This escalation process is set out in infringements legislation. Fines VictoriaOpens in new tab also explains what happens to unpaid fines.
Step 1: Penalty Reminder Notice
After 28 days the City of Melbourne will send you a reminder called a Penalty Reminder Notice. An extra cost of $28.40 will be added to the fine at this stage. The notice will provide options including:
- paying the total amount by the new due date (or if you are an eligible cardholder, you may wish to enquire about paying in instalments)
- requesting an internal review of the fine, providing this has not already taken place
- choosing to have the matter determined in the Magistrates' Court.
If you believe there were circumstances that prevented you from taking action before a Penalty Reminder Notice was issued, find out more options.
Step 2: Notice of Final Demand
If you don't respond to the Penalty Reminder Notice within 14 days, the fine may escalate to Fines VictoriaOpens in new tab. When this happens, the City of Melbourne is no longer involved in the matter – it is then a matter for yourself and Fines Victoria.
Fines Victoria will issue a Notice of Final Demand requiring you to pay the fine, the Penalty Reminder Notice fee and Notice of Final Demand costs of $147.10.
This Notice of Final Demand should be treated seriously. It sets out your options which include:
- making a paymentOpens in new tab
- applying for a payment arrangementOpens in new tab
- requesting an enforcement reviewOpens in new tab
- applying for a work and development permitOpens in new tab, if you meet certain criteria
- applying for the family violence schemeOpens in new tab, if you meet certain criteria.
Step 3: Fines Victoria enforcement action
If you don’t take action by the due date on the Notice of Final Demand, Fines Victoria may take action to collect the fine, including sanctions to suspend your driver licence and vehicle registration. Read more about Fines VictoriaOpens in new tab and its powers.
