Comprehensive information about fines, payment methods, and your options across Australian states and territories.
This is an informational website designed to help you understand the fines payment process in Australia. We provide comprehensive guides, payment methods, and resources to help you manage your fines effectively. This website is not affiliated with any government agency.
Detailed information about paying fines issued by Revenue NSW, including online payment options, BPAY, and in-person methods.
Learn More âLearn where to locate your payment reference number on different types of infringement notices and penalty reminders.
Find It Now âExplore secure payment options including credit cards, BPAY, direct debit, and Australia Post payments with safety verification tips.
View Options âUnderstand the consequences of late payments, enforcement action, and learn what steps you can take if your fine is overdue.
Get Help âProtect yourself from fraudulent fine notices and payment scams. Learn to identify legitimate communications from authorities.
Stay Safe âFind answers to commonly asked questions about fines, penalties, and payment processes. Browse our comprehensive glossary of terms.
Browse FAQs âFines are monetary penalties issued by government authorities for various offences including traffic violations, parking infringements, public transport fare evasion, and other breaches of state or territory legislation. When you receive a fine, it's essential to act promptly to avoid additional costs and potential enforcement action.
Each Australian state and territory manages fines through its own revenue collection agency. These agencies are responsible for issuing infringement notices, processing payments, and taking enforcement action when fines remain unpaid. The system is designed to encourage compliance with the law while providing options for those experiencing financial hardship.
| Fine Type | Common Examples | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Fines | Speeding, running red lights, using mobile phone while driving, not wearing seatbelt | Police, road safety cameras |
| Parking Fines | Overstaying meter time, parking in no-stopping zones, disabled parking violations | Local councils, private operators |
| Public Transport | Fare evasion, invalid ticket, feet on seats, behavior violations | Transport authorities |
| Environmental | Littering, illegal dumping, water restrictions breaches | EPA, local councils |
| Court Fines | Penalties imposed by courts for various offences | Magistrates, district, or supreme courts |
Understanding the type of fine you've received helps determine the appropriate action. Different fines may have different payment methods, dispute processes, and consequences for non-payment. Always refer to the specific information on your infringement notice for accurate details about your particular situation.
New South Wales manages fines through Revenue NSW, a division of the NSW Government that handles the collection of outstanding money owed to the state. If you've received a fine in NSW, understanding the payment process and your options is crucial to avoiding additional penalties and enforcement action.
Find the payment reference number on your penalty notice
Select from online, BPAY, phone, or in-person options
Process your payment using the official channels
Save payment confirmation for your records
When you receive a penalty notice in NSW, it will contain several important pieces of information. The notice will clearly state the offence, the penalty amount, the date and location of the alleged offence, and most importantly, your payment reference number. This reference number is essential for making payments and must be quoted in all correspondence with Revenue NSW.
The penalty notice will also specify the due date for payment, which is typically 28 days from the date of issue. If you believe you weren't responsible for the offence, the notice will include information about how to nominate the actual driver or request a review. It's crucial to read the entire notice carefully as different types of offences may have different procedures and timeframes.
Revenue NSW understands that some people may face financial difficulties that make it challenging to pay fines in full by the due date. If you're experiencing financial hardship, you can apply for a payment plan that allows you to pay your fine in manageable instalments over an agreed period. Payment plans can be arranged online, by phone, or in person at a Service NSW centre.
When applying for a payment plan, you'll need to provide information about your financial situation. Revenue NSW will work with you to establish a realistic payment schedule based on your circumstances. It's important to note that interest charges may apply to payment plans, but entering into a plan can help you avoid more serious enforcement action such as license suspension or additional penalty fees.
Failing to pay or respond to a penalty notice within the specified timeframe will result in additional consequences. Revenue NSW will issue a penalty reminder notice which includes an additional fee of $65. If you still don't respond, the matter may be referred to an enforcement order which adds another $50 to your debt. At this stage, your driver license may be suspended, your vehicle registration may be cancelled, and you may face restrictions on other services.
