5 to 8 points: 3 months.
• 9 to 12 points: 4 months.
• 13 or more points: 5 months.

1. MVR sends you a notice with your suspension start date.
2. During the suspension you must not drive, and you cannot apply for or renew a licence anywhere.
3. Some drivers may be eligible for a 12-month good driving behaviour option instead of serving the suspension. Interstate licence holders are not eligible.
4. When the suspension ends, you can drive again if your licence has not expired.

Common offences for new drivers

Do the maths: a phone offence plus forgetting your P plates is 5 points, which is enough for a 3-month suspension. Fines are set in law and can change, so check the NT Government site for current amounts.

• Learner without L plates, or provisional driver without P plates: $100 and 2 points.
• Learner or provisional driver using any mobile phone: $500 and 3 points.
• Driver not wearing a seatbelt: $500 and 3 points.
• Fail to obey a red traffic light: $240 and 3 points.
• Speeding by up to 15 km/h: $150 and 1 point. Over 15 up to 30 km/h: $300 and 3 points.
• Failure to produce your licence when asked by police: $100.

Serious offences and unpaid fines

Some offences go to court instead of an on-the-spot fine, such as driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, failing to stop after a crash where someone is hurt, and driving under the influence. Courts can impose large fines, jail and disqualification.

If you get a fine, it will not go away. Contact the Fines Recovery Unit if you cannot pay on time, as it can set up payment plans. You can check your points online, by calling MVR on 1300 654 628, or by requesting your history from NT Police.

Common mistakes

• Thinking points disappear when you upgrade from Ps to an open licence. They stay on your record.
• Ignoring a fine you cannot afford. Contact the Fines Recovery Unit early to avoid suspension.
• Forgetting plates when borrowing a family car. That alone is 2 points.
• Treating small speeding offences as harmless. A few 1 and 3 point offences add up fast on Ps.

Test yourself: Demerit points, fines and licence suspension in Northern Territory

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in the NT
• Northern Territory Mandatory Medical Reporting for Learners
• Getting a Driver Licence in Remote NT Communities