Demerit points
All drivers start with zero demerit points.
If you commit a traffic offence, demerit points can be added to your driving record. Other penalties, such as fines may also apply.
The number of demerit points you get depends on the type of offence.
See the list of fines and demerit points for common traffic offences in the Northern Territory (NT).
For demerit points recorded against body corporate or joint owner vehicles, read more on shared vehicles.
Check your demerit points
You can check your demerit points using any of the below options.
Online
You can check your demerit points online. You'll need your:
- NT licence number
- licence card number
- Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) customer ID number.
Phone
You can check your demerit points by calling the MVR on 1300 654 628. You'll need your driver licence number.
NT Police
You can request a copy of your traffic infringement and conviction history from NT Police.
The report will display history from the NT only.
When demerit points expire
Demerit points apply from the date of the offence and remain active for up to 3 years.
If you get them across many offences and dates, the demerit points will expire based on each offence date.
Demerit points limit and suspension period
If you reach or exceed your demerit points limit, your driver licence will be suspended.
MVR will send you a notice with the start date of your suspension period.
During your suspension period, you will not be able to:
- drive a vehicle, or
- apply for or renew your driver licence in the NT, interstate and overseas.
Instead of completing a suspension period, you may be eligible to complete a 12-month good driving behaviour option.
Your demerit points limit and suspension period depends on the type of driver licence you have.
Open driver licence
Your open driver licence will be suspended if you reach 12 or more demerit points in any 3-year period.
If you reach:
- 12 to 15 points - you'll be suspended for 3 months
- 16 to 19 points - you'll be suspended for 4 months
- 20 or more points - you'll be suspended for 5 months.
Learner or provisional driver licence
Your learner or provisional licence will be suspended if you reach:
- 5 or more demerit points in any 12-month period
- 12 or more demerit points in any 3-year period.
If you reach:
- 5 to 8 points - you'll be suspended for 3 months
- 9 to 12 points - you'll be suspended for 4 months
- 13 or more points - you'll be suspended for 5 months.
Interstate driver licence
As an interstate driver licence holder:
- the same demerit points limit for NT learner, provisional or open driver licence holders applies to you
- if you reach or exceed your demerit points limit, you'll receive a notice to inform you that your right to drive in the NT will be withdrawn
- you will not be eligible to complete the NT good driving behaviour option.
Read more about visiting drivers and traffic offences.
Overseas driver licence
Your right to drive in the NT may be withdrawn if you reach:
- 5 or more demerit points in any 12-month period
- 12 demerit points or more in any 3-year period.
Changing from one licence type to another
Your points don't reset when you change from one licence type to another.
For example: If you get 5 or more demerit points within a 12-month period while on your provisional licence, you'll have to serve a 3-month suspension even if you've already upgraded to an open licence.
After the suspension period
Once the suspension period is over, you can start driving again as long as your NT driver licence has not expired.
If it has expired, you must renew your licence.
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