Crackdown on bad drivers paying to keep their licence

People have been found to be gaming the licence demerit point system. (Alan Porritt/AAP PHOTOS)

Thousands of people scared of losing their licence, and possibly a job, have paid others to take the demerit points for their infringements, according to someone who has profited from the scam.

But the NSW government has vowed to crackdown on the practise with a review of the state's demerit points system also now underway.

A three-month probe will investigate suspected gaming of the process which allows another driver to be nominated as liable for infringement demerit points.

A mobile speed camera.
People are turning to Facebook ads to find people they can pay to take their demerit points.

It will target 0.005 per cent of the state's almost seven million licence holders - about 350 people - who have 20 or more demerit points.

It will also review the suitability of current penalties, suspensions and other measures to deter people who rack up demerit points, given the same five-month suspension applies to drivers whether they have 13 points or more than 20.

Several ads on Facebook Marketplace, from multiple accounts under different names but all featuring the same contact number, offered to deal with demerit points for as little as $30.

Contacted on the requested encrypted messaging platform on Friday, the number responded with an automated message due to having "lots of clients," requesting a photo of the fine and further identification details.

"Once I have all the information I will get back to you and get the fine done for you as soon as possible," the message promised.

A response about an hour later described the offer as a "service that helps the community".

"Honestly, I'm trying to help people not lose their licence," the message read.

"I understand that the law is the law. But sometimes people have to do certain things and that's why I'm here to help them."

People seeking help with demerit points were often in fear of losing their job due to a mistake costing them their licence, and the "service" had helped "thousands," the messenger told AAP.

The government's crackdown comes after a French delivery rider was found to have racked up more than 200 demerit points on his NSW licence in May.

More than five decades on from the initial design of the demerit points scheme, it was time for a review, Roads Minister John Graham said on Friday.

"The NSW government has zero tolerance for anyone trying to subvert the system," he said.

"There is one set of road rules and they apply equally to all."

The task force includes Transport for NSW, NSW Police and Revenue NSW.

The NSW road toll for 2024 stood at 190 on Friday, 16 more deaths than the same time last year, and 28 above the state's three-year average.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store