Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

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Fines and infringements

Information about the infringements system and what happens if fines are not paid on time.

Police and other authorised people can give you a fine if they think you have broken the law. A fine means you must pay money as a penalty.

You may not know you have a fine until you get an infringement notice in the mail. This notice says what law you are accused of breaking, how much the fine is and when you have to pay.

Do not ignore fines. If you do not pay by the due date, you may have to pay more or go to court. If you cannot pay a fine by the due date, you can ask for a payment plan.

If you think you should not have to pay, you can usually ask police, or whoever gave you the fine, to review it.

Dealing with fines

What you can do if you receive an infringement notice and what happens if you don't pay a fine.

Family violence scheme

If you are a victim of family violence you can ask Fines Victoria to review your fine.

Getting a fine reviewed

You can ask for your fine to be reviewed before the due date if you think there is a valid reason why you shouldn't have to pay it.

On-the-spot fines and infringement notices

If police or another authorised person fines you, they will send you an infringement notice. Police can also issue on-the-spot fines to people aged over 18 for common offences.

Payment plans for fines

If you can't pay a fine on time, you can ask for a payment plan to get more time or pay the fine off in regular instalments.

Penalty units

Penalty units and fee units are used in Victoria’s Acts and Regulations to describe the amount of a fine for an offence.

Toll fines

If you travel on toll roads in Victoria without paying, you may be fined. Read about steps you can take if you are finding it difficult to pay your toll invoice or fine.

Unpaid fines and Fines Victoria

Fines Victoria processes and enforces infringement notices and penalties and registered court fines.

Work and development permits

There may be a way for you to do an approved activity like drug and alcohol counselling or seeing a financial counsellor instead of paying your fines.

Other support for fines and infringements

Learn where to get legal help and other support for fines and infringements.

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