The state-wide Christmas and New Year road-safety operation will start at midnight on Thursday and end at 11.59pm on January 3.

Double-demerit points are in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.

NSW Police officers will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the Four Ds; drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, police will be on the roads making sure that the rules are being adhered to.

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"Traditionally, we see more people on the roads during the festive season, and COVID-19 restrictions permitting, this year will be no different with people holidaying closer to home," he said.

"Drivers need to remember to be patient and allow extra travel time.

"I urge all motorists to obey the road rules and exercise extra caution to ensure that this festive season and the start of 2021 is safe for everyone."

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said 179 of those killed on NSW roads so far this year died as a result of crashes on country roads.

"Country people make up only a third of NSW's population but last year deaths on country roads made up two thirds of our road toll," he said.

"We are doing all we can to make the roads safer, however road safety is everyone's responsibility.

"We are asking people to plan ahead, put the phone away, buckle up, slow down, take regular breaks and enjoy our roads safely this summer holiday."