What effects do demerit points systems have?

Answer

Research indicates that general demerit points systems that are used in countries other than the Netherlands result in road safety improvement, but the positive effect has a maximum duration of 1.5 years [12]. A meta-analysis of twenty-four effect measurements of general demerit points systems in different European and non-European countries shows a decline in the number of crashes, road deaths and serious road injuries of between 15 and 20% [12]. After less than 1.5 years on average, however, the effect had disappeared again. The explanation probably is that the required level of enforcement cannot be realized (permanently). The effects were found to be the largest and the duration was longest in countries where the original road safety level was relatively low.

General demerit points systems that are used in countries other than the Netherlands usually make it mandatory for a driver, once he has reached a certain number of points, to participate in a programme aimed at behaviour change in order to keep his licence.  

Part of fact sheet

Progressive penalty systems in traffic

A progressive penalty system encompasses heavier or more far-reaching sanctions being imposed as one commits more offences.

Would you like to cite this fact sheet?