A parking fine just landed in your mailbox… but it doesn’t seem right. Before you reluctantly pay up precious cash, know this: you have the right to dispute it! Cars24 can’t dispute the fine for you, but we can guide you on what to do next and how to stay on top of your vehicle paperwork.
Step 1: Act immediately – Don’t miss the deadline
The most critical step is to act before the due date on the infringement notice. If you let this date pass, the fine will be sent to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER), making the dispute process more complex and potentially adding enforcement fees.
Key Rule: You generally have 28 days from the date of the infringement notice to start the dispute process.
Step 2: Identify the issuing agency and contact them
Your parking fine (an “infringement notice”) will state which agency issued it. This is who you must contact to resolve the issue.
For most parking offences: The notice will list the contact details of the issuing authority (e.g., local council, university, or private entity on behalf of a government body). You must contact this specific agency.
For camera-detected offences (e.g., parking in a clearway caught on camera): This is handled by the Queensland Revenue Office.
Action: Find the contact information on the fine itself. Do not contact SPER at this stage.
Step 3: Prepare your evidence and reasoning
A parking fine dispute without evidence is unlikely to succeed in your favour. When you contact the agency, you must provide a clear reason and any proof you have that proves the parking fine was unjust. Valid reasons for disputing a parking fine may include:
- Faulty or missing signs: Photos showing obscured, vandalised, or confusing signage.
- Faulty parking meter: Evidence that the parking meter was out of order (e.g., a photo, a ticket from the machine showing an error, or a report number if you notified the council).
- Medical emergency: A letter from a doctor or other documentation supporting a genuine, urgent medical situation.
- Vehicle breakdown: A receipt from a tow truck or mechanic.
- Permit clearly displayed: A photo showing your valid permit was visible on the dashboard (preferably from the date before or close to the date of the parking fine).
- Administrative error: Evidence that the fine was issued to the wrong vehicle or in error (e.g., your car was sold before the fine date).
Action: Gather your evidence (photos, documents, receipts) and write a clear, concise explanation of why you believe the fine should be withdrawn.
Step 4: Submit your dispute
Formally submit your dispute to the correct agency. It’s best to do this in writing (via email or an online form) so you have a record of your submission.
What to include:
- Your name, address, and contact details.
- The infringement notice number.
- Your vehicle registration details.
- A clear statement that you wish to dispute the fine.
- The reason for your dispute.
- All supporting evidence attached.
The agency you sent your parking fine dispute to will review your case and notify you of the outcome. They may withdraw the fine, uphold it, or offer an alternative.
What if you’re not satisfied with the outcome?
If the agency rejects your parking fine dispute and you still believe the fine is unjust, you still have a final option. You can elect to have the matter heard in a Magistrates’ Court. This is a more formal process and likely more time consuming for you. You must notify the agency that you wish to take the matter to court. The court will then make a final, binding decision.
Important general advice from Cars24
Keep your address updated!
Fines are often sent to the address on your vehicle registration. If you move and don’t update your details, you might miss a fine and the chance to dispute it early. “I didn’t receive the notice” is not considered a valid excuse. Update your details online with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
What if the due date has passed?
If you’ve missed the deadline as stated in the parking fine, the fine will be managed by SPER. You will need to deal with them directly, and your options for a simple review may be more limited. This is why acting quickly in Step 1 is so crucial.
By following these steps, you can ensure you’ve done everything possible to challenge a parking fine you believe was issued incorrectly. Good luck!
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