If you need to hire a car with points on your licence, you are not alone — and the good news is that it is almost certainly possible. Whether you have picked up a speeding fine on the Mitchell Freeway or forgotten to indicate at a roundabout, a few demerit points do not automatically stop you from renting a vehicle in Western Australia.
Maybe you have a family holiday to Margaret River planned, a work trip to Mandurah, or a mate flying into Perth who needs an airport pickup. Whatever the reason, this guide breaks down exactly how the WA demerit point system works, what rental agencies actually check, and what to do before you book — so there are no surprises at the counter.
How the Demerit Point System Works in Western Australia
Before you worry about whether points will affect your car hire, it helps to understand how the system actually works. In Western Australia, demerit points are managed by the Department of Transport and are recorded against your driver’s licence every time you commit a traffic offence.
The number of points depends on the severity of the offence. Here is a quick overview of some common offences and the demerit points they attract in WA:
| Offence | Demerit Points |
| Exceeding the speed limit | 2 – 7 (doubled on long weekends) |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | 3 – 4 |
| Failing to wear a seatbelt | 3 – 4 |
| Running a red light | 3 |
| Failing to stop at a stop sign | 3 |
| Failing to give way to a pedestrian | 3 |
| Drink or drug driving | Varies (plus potential licence suspension) |
Full licence holders in WA can accumulate up to 12 demerit points in a three-year period before facing a licence suspension. Learner and provisional drivers have much lower thresholds — as few as four points — so the stakes are higher for younger or less experienced drivers.
If you want to check your current demerit point balance, the WA Government offers a free online tool at wa.gov.au. You will need your licence number, date of birth, and licence expiry date to access your record.
Can You Hire a Car with Points on Your Licence in Australia?
Yes — and this is the part that surprises most people. Rental companies in Australia do not routinely run demerit point checks on your licence. Unlike the UK, where rental agencies can access your driving record through a government portal, Australian car hire companies primarily verify that your licence is valid, current, and not suspended.
That means if you have a handful of demerit points from minor traffic infringements — a speed camera fine here, a forgotten indicator there — you will almost certainly be able to hire a car in Perth without any issue.
The key factor is not how many points you have, but whether your licence is still active. If your licence has been suspended or cancelled due to excessive demerit points, you cannot legally drive — and no reputable rental company will hand you the keys.
Minor Offences vs. Serious Convictions: What Rental Companies Care About
Not all driving offences carry the same weight when it comes to car hire. Rental agencies generally draw a clear line between minor traffic infringements and serious driving convictions.
Minor Offences That Typically Will Not Affect Your Rental
If your demerit points come from any of the following, most car hire companies — including Ace Rent A Car — will still approve your rental:
- Low-level speeding fines (e.g., 10–15 km/h over the posted limit)
- Failing to stop at a stop sign or give way correctly
- Seatbelt or mobile phone infringements
- Running a red light or amber light offences
These are considered lower-risk offences. While they do attract demerit points, they do not suggest the kind of dangerous driving behaviour that would concern a rental provider. In most cases, you can still hire a car with points on your licence from these types of infringements without any complications.
Serious Offences That May Restrict Your Ability to Rent
If your driving history includes any of the following, your options may be more limited:
- Drink or drug driving convictions
- Driving without a valid licence or while suspended
- Dangerous or reckless driving charges
- Driving without compulsory insurance
- Causing injury or death through a driving offence
For these more serious matters, some rental companies may decline your booking, particularly if the conviction is recent. Others may consider your application on a case-by-case basis — especially if several years have passed and your record has been clean since.
How to Hire a Car with Points on Your Licence — Step by Step
A little preparation goes a long way. Before you lock in a rental booking, take these steps to ensure a smooth experience:
1. Check Your Demerit Point Balance
Visit the WA Government demerit point checker to confirm where you stand. If you are approaching the 12-point threshold, you may want to address that before booking to avoid any risk of suspension during your rental period.
2. Confirm Your Licence Is Current and Valid
This is the single most important requirement. Check that your licence has not expired and that there are no pending suspensions. If you are an international visitor, make sure your overseas licence or International Driving Permit is valid in Australia. For a full breakdown of what you need to bring to the counter, read our guide on hiring a car in Perth.
3. Call the Rental Company Ahead of Time
If you are unsure whether your driving history might be an issue, the simplest thing to do is phone the car hire company before you book. Explain your situation briefly and they will be able to tell you straight away whether it is a problem. At Ace Rent A Car, we handle these enquiries every week — there is no judgement, just a quick conversation to make sure everything is sorted before you arrive.
