I cannot pay my fine

Last checked: 31 October 2026

The short answer

If you cannot pay a fine in Victoria, you have options. You can ask Fines Victoria for more time or a payment plan, ask for a review, or use the Family Violence Scheme or the Work and Development Permit scheme if you are eligible. Ignoring a fine makes it worse. Costs are added, and in the end the sheriff can clamp your car, take your property or arrest you.

Key dates and time limits

• Nominate the driver as soon as you can. For some fines you must do it within 28 days to avoid a licence suspension.
• You cannot nominate a driver once a Notice of Final Demand is issued, except in limited cases such as family violence.
• Notice of Final Demand: you normally have 21 days to pay.
• Person unaware review: apply within 14 days of finding out about the fine.
• 7 Day Notice from the sheriff: pay in full or apply for an enforcement review within 7 days.
• Going to court to challenge a fine: possible any time until the fine is registered with Fines Victoria.

Step by step

1. 1

   Read the fine and act early

   Check who issued it, the amount and the due date. Every stage you miss adds costs and takes away options. If you were not driving, nominate the driver online at Fines Victoria.

2. 2

   Ask for more time or a payment plan

   Use the Request a payment extension form online, or the Application for Payment Arrangement form. Fines Victoria looks at your income, what you owe and any hardship. You cannot apply once a 7 Day Notice from the sheriff has expired.

3. 3

   Ask for a review

   You can ask for a review if the fine was against the law, it was the wrong person, there were exceptional circumstances, or you had special circumstances. Special circumstances include a mental illness or disability, a serious addiction, homelessness, or family violence. You need evidence, such as a letter from a doctor or support worker.

4. 4

   Family Violence Scheme

   If family violence was a main reason you could not control what led to the fine, or could not name the driver, apply to the Family Violence Scheme. Your fines are put on hold while it decides. If it is approved, the fines can be withdrawn. If you are in danger, call 000.

5. 5

   Work and Development Permit

   If you have a mental illness, an addiction, are homeless, have experienced family violence, or are in acute financial hardship, you can work off fines with an approved sponsor. Activities can include counselling, treatment, courses or unpaid work. Find a sponsor on the Fines Victoria sponsor list.

6. 6

   Going to court instead

   You can choose to have the fine heard in the Magistrates' Court until it is registered with Fines Victoria. Write to the agency that issued it. Get advice first, because the court can order more or less than the fine and can record a conviction.

7. 7

   If the sheriff contacts you

   After a 7 Day Notice, the sheriff can clamp your car, take property or arrest you. Get legal advice straight away. A magistrate can set a payment plan or cancel some or all of the fines, and jail is a last resort.

Who can help

Forms and the law