The sneaky tactic Aussies are using to avoid losing their driver's licence after getting caught speeding

By SARAH BROOKES - SENIOR REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 05:18, 6 August 2026 | Updated: 05:25, 6 August 2026 Desperate Australian drivers are buying and selling demerit points on a growing black market as they go to extraordinary lengths to avoid losing their licences. Dozens of online advertisements have surfaced offering cash to strangers willing to falsely claim they were behind the wheel when a traffic offence was committed. Many of those offering to take the blame are drivers on international driver's licences. Because they do not hold a licence issued by the Australian state where the offence occurred, they can usually pay the fine without receiving any demerit points. Drivers who are close to losing their licence then pay these people to falsely accept responsibility for the offence. Once the fine is paid, the demerit points are never recorded against the real driver, allowing them to avoid a licence suspension. When Daily Mail searched online, it found dozens of active groups where drivers were openly offering cash in exchange for demerit points. One anonymous poster wrote: 'Looking for someone to take three demerit points for driving without a seatbelt. Offering $100 per point.' Others openly advertised their willingness to sell spare demerit points to motorists facing suspension, highlighting the scale of the growing black market. One man admitted he paid $1,200 to another person to take three demerit points from him to  spare himself from a licence suspension Dozens of advertisements have surfaced on Facebook where people offer cash to strangers willing to falsely claim they were behind the wheel when a traffic offence was committed One page even advertises a sliding price scale, charging between $200 and $600 depending on the number of demerit points involved, while claiming 'no payment until it's done'. It is not illegal for a registered vehicle owner to transfer demerit point penalties to another driver if that person was behind the wheel at the time of the offence. However, it is an offence to falsely nominate another person for a driving offence or to knowingly accept responsibility for driving offences you did not commit. Anyone found guilty can receive substantial fines and may also face a driving disqualification. In NSW, the fine for an individual who falsely nominates another person is $723, with a maximum penalty of $11,000 if convicted in court. Corporations that engage in the practice can face a penalty of $1,528 and, if convicted, a maximum fine of $22,000. Fully licensed Australian drivers can accumulate up to 13 demerit points before their licence is suspended.