Motorists across the Western Plains – and the whole of NSW – who manage to keep their driving record clean for a year could continue to see a demerit point wiped from their licence, with legislation introduced to make the state’s trial demerit reward program permanent.

For many regional drivers, who often clock up long distances for work, school runs and sport, that single point can make a real difference.

More than two million demerit points have already been removed during the trial period, which began in 2023.

Central North Police District Commander Gerard Lawson said the program provides an incentive to stay offence-free.

“With most safety offences carrying more than one point, usually two or three, it won’t totally wipe the points out in one swoop,” he said.

“This is a type of reward to encourage safe driving and a way to recognise good drivers and help people who make honest mistakes."

Under the proposed changes introduced by the NSW Government, unrestricted licence holders who remain offence-free for a continuous 12-month period will have one demerit point removed from their record.

Learner and provisional drivers remain excluded under the Graduated Licensing Scheme, reflecting their lower demerit thresholds and higher risk profile.

Drivers must also maintain an active licence and remain free of relevant offences for the full 12-month reduction period for a demerit point to be removed.

Excessive speed can be costly - in many different ways. Demerits depend on the amount of excess speed and are doubled during holiday periods.

Penalties, fines, licence suspensions and police action remain firmly in place for dangerous and repeat offenders.

The Government says this reform works alongside those measures by giving drivers a clear incentive to slow down, follow the rules and stick to safer habits.

Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the reform was designed to work alongside enforcement, not replace it.

“For too long, road safety has relied almost entirely on penalties and enforcement, and while those tools remain absolutely essential, on their own they don’t always change behaviour for the long term,” she said.

“We believe the best approach is a clear carrot and stick – strong penalties for dangerous behaviour, combined with a real incentive for drivers who do the right thing and stay offence-free.

“If you break the rules, the penalties apply – fines, points and suspensions are still there.

“But if you slow down, follow the rules and drive safely over time, that effort is recognised. We think that balance gives us the best chance of changing behaviour and saving lives.”

The legislation forms part of a broader $2.8 billion road safety investment over four years, covering infrastructure, enforcement and education initiatives across NSW.