Victoria Legal Aid

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.

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.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Reviewed 15 February 2023