What is a fine?
A fine can be an unpaid infringement fee that has been filed in court for collection (an infringement fine) or an amount of money a person has to pay as penalty for a criminal offence (a court imposed fine).
The Infringement Fine process
The Court Imposed Fine process
The Infringement Fine process
Local councils, the Police, and other authorities (called prosecuting authorities) can issue you an infringement fee for things like speeding, illegal parking or not registering your dog. They send you an Infringement Reminder Notice in the post telling how to pay and how to dispute the infringement if you disagree with it and the due date for payment.
If you don't pay the infringement fee in time, it gets lodged at Court for collection and it becomes a fine. A court cost is added to the original amount. From 1 October 2010 this cost is $30.67. You get sent a Notice of Fine telling you that the fine has come to Court and you have 28 days to pay the new fine amount to the Court.
After 28 days, if you still have not paid or made a payment arrangement, you will be sent a Final Notice warning you that the fine can be enforced by the court.
When enforcement action starts an enforcement fee is also added to the fine. From 1 October 2010 this fee is $102.22
The Court Imposed Fine process
A Judge can fine you in Court for an offence you've committed such as drink-driving, disorderly behaviour, or theft. The judge may also make an order about how you must pay the fine. You get sent a Notice of Fine confirming the details of the fine, any additional costs and payment requirements.
Just like with Infringement fines, you have 28 days from the day the fine was ordered to pay it or make a payment arrangement with the Court.
After 28 days, if you still have not paid or made a payment arrangement, you will be sent a Final Notice warning you that the fine can be enforced by the court.
When enforcement action starts an enforcement fee is also added to the fine. From 1 October 2010 this fee is $102.22.
