If you've received an infringement notice, you can ask us to review the fine. This is called an internal review. You can only apply once for internal review.
You must give us enough evidence with your application for us to do the review.
When to apply
Apply for an internal review if you:
- did not know about the fine
- believe the fine is invalid or was not issued properly
- are not the person who broke the law
- can show exceptional or special circumstances (including family violence).
You must apply to us before the fine is registered with Fines Victoria unless you did not know about the fine.
If you did not know about the fine, apply to us within 14 business days of the date you became aware of the fine.
Select one of these reasons when completing the application form.
You did not know about the fine (person unaware)
Apply if you did not know a fine had been issued to you.
If you were personally handed the fine, you cannot ask us to review your fine because you were unaware.
For us to review the fine, you need to provide evidence that you did not know about the fine – for example:
- a copy of your passport or a boarding pass showing you were overseas
- an invoice from a removalist showing that you moved house
- a change of address confirmation from VicRoads
- a report about mail theft.
Moving house is a valid reason only if you changed your address –for example, with VicRoads or Centrelink – within 14 business days of moving.
If your application is successful, we give you another 21 days to deal with your fine.
The fine is invalid or was not issued properly (contrary to law)
Apply if you believe that our decision to fine you was inconsistent with the law – for example:
- the infringement notice is incomplete
- the infringement notice does not comply with the legal requirements for an infringement notice
- the fine was issued by an authorised officer acting unlawfully, improperly or outside their authority.
The wrong person was issued with the fine (mistaken identity)
Apply if you're not the person who broke the law – for example:
- someone used your licence
- someone incorrectly gave your details to an authorised officer
- the fine is issued to the wrong legal entity – for example, your name is spelled wrong, or the name on the fine is not your legal name
- the fine has the wrong vehicle registration number
- your registration plates were stolen or cloned.
If someone borrowed your vehicle and was driving it at the time of the offence, do not apply for us to review your fine. Instead, nominate the other person as the driver. We can re-issue the fine to them. To find how to nominate another person, visit Littering from a vehicle fine.
Exceptional circumstances
Apply if there were exceptional circumstances when you broke the law. This means something that was out of the ordinary and could not be prevented – for example, a medical emergency or a vehicle breakdown.
Special circumstances
Apply if there were special circumstances when you broke the law – for example, if you:
- had a mental or intellectual disability, disorder, disease or illness
- had a serious addiction to drugs, alcohol or a volatile substance
- were homeless
- were experiencing or affected by family violence.
You can also apply if you are unable to deal with the fine because of a long-term serious condition.
You need to provide evidence from a qualified practitioner or agency.
Only individuals – not companies – can apply because of these special circumstances.
Read more information about special circumstances on the Fines Victoria website(opens in a new window).
Family Violence Scheme
Fines Victoria may be able to withdraw your fine if there's a link between your fine and family violence.
To find out if you can get your fine withdrawn, contact the Family Violence Scheme. You can:
- apply online at Fines Victoria(opens in a new window)
- contact Fines Victoria on 1300 019 983.
How to apply
What happens next
We review your fine and let you know the outcome.
We may:
- withdraw the fine and take no further action
- withdraw the fine and give you an official warning
- withdraw the fine and refer the matter to a court
- confirm our decision to issue the fine and give you 21 days to pay
- waive all or any penalty reminder notices and fees
- approve a payment plan.
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