Appeal unfair fines
State governments issue millions of fines, raking in over $3.5 billion in fines revenue each year. Many fines have little impact on road safety. Never rush to pay as you'll have up to 28-days to consider your options.
What you can do
Work out why you got the fine, revisit the location, check signs and visibility, determine if there's a problem seeing the road signs, if other drivers are having the same problem. Take lots of photos or download them from Google or other sources.
Download any fine camera images, determine if you were the offender or another close vehicle. Check your dashcam for lead up issues.
Appeal
If you've a good driving record, with no serious 3-demerit point plus fines in the last 2-3 years, appeal to the agency who issued the fine before the Fine Due Date.
If your appeal is rejected, consider re-appealing before the new Fine Due Date, if you feel they've overlooked your good driving record, important facts or if you've additional evidence or photos.
Every time you appeal the fine due date will be extended. This allows you time to consider you're next step.
Court
If you're still unsuccessful consider a court appeal, I find you'll get a fairer outcome from a magistrate than from state or local council appeals, or from the police or a ranger waiting to book you.
Get free advice from Legal Aid or from a court duty solicitor, then lodge a court option before the revised Fine Due Date.
You can lodge your court application online, once you've received your Court Attendance Notice, you can request a more suitable day or a closer local court.
Never admit a plea until you arrive in court. Guilty or Guilty with an explanation pleas are generally dealt with on the day. Not guilty pleas will take longer to be heard. Remember you can always change your plea on the day of your court attendance.
With simple traffic and council fines you can represent yourself in court. The magistrate has the power to dismiss the fine, lower the fine, and the court and victim compensation costs. If the fine is dismissed so are the demerits.
The book Penalty Rip Off includes information on appealing in your state, with a guide, templates and examples of successful appeals. It explains contributing, special and exceptional circumstances that may have contributed to your receiving an expensive fine.
If you're charged with a serious offence that could result in the loss of your license or imprisonment, get legal advice from a specialist traffic solicitor early.
