Dealing with fines
There are two types of fines: penalty notices and court fines. Penalty notices are issued by an authorised officer such as a parking inspector, ranger or transit officer. Court fines are imposed by a judge or magistrate.
There are different rules for each type of fine.
Tip 1: Deal with fines promptly.
Tip 2: If you don’t pay a fine, the fine amount will be increased and your licence could be suspended.
Tip 3: Your options for appealing a fine reduce as the fine becomes more overdue.
Download factsheets:
Penalty Notices – Your Review Rights and Payment Options
Court Fines – Your Review Rights and Payment Options
COVID-19 fines
If you have received an on-the-spot COVID-19 fine (also known as a penalty notice) there are a number of options for dealing with the fine:
- pay the fine in full or make arrangements to pay by instalments
- seek an internal review via Revenue NSW
- appeal the fine to court
- apply for a Work and Development Order (WDO)
- seek a write-off of the fine.
Redfern Legal Centre is providing free legal advice to people in NSW who have received a COVID-19 fine. Contact us here.
Download factsheet:
On-the-Spot Fines – COVID-19 Your Review Rights and Payment
See also:
Webinar: Traffic, parking and COVID-19 fines
Have you received a fine? Want to assist clients to deal with fines? Learn about your legal options in this presentation from Redfern Legal Centre solicitors:
- David Hofierka, Credit and Debt Solicitor, Redfern Legal Centre. View slides
- Samantha Lee, Police Accountability Solicitor, Redfern Legal Centre. View slides
Webinar facilitated by RLC Principal Solicitor, Alexis Goodstone.
Further info:
Fines Act
- Caution Guidelines under the Fines Act 1996 (PDF file)
- Review Guidelines = Fairer Outcomes for NSW (PDF file)
The information contained on this page is not a substitute for legal advice. If you need legal help, contact Redfern Legal Centre or your local community legal centre.