In serious cases where fines remain unpaid, Revenue NSW may refer the matter to the Sheriff's Office for enforcement action. This can include property seizure orders, garnishee orders on bank accounts or wages, and other legal proceedings to recover the debt. The additional costs associated with enforcement action can significantly increase the total amount owed, making it much more expensive than if you had dealt with the original fine promptly.
Your payment reference number is a unique identifier that links your payment to your specific fine or infringement notice. This number is essential for processing payments correctly and ensuring the money is applied to the right account. Without the correct reference number, your payment may be delayed or not processed at all, potentially resulting in additional penalties.
On your initial penalty or infringement notice, the reference number is typically located in the top right corner of the document. It may be labeled as "Penalty Number," "Reference Number," or "Infringement Number" depending on the issuing authority.
Penalty reminder notices will display the reference number prominently, usually in a highlighted box or at the top of the payment section. This ensures you can easily find it when making a late payment.
If your fine has progressed to an enforcement order, the reference number will be clearly displayed on the enforcement notice, often with "EO" or "Enforcement" prefix followed by numbers.
For fines received via email or SMS, the reference number will be included in the message. Save these communications until your matter is fully resolved and payment is confirmed.
Depending on the type of fine and the stage of the payment process, you may encounter different types of reference numbers. Understanding these variations helps ensure you're using the correct number for your payment method. Some common formats include numerical sequences, alphanumeric combinations, or codes with specific prefixes indicating the issuing authority or fine type.
If you've misplaced your fine notice or can't locate the reference number, don't panic. There are several ways to retrieve this information. First, check your email or text messages if you received a digital notification. Many authorities now send digital copies of fines that you can reference. If you registered for an online account with the revenue authority, you can usually log in to view your fines and their reference numbers.
If you still can't find your reference number, contact the issuing authority directly. Have your driver license number, vehicle registration, or other identifying information ready when you call. The authority can look up your fine using this information and provide you with the correct reference number. It's better to take a few minutes to obtain the correct number than to risk making a payment that can't be properly processed.
| State/Territory | Authority | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Revenue NSW | 1300 138 118 |
| Victoria | Fines Victoria | 03 9200 8111 |
| Queensland | State Penalties Enforcement Registry | 1300 365 635 |
| South Australia | Fines Enforcement and Recovery | 1300 655 307 |
| Western Australia | Fines Enforcement Registry | 1300 650 235 |
If you've arranged a payment plan with the revenue authority, you may receive a separate payment plan reference number. This number is different from your original fine reference number and should be used for all instalment payments. Keep both numbers in a safe place, as you may need to reference the original fine number for inquiries while using the payment plan number for making payments.
If you have multiple fines, each will have its own unique reference number. You cannot combine payments under a single reference number unless the authority has specifically consolidated your fines into one account. When making payments for multiple fines, ensure you process each payment separately with the correct reference number for each fine to avoid confusion and processing errors.
Paying your fine promptly and securely is essential to avoid additional penalties and enforcement action. Australian revenue authorities offer multiple payment methods to accommodate different preferences and situations. Each method has its own processing timeframes and requirements, so it's important to choose the option that best suits your needs while ensuring your payment is processed by the due date.
Online card payments are the most popular and convenient method for paying fines. Most revenue authorities accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Payments are typically processed instantly, and you'll receive immediate confirmation of your transaction.
BPAY is a trusted Australian electronic bill payment system that allows you to pay fines directly from your bank account using internet or phone banking. This method is highly secure as it doesn't require sharing card details with third parties. BPAY is available through most major Australian banks and financial institutions.
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Card Payment | Instant | Small convenience fee may apply | Urgent payments, last-minute deadlines |
| BPAY | 1-3 business days | Usually free | Secure payment from bank account |
| Phone Payment | Instant | May include processing fee | When online access is unavailable |
| Australia Post | 2-5 business days | Usually free | Cash payments, no online access |
| Mail (Cheque/Money Order) | 5-10 business days | Free | Traditional method, allow extra time |
If you prefer to make payments in person or don't have access to online banking, several face-to-face payment options are available. Australia Post is the primary in-person payment provider for most government fines. You can pay at any participating Post Office with cash, EFTPOS, or credit card. Simply bring your penalty notice to the counter, and the staff will process your payment.
