You’ve found that unwelcome slip of paper, a.k.a. a Penalty Infringement Notice. It feels like a harsh penalty for a moment, but there is a process to fight it if you have reason to believe the fine was applied unjustly. Cars24 is here to guide you through the process of contesting a parking fine in Victoria. Your eligibility to contest the parking ticket depends on the stage your fine is at, so here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it.
Understand your grounds for review
If you believe your parking fine should be withdrawn or the enforcement cancelled, you can request a review. Legally, there are five specific grounds you can use to make your case. The five legally recognised grounds for requesting a fine review in Victoria are Contrary to Law, Mistake of Identity, Exceptional Circumstances, Special Circumstances, and Person Unaware, are outlined in the Infringements Act 2006. Each ground has its own set of rules, and not all fines can be reviewed under every ground. Choosing the correct reason for your application is crucial.
Identify the stage of your parking fine
Infringement Notice or Penalty Reminder Notice
If your parking fine is still at this stage, you’re eligible for an Internal Review through the agency that issued the fine. Remember, you only get one internal review per infringement, so make it count.
Notice of Final Demand
If you ignored your parking fine at first and it escalated to a Notice of Final Demand, you may still be able to request an Enforcement Review. Keep in mind, there are additional restrictions at this stage, so it’s important to check the rules before applying for a review.
Special circumstances
Sometimes life throws curveballs. If you’re dealing with serious personal issues, medical conditions, or other genuine difficulties, you may qualify for a parking fine review under Special Circumstances. These applications are specific and scrutinised closely, so make sure you can clearly explain your situation.
How to lodge your fine review
- Online: This is the fastest way. Simply select the stage of your fine and follow the step-by-step instructions to submit your application.
- By mail: If online submission isn’t possible, you’ll need to submit your review in writing. Download the correct form for your situation:
You can download the Infringement Notice / Penalty Reminder and Notice of Final Demand from https://online.fines.vic.gov.au/Request-a-review.
Include any supporting documents for the parking fine review and post them to:
Fines Victoria
GPO Box 1916
Melbourne Vic 3001
If you still have more questions or are in need for case-specific assistance, Fines Victoria staff are available to help:
- Metro: (03) 9200 8111
- Regional: 1300 369 819
By following these steps, you’ll have done everything you can to challenge a parking fine in Victoria you believe was issued unfairly. Best of luck with your review.
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