VIC · Parking fines
How to Dispute a Parking Fine in VIC (2026)
Victoria's Infringements Act 2006 lets you apply to Fines Victoria for an internal review before a fine is enforced, and — separately — a "special circumstances" application