Some state revenue offices also have customer service centers where you can make payments in person. Service NSW centers, for example, accept fine payments during business hours. When paying in person, always request a receipt and keep it safe as proof of payment. In-person payments generally take 2-5 business days to process, so make sure to pay well before your due date to avoid late fees.
If you're unable to pay your fine in full by the due date, most revenue authorities offer payment plan options. Payment plans allow you to pay your fine in regular instalments over an agreed period, typically up to 12 months depending on the total amount owed and your financial circumstances. Applying for a payment plan should be done as soon as possible after receiving your fine, ideally before the due date.
When you're on a payment plan, you'll receive a separate payment plan reference number which must be used for all instalment payments. Payments can be made through most of the same methods available for lump sum payments. Some authorities offer direct debit options where instalments are automatically deducted from your bank account or Centrelink payments, ensuring you don't miss payments and risk defaulting on your plan.
When a fine becomes overdue, it triggers a series of escalating consequences designed to encourage payment. Understanding these stages and the actions you can take at each point is crucial for managing overdue fines effectively and minimizing additional costs. The sooner you address an overdue fine, the more options you'll have available and the lower the final cost will be.
Original fine issued with 28-day payment deadline
Additional fee added ($65-$100 typical), extended deadline
Further fees, sanctions begin (license, registration)
Court proceedings, garnishment, property seizure possible
The financial impact of not paying fines on time can be significant. Most jurisdictions add a reminder fee of $65 to $100 when a fine is not paid by the original due date. If the fine remains unpaid after the reminder notice period, it may progress to an enforcement order which adds another $50 or more. These additional fees can substantially increase the total amount you owe.
Beyond the immediate penalty increases, unpaid fines can accumulate interest charges in some jurisdictions. If the matter proceeds to legal enforcement action, you may also be liable for additional costs including sheriff's fees, court costs, and legal expenses. A fine that started at $150 could easily exceed $500 or more by the time all enforcement costs are added.
| Stage | Additional Costs | Timeframe | Actions Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Penalty | $0 | 28 days | Pay in full, request review, apply for payment plan |
| Reminder Notice | $65-$100 | Additional 28 days | Pay with fee, payment plan, show cause |
| Enforcement Order | $50+ plus costs | 14-21 days | Pay immediately, apply to revoke, hardship provisions |
| Sheriff Action | Variable, often $200+ | Ongoing | Immediate payment, legal assistance, bankruptcy protection |
One of the most significant consequences of unpaid fines is the suspension of your driver license or the cancellation of your vehicle registration. Revenue authorities have the power to impose these sanctions when fines reach the enforcement stage. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive, and driving while suspended can result in further fines, demerit points, and even criminal charges.
Similarly, vehicle registration cancellation means your vehicle cannot be legally driven on public roads and your compulsory third-party insurance is invalidated. This can have serious implications if you're involved in an accident. The authority will notify you before imposing these sanctions, typically giving you a final opportunity to pay or make arrangements. However, once sanctions are applied, you'll need to pay the outstanding amount plus any reinstatement fees before your license or registration can be restored.
Work and Development Orders (WDOs), available in some Australian states, provide an alternative way to deal with fines if you're experiencing serious financial hardship or other challenges that prevent you from paying. Under a WDO, you can reduce your fine debt by participating in approved activities such as unpaid work, educational courses, counseling, drug treatment programs, or mentoring.
Each hour of approved activity typically reduces your fine debt by a set amount (often $30-$50 per hour depending on the jurisdiction). WDOs can be particularly helpful for people dealing with mental health issues, homelessness, cognitive impairment, or substance abuse problems. To apply for a WDO, you'll need to contact an approved sponsor organization that can assess your eligibility and help you complete the application process.
If fines remain unpaid despite reminder notices and enforcement orders, the revenue authority may refer the matter for legal enforcement action. This can include garnishment of wages where money is automatically deducted from your salary, garnishment of bank accounts where funds are frozen and seized, or property seizure where valuable assets may be taken and sold to satisfy the debt.
In extreme cases, particularly for large unpaid fine debts, authorities may apply for court orders that can ultimately lead to imprisonment if you fail to comply. While imprisonment for debt is rare in modern Australia, it remains a legal possibility for willful non-payment when you have the means to pay but refuse to do so. Taking action early in the process is always preferable to letting matters escalate to this stage.
