This means any drivers caught for speeding, seatbelt, riding without a helmet and mobile phone offences will have double the usual number of demerit points placed on their licence, and any other traffic offences will attract an additional demerit point.

Sergeant Ken Williams, acting Officer in Charge of Road Policing over the Christmas-New Year period has urged all drivers to behave responsibly.

The road rules are just that, rules. They are not guidelines, and they are not optional.

"Our message is simple. Obey the road rules and drive safely," he said.

"ACT Policing officers don't want to be knocking on your door with bad news, when you're expecting the arrival of family and friends for Christmas lunch."

NSW Police Minister Paul Toole urged all motorists to plan ahead, take their time and be patient as people travel across the regions during the holiday period.

"For many, it will be the first time they've hit the road since COVID restrictions eased," Mr Toole said.

"No one wants to get a fine or worse still, lose their licence at Christmas, but we make no apologies for taking a tough stance so everyone can be reunited with their loved ones safely."

The ACT road toll this year stands at 10, three more than last year. The NSW road toll is at 262, down from 297 for 2020.

Wondering what's open in Canberra this Christmas/New Year period?

Here's what is (and isn't) open up until early January in Canberra's restaurant/cafe/winery world.

And here's our list of shops, chemists and other services open over the holiday season.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Our coverage of the health and safety aspects of this outbreak of COVID-19 in the ACT is free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support. You can also sign up for our newsletters for regular updates.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: