Text messages: New Zealanders are warned of scam text messages currently circulating that claim to be from the Ministry of Justice about overdue traffic fines. The Ministry does not include any links in our texts. Read more below.


We collect payment for both infringement fines and court fines.

Infringement fees from Police (like speeding tickets) or local councils (like parking tickets) become fines if you don’t pay them on time.

To find out if you have a fine or check your balance, you can call us on 0800 4 FINES. Our hours are 8:00am–7:00pm, Monday to Friday.

How can I pay?

Online (payment portal)(external link)
Internet banking(external link)
Over the phone(external link)
In person(external link) at your local district court, PostShop or Westpac Bank
Paying from overseas(external link)

Text reminders about fines payments

We sometimes send text message reminders to people who owe fines.

In our messages, we will never:

  • include any links
  • include a URL to copy and paste into your web browser
  • ask you to share your internet banking password or PIN
  • ask you to pay using itunes cards or cryptocurrency
  • ask you to install software to "help you" make a payment.

Our legitimate messages always include:

  • your first name
  • our 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637) phone number
  • a 10-digit reference number (called a PPN).

If you have received a message without these details, it is not from the Ministry of Justice.

If you're unsure about a message you have received or would like to check whether you have an overdue fine, please call 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637), Monday to Friday, 8:00am–7:00pm. We will be happy to help you. 

Infringement fines come from issuing authorities

Local councils, the Police and other authorities can issue you infringement fees for things like:

  • speeding
  • illegal parking
  • not registering your dog.

If you don't pay the infringement fee by the due date, it’s transferred to the court and becomes a fine.

If this happens you will be sent a Notice of Fine, a court cost of $55 will be added to the original amount, and you will have 28 days to pay the new fine amount to the court.

If you pay your fine with the issuing authority after the due date, the court costs will still apply.

Court-imposed fines are given by a judge or JP in court

A Judge or Justice of the Peace (JP) can fine you in court if you’re found guilty of an offence like drink-driving, disorderly behaviour or theft.

If this happens you will be sent a Notice of Fine and you have 28 days to pay the fine to the court.

Find out what can happen if you do not pay a fine

Find out about disputing a fine

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