Fine payment scams have become more prevalent and sophisticated in recent years. Criminals exploit people's fear of legal consequences and time pressure to trick them into making fraudulent payments or revealing personal information. Understanding how to identify legitimate communications from authorities and recognizing common scam tactics is essential for protecting yourself from financial loss and identity theft.
Scammers send text messages claiming to be from revenue authorities with links to fake payment websites. These messages often create urgency by threatening immediate license suspension or legal action if payment isn't made within hours.
Fraudulent emails with official-looking logos and formatting contain links to convincing fake websites designed to steal payment information and personal details. These emails may appear in your inbox alongside legitimate correspondence.
Scammers call pretending to be from police, courts, or revenue offices, demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. They may use threatening language and claim legal proceedings have begun.
Sophisticated replica websites that look nearly identical to official government sites but have slightly different URLs. These sites collect payment information and personal details without providing any legitimate service.
Never rush to pay immediately, even if threatened with urgent action
Verify website URLs and email addresses match official government sources
Call the authority using numbers from official websites, not from the notice
Confirm fine details match what's in their system using your reference number
The Urgent Toll Fine Scam: You receive an SMS claiming you have unpaid toll charges and need to pay immediately via a link to avoid additional penalties. The message appears to come from a legitimate toll operator but the link leads to a fake payment site. Real toll operators send detailed notices by mail first and provide multiple payment options, never urgent SMS-only demands.
The Court Summons Call: Someone claiming to be from the sheriff's office or court calls saying you've missed a court date for an unpaid fine and a warrant has been issued. They demand immediate payment via prepaid debit cards or cryptocurrency to avoid arrest. Legitimate courts send physical summons by registered mail and never accept payment via these methods.
The License Suspension Email: An official-looking email claims your driver license will be suspended within 48 hours due to unpaid camera fines. It includes a link to "verify and pay" immediately. Real suspension notices come by registered mail with detailed information and reasonable timeframes, never last-minute emails with payment links.
| Scam Tactic | What Scammers Say | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent threats | "Pay within 24 hours or face arrest" | Real authorities give minimum 28 days notice |
| Unusual payment methods | "Pay with iTunes cards/Bitcoin/wire transfer" | Governments never request these payment types |
| Personal communication | Contact via email only, personal email addresses | Official notices come by registered mail first |
| Suspicious links | URLs like "gov-fines-pay.com" or similar | Real sites always end in .gov.au |
| Aggressive language | Threatening, abusive, or overly urgent tone | Official notices are formal and professional |
If you realize you've made a payment to scammers, act immediately. Contact your bank or credit card provider straight away - if you act quickly, they may be able to stop the payment or reverse the transaction. Most financial institutions have fraud departments that can place holds on suspicious transactions and investigate fraudulent charges.
Change passwords for any online accounts where you may have used the same credentials. If you provided personal information like your driver license or passport number, consider contacting IDCARE (idcare.org) for identity theft support. File a report with local police as you may need a police report number for insurance claims or to support disputes with your bank. Document everything including screenshots, transaction details, and communications with the scammers.
Elderly people, those with limited digital literacy, and people from non-English speaking backgrounds are particularly vulnerable to fine scams. If you have elderly relatives or friends who might be targeted, take time to educate them about common scam tactics. Help them set up their online government accounts and bookmarked official websites they can trust.
Encourage them to call you or a trusted family member before responding to any unexpected fine notices, especially if being pressured to pay quickly. Consider setting up alerts on their bank accounts to notify you of unusual transactions. Creating an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions without judgment is key to protecting vulnerable individuals from scams.
Yes, if you were not the driver at the time of a traffic offence, you can nominate the actual driver through a statutory declaration process. This must typically be done within 21 days of receiving the penalty notice. You'll need to provide the driver's full name, address, and driver license details. The fine will then be withdrawn from you and re-issued to the nominated driver. Note that providing false information in a statutory declaration is a serious offence.
