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Getting a fine reviewed

If you think there is a reason why you shouldn’t have to pay the fine, you can ask the agency to review it. The agency can look at your fine if:

  • you believe there was a mistake made in giving you the fine
  • you believe the fine should be given to someone else
  • you believe there are exceptional circumstances which mean you should not pay the fine
  • you have special circumstances (see below).

The agency cannot review your fine if you got caught for drink or drug driving, or excessive speeding.

Ask for a review before the due date on your fine. The agency cannot review the fine once it has been lodged with the Infringements Court.

Special circumstances

Special circumstances are if you find it difficult to avoid getting fines because you:

  • have a mental illness
  • have an intellectual disability
  • are addicted to drugs, alcohol or inhaling volatile substances (‘chroming’)
  • are homeless.

If you have special circumstances, you can get legal help with your application. See ‘How we can help’, below.

Applying for a review

You can apply for a review by writing to the agency that fined you. The agency’s contact details are on the fine. You need to explain why you think the fine should be reviewed.

You can only apply for review of a fine once. It is a good idea to get legal advice before sending in your application. See ‘Getting help with fines’ (link below).

What happens next?

The agency should make a decision within 90 days. They will let you know in writing. You do not need to take any further action if the agency decides to:

  • cancel the fine
  • change the fine to a warning.

If the agency does not cancel or withdraw the fine, you can:

  • pay the fine by the new due date
  • ask for a payment plan
  • choose to go to the Magistrates’ Court (see ‘Challenging a fine in the Magistrates’ Court’, link below).

More information

Challenging a fine in the Magistrates’ Court

Unpaid fines and the Infringements Court

Payment plans for fines

Related publications

Fines: your options for dealing with fines

Related websites

Fines – request an internal review

How we can help

Call Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) Legal Information Service for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

VLA’s other free legal services include:

  • advice at VLA offices and other locations across Victoria
  • lawyers who are on ‘duty’ to help at many courts and tribunals.

For some matters, where you have ‘special circumstances’ (such as a mental illness, a disability, a drug addiction or you are homeless), or where your situation is very serious (for example, there is a chance that you will go to jail), we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.

Who else can help?

See Getting help with fines.