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                    Court proceedings

                    If you have a parking, animal or local laws fine, you can elect to have a matter heard at the Magistrates’ Court.

                    ​​​​​​​​​The law allows you one review of your infringement by the City of Melbourne.

                    Before going to court, you can request an infringement review. No costs apply and this may result in the withdrawal of your fine. Otherwise, you can pay to have the matter heard at court.

                    On this page:


                    Before you elect to go to court

                    By law, you must have 'Legal Standing' to take a matter to court. 

                    You have legal standing for parking fines, if you are:

                    • the registered owner
                    •  a person who has been formally nominated as the driver
                    • a lawyer acting on behalf of the registered owner or nominated driver.
                    Company directors must include their position at the company and that they are authorised to act on the company’s behalf. An address for service of documents must be provided for all applications.

                    If you were the driver and haven’t been formally nominated, you’ll need to arrange for the registered owner to complete a driver nomination. Once you have been nominated, we'll reissue the fine in your name and mail you a copy. You can then take action to resolve your fine (like requesting a review or electing to go to court).

                    You have legal standing for all other types of fines, if you are:

                    • the person named on the fine (or a director if the fine was issued to a company)
                    • a lawyer acting on behalf of the person, or company, named on the fine.

                    If you have the necessary legal standing, you can request to have the matter heard at court. This is if it's before the due date and it has not been registered yet with Fines Victoria. 

                    If you choose to elect to go to court, please note that the City of Melbourne incurs costs as part of this process, and we seek to recover these costs (currently $90.60 for a single offence and $136.7​0 for multiple offences), providing the court finds the matter proven.

                    Court proceedings – FAQs

                    What can I expect on the day of my matter being heard at court?

                    Before your case is heard you will have the opportunity to discuss it with a City of Melbourne Prosecution Support Officer. In particular, you will have the opportunity to exchange evidence and ask questions about court procedure. However, please be aware that we cannot provide legal advice.

                    Make sure you arrive before the time listed on your Notice of Hearing and set aside several hours for your matter to be called and heard.

                    If you are pleading guilty (you are admitting that you committed the offence, regardless of the reason behind committing the offence), your matter will probably be finalised on the day.

                    If you are pleading not guilty (you are denying that you committed the offence or that the offence occurred), your matter may be adjourned for a contest hearing where the parking officer and any other required witnesses will attend, and you will be able to present your case and bring any witnesses you have.

                    Do I need to attend the court hearing?

                    It’s not essential, but you should attend the court hearing. If you don’t attend, the matter may proceed in your absence.

                    I wasn’t the person driving when I got a fine and now the notice has been registered with Fines Victoria. Can I still nominate the driver?

                    No. Once your matter has been registered with Fines Victoria, the City of Melbourne is unable to accept any driver nominations. By law, the registered owner of a vehicle is responsible for an infringement matter, unless they nominate the driver before the matter is registered with Fines Victoria.

                    I was visiting Melbourne from interstate when I got a parking infringement notice. Can I contest it in my state’s Magistrates’ Court?

                    No. City of Melbourne parking matters are listed and heard in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court only.

                    How and when can I seek an adjournment? Who can I speak with about this?

                    You must contact the Court and request an adjournment well before your hearing date. You should also contact the City of Melbourne to discuss your adjournment application. It is a matter for the Court to grant or refuse an adjournment.


                    What are valid defences to use in court?

                    City of Melbourne is unable to provide legal advice. As the person responsible for the matter, you should seek independent legal advice regarding your particular case.

                    The Court has repeatedly rejected numerous legal defences that include arguments on constitutional grounds to the effect that local government is not recognised or cannot enforce infringement matters and that the Road Rules have no effect. Arguments about purported contractual arrangements between the City of Melbourne and a motorist have also been rejected.

                    Where can I park when I go to court?

                    It may take several hours for your matter to be called and heard at court so you should choose a car park that gives you an adequate amount of parking time. While there is some on-street car parking, including accessible parking spaces near the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, off-street car parks may be a more suitable option.

                    There are several off-street commercial car parks nearby, including the undercover Flagstaff Car Park at 535 Little Collins Street and the open-air car park at The Mint, 280-318 William Street.

                    Electing to go to court

                    This will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. If you have any supporting documentation you wish to provide, please have it ready before you start.

                    More information

                    For more information about the infringements process, visit:

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