Request a review
If you believe you’ve been unfairly issued with a fine or that there is a valid reason why your fine should be withdrawn, you can request a review.
Get Started Learn moreIf you believe you’ve been unfairly issued with a fine or that there is a valid reason why your fine should be withdrawn, you can request a review.
Get Started Learn moreIf you've received an Infringement Notice or Penalty Reminder Notice, you can apply to have your fine reviewed by the agency that issued your fine. This is called an internal review.
You’re allowed one internal review per infringement notice.
When can you request a review?
You can request a review of your fine if you believe:
You may be asked to provide evidence to support your application.
Internal reviews are not available for:
If your fine is for a traffic offence and you were not in possession or control of the vehicle at the time of the offence, you can apply to nominate the driver responsible.
What happens after you apply?
The agency that issued the fine will review your request within 90 days of receiving your application. It may take longer if you’re asked to provide additional information.
If you don’t respond to the agency’s request for information, your application may be reviewed based on the information available.
Your application for internal review will be assessed based on the information and evidence you provide to support your claim. Once a decision has been made, you’ll receive notice of the outcome in the mail.
Possible outcomes of a review
The agency can decide to:
If the review is refused, you’ll receive a notice in the mail or by email to confirm:
For fines issued by Victoria Police, information about official warnings is available on the Victoria Police website.
Are you applying with special circumstances?
Possible outcomes are different for applications based on special circumstances.
If your application is successful, your fine may be withdrawn and no further action will be taken. You may, however, be served with an official warning in place of the infringement notice.
If your application is unsuccessful, you can apply to have your matter heard in the Magistrates' Court (Go to Court). This gives you (or your representative) a chance to present your evidence in front of a Magistrate who can make a decision on your fine.
Note: It’s important you provide your most current address and contact details so we can contact you about your application if required.
At this stage of the fines lifecycle your request for a review is treated differently. You can still apply for a review, but your application will be submitted to and determined by the Director, Fines Victoria. This is known as 'enforcement review'.
When can you request a review?
You can apply to have your fine reviewed if you have evidence to support that:
You can’t apply to have your fine reviewed if:
*If you received a 7 day notice prior to 31 December 2017, you may still be able to apply for a payment arrangement, work and development permit, the family violence scheme or request a review.
What happens after you apply?
If your application is granted, the Director, Fines Victoria will:
If the matter is referred back to the enforcement agency, they can decide decide to withdraw the fine, or refer the fine to the Magistrates' Court for hearing. If the enforcement agency refers to the fine for hearing, the Magistrates' Court will advise you of the time, date and place for your hearing.
If your application is refused, the Director, Fines Victoria will:
You must do one of the following with 21 days:
You may be able to have your fine withdrawn or cancelled if you had special circumstances at the time you were issued with the fine, that meant you:
Special circumstances include:
To apply, you’ll need to provide supporting evidence from a qualified practitioner or agency confirming:
Who can prepare your supporting evidence?
If you have an intellectual disability or a mental illness or disorder you’ll need to provide a report from your:
If you have an alcohol or drug addiction, you’ll need to provide a report from your:
If you are homeless, you’ll need to provide a report from your:
If you have suffered from family violence, you’ll need to provide a report from your:
Is there any other relevant information?
In relation to homelessness, the statement or letter must:
When completing the statement, the following questions must also be addressed:
1. What are your current living arrangements?
2. Has homelessness resulted in you being unable to control your conduct that constitutes the offence?
What’s required in your report?
Your practitioner or agency report should include:
The report must have been completed within the last 12 months. Fines Victoria may accept a report prepared outside the 12 month period if a condition is a lifetime condition (e.g. an intellectual disability).
Need help applying?
Your health practitioner or case worker can request a review on your behalf.
You’ll need to request a review in writing. If you’re not ready to apply online, you can apply by mail or in person.
The application form you need to download will depend on the stage of fine you’ve received. This can be found at the top of your fine.
Do you have an Infringement Notice or Penalty Reminder Notice?
Download the Application for Internal Review and follow the steps in the form.
Do you have a Notice of Final Demand?
If you’re applying for enforcement review, download the Application for Enforcement Review and follow the steps in the form.
Reviewed: 07/02/2019 © State Government of Victoria