The NSW Government is urging drivers to stay safe this ANZAC Day long weekend, as double demerit points once again hit NSW roads from midnight tonight through 11:59pm on Monday, 27th April.
With ANZAC Day falling on Saturday, an extra public holiday on Monday is expected to push more drivers onto the network than in a typical April weekend.
Dubbed both a holiday and a commemorative occasion, the cluster of days is also drawing outbound traffic from Sydney to regional hubs, with major highways and intercity routes primed for congestion.
What’s In Force This Weekend?
Double demerits apply across the entire state for four days, targeting what police label the “fatal five” offences: speeding, illegal mobile phone use, improper seatbelt use, motorcycle helmet offences and driving under the influence.’
From motorways cutting through Sydney’s sprawl to rural stretches like the Hume and Pacific highways, NSW Police will front up a high‑visibility operation, leaning heavily on random breath testing and mobile drug testing units.
Extra patrols will target key regional gateways as traffic volumes spike, with Transport for NSW already flagging heavier-than-usual flows out of the city.
Why The Crackdown Matters Now
The push for restraint comes amid grim road‑safety figures. So far in 2026, crashes on NSW roads have claimed more than 107 lives—six more than at the same point last year.
Speeding remains the single biggest factor, playing a role in roughly 40% of road deaths last year alone, while drug and alcohol driving plus fatigue each account for roughly 16–24% of fatalities.
For Police and Counter‑terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley, the long weekend is a critical moment to “turn off the risk” before it turns into tragedy. “NSW Police will be out in force this weekend—on highways, in regional towns, through our suburbs,” Catley said.
“There is no excuse for speeding, leaning on your phone or skimping on seatbelt safety. These are choices, and they can cost you your life.”
Sydney Drivers Urged to Plan Ahead
For Sydneysiders, the ANZAC Day weekend brings increased ticketing along with other impacts. CBD road closures for the dawn service and march on Saturday, particularly around Martin Place and Elizabeth Street, will send ripple traffic through the city’s fringes and detour corridors.
Authorities urge motorists to avoid the CBD if possible, use public transport where they can, or at least leave early to dodge bottlenecks and sign-posted clearways that can attract fines and towing.
Combined with the long‑weekend getaway traffic, authorities say the safest move is also the simplest: slow down, stow your phone, strap in properly, and steer clear of alcohol or drugs before driving.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the 107 deaths recorded so far this year represent lives lost and families and communities forever changed. “The biggest risks remain speeding, fatigue, distraction and driving under the influence,” she said. “With more people on the road this long weekend, every driver has a responsibility to make safer choices.”
