How to dispute a fine
Your options for disputing a fine depend on whether it is an infringement fine or a Court imposed fine.
For infringement fines
- Fines issued by a Prosecuting Authority like the Police or the City Council
You have an opportunity dispute an infringement fine with the prosecuting authority when they send you a reminder notice. Once an infringement comes to Court and becomes a fine it is generally too late to dispute it.
However there are some situations where you can apply to have a fine returned to the Prosecuting Authority so you can still dispute it with them. Such as:
- You did not receive the prosecuting authority reminder notice.
- You are not the person named on the infringement.
- You have been told the infringement would be waived.
- You had been given more time to apply for a hearing with the prosecuting authority.
- You requested a hearing but did not receive a Notice of Hearing.
- You wrote to the prosecuting authority and did not receive a response.
- Some irregularity occurred in procedures.
To apply under one of these grounds you need to complete the following steps:
- Complete a Form 57 (available at any District Court).
- Provide proof to support your application.
- If your Form 57 application is granted, you must then pay or dispute the infringement with the prosecuting authority. If you do not take this step, your infringement will come back to the Court for collection.
For Court imposed fines
- Fines issued by a Judge or Magistrate
You have 28 days to appeal a Court Imposed Fine from the day it was given in Court. In some circumstances, you may also have a right to request a rehearing of your case.
All applications regarding a court imposed fine must be made in writing. Forms can be requested from any District court.