Double Demerit Periods: What Renters Should Know
Western Australia enforces double demerit points during certain holiday periods and long weekends, including Easter, Christmas, and the Australia Day long weekend. During these times, the demerit points for specific offences — such as speeding, seatbelt violations, and mobile phone use — are doubled.
This is particularly relevant if you are hiring a car for a holiday trip. A single speeding fine during a double demerit period could jump you from a comfortable position to uncomfortably close to the 12-point suspension threshold. The best approach? Stick to the speed limit, put your phone away, and buckle up — simple habits that protect both your safety and your licence.
Why Ace Rent A Car Makes It Easy to Hire a Car with Points on Your Licence
At Ace Rent A Car, we have been helping Perth drivers and visitors get on the road for over 30 years. We understand that most people on the road have picked up a point or two along the way — and we believe that should not stand between you and a reliable hire car.
Here is what sets us apart:
- No hidden fees. The price you are quoted is the price you pay — no surprise charges at the counter.
- Free airport shuttle. If you are flying into Perth Airport, we will pick you up and drop you off at no extra cost.
- Wide range of vehicles. From compact cars to SUVs, vans, and utes — whatever you need, we have got it covered.
- Locally owned and operated. We are a Perth business, not a faceless corporation. When you call, you speak to a real person who knows the local roads.
- Price-beat guarantee. Found a cheaper rate elsewhere? We will beat it.
If you have demerit points and are not sure where you stand, give us a call on 08 9472 4222 or send us a message. We will sort it out for you quickly, so you can focus on planning your trip instead of worrying about paperwork.
Tips for Keeping Your Driving Record Clean While Renting
Once you are behind the wheel of your hire car, a few common-sense habits will help you avoid picking up any additional points during your rental period:
- Familiarise yourself with the vehicle. Take a minute to adjust mirrors, check the indicators, and locate the headlight controls before you drive off. Our team walks you through the vehicle at pickup, but if you have any questions, just ask.
- Watch your speed in school zones. Perth has strict 40 km/h school zone limits, and they are heavily enforced. Fines and demerit points are steep.
- Use a hands-free setup for calls. WA mobile phone laws are strict — holding your phone for any reason while driving is an offence, even when stopped at a red light.
- Check for double demerit weekends. If your rental falls over a public holiday, be extra cautious. The WA Government publishes the dates each year.
- Keep to familiar roads. If you are new to Perth, set your GPS before you leave and avoid last-minute lane changes. Our fuel and trip calculator can help you plan your route and budget for fuel.
Understanding how car rental excess works before you drive is also smart preparation — it means one less thing to worry about if an unexpected situation arises on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a car if my licence has been suspended for demerit points?
No. If your licence is currently suspended — whether through demerit points, a court order, or any other reason — you cannot legally drive, and no car rental company will be able to hire a vehicle to you. You need a valid, current licence to complete a rental booking.
Do car hire companies in Australia check my demerit points?
Generally, no. Most Australian rental companies verify that your licence is valid and current, but they do not have direct access to your demerit point record. This is different from the UK, where rental agencies can view your driving record online. That said, you should always be upfront about your driving history if asked.
How many demerit points can I have and still hire a car?
There is no universal cut-off. The real question is whether your licence is still active. In WA, full licence holders can accumulate up to 12 points over three years before facing suspension. As long as your licence is valid, the number of points alone should not prevent you from renting a vehicle.
What if I get a traffic fine while driving a rental car?
If you are caught by a speed camera or issued a traffic infringement while driving a hire car, the notice will be sent to the rental company first. They will then forward it to you, often with an administration fee on top. The demerit points will be recorded against your licence once the fine is paid or resolved. For more details on what happens in these situations, check our FAQs.
Can international visitors with penalty points hire a car in Perth?
Yes. Overseas penalty points are not visible on the Australian system, and rental companies here assess your eligibility based on your current licence status and validity. As long as you hold a valid licence from your home country — plus an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English — you can rent a car in Perth.
I had a drink driving offence years ago. Can I still rent a car?
It depends on how long ago the offence occurred and whether your licence has been restored. If several years have passed and your driving record has been clean since, many rental companies will consider your application. The best approach is to contact us directly and discuss your circumstances — we are always happy to help you find a way forward.
Ready to Book Your Hire Car in Perth?
Whether you have a clean licence or a couple of demerit points, Ace Rent A Car is here to get you on the road — affordably, quickly, and without the stress. As this guide has shown, it is entirely possible to hire a car with points on your licence as long as your licence remains valid and current. Browse our full range of vehicles, get an instant quote online, or call our friendly team on 08 9472 4222 to book today.
With three locations across Perth — Redcliffe (near the airport), Victoria Park, and Mandurah — we are never far away.