If you're experiencing financial hardship, contact the issuing authority immediately to discuss your options. Most authorities offer payment plans that allow you to pay in instalments over several months. Some states also offer Work and Development Order (WDO) programs where you can reduce fines through approved activities like community work, counseling, or education. Hardship provisions may also reduce or waive additional fees in cases of genuine financial difficulty.
Processing times vary by payment method. Online credit card payments are typically instant, while BPAY can take 1-3 business days. Payments made at Australia Post usually take 2-5 business days to process. Mail payments via cheque or money order can take 5-10 business days. Always allow sufficient time before your due date and keep your payment receipt as proof of payment.
While unpaid parking and traffic fines don't directly appear on your credit report, they can indirectly affect your financial standing. If fines remain unpaid and progress to enforcement action, this may result in court judgments which do appear on credit reports. Additionally, unpaid fines can affect your ability to renew licenses or registrations, potentially impacting your ability to work or meet other obligations.
A penalty notice is the initial fine issued for an offence. If this isn't paid by the due date, you'll receive a penalty reminder notice with an additional fee. If still unpaid, the matter escalates to an enforcement order which adds further costs and can trigger sanctions like license suspension. An enforcement order represents a more serious stage where legal action can be taken to recover the debt.
Yes, for camera-detected offences you can request to view the photographic evidence. Most authorities provide an online portal where you can view images using your penalty notice reference number. Some may charge a small fee for this service. Viewing the evidence can help you decide whether to pay the fine or dispute it. If you believe the images don't clearly show your vehicle or the offence, this may form grounds for a review.
Currently, unpaid state and territory fines generally don't prevent passport renewal or international travel. However, court-ordered fines and federal offences may be different. Some states have the power to issue border alerts for serious outstanding matters. Additionally, if fines have progressed to court judgments, travel restrictions could potentially be imposed. It's best to resolve all fine matters before planning international travel.
If you receive a fine for a vehicle you no longer own, contact the issuing authority immediately with proof of sale (receipt, transfer documentation). You should have notified the roads authority of the sale at the time, but if you didn't, provide this notification now. The authority can then investigate and potentially transfer the fine to the new owner. Keep all documentation proving the date of sale and transfer of ownership.
A legal instrument issued when fines remain unpaid after reminder notices. It adds additional costs and can trigger sanctions including license suspension and registration cancellation.
The initial document issued by an authority alleging an offence has been committed. It specifies the offence, penalty amount, and provides options for payment or dispute.
A second notice sent when the original penalty isn't paid by the due date. It includes the original fine amount plus an additional reminder fee, typically $65-$100.
A unique identifier assigned to each fine that must be quoted when making payments. This ensures payments are correctly allocated to your specific infringement.
A written statement declared to be true in the presence of an authorized witness. Used for nominating drivers or providing evidence in fine disputes. Providing false information is a criminal offence.
A program in some states allowing people experiencing hardship to reduce fine debt through approved activities such as community work, counseling, courses, or treatment programs.
A legal process where money is deducted directly from wages or bank accounts to satisfy unpaid fine debts. Usually occurs at advanced enforcement stages.
A unique number identifying a billing organization in the BPAY system. Required when making BPAY payments along with your payment reference number.
Points added to your driving record for certain traffic offences. Accumulating too many points within a specified period can result in license suspension.
An arrangement to pay fines in regular instalments over an agreed period rather than in one lump sum. Must be applied for before enforcement action begins.
Fines Australia is an independent informational resource designed to help Australian residents understand the fines payment process across different states and territories. We provide comprehensive guides, practical advice, and up-to-date information about paying fines, understanding your rights, and navigating the enforcement system.
We believe that everyone deserves access to clear, accurate information about their legal obligations. The fines system can be confusing, and missing deadlines or making mistakes can have serious consequences. Our goal is to demystify the process and provide the knowledge people need to handle fines effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and understand their options when facing financial difficulty.
While we strive to maintain accurate and current information, fine regulations, payment processes, and enforcement procedures can vary between jurisdictions and may change over time. Always verify information with the relevant official authority for your specific situation. For official transactions including making payments, disputing fines, or obtaining legal advice, contact the issuing authority directly or consult with a qualified legal professional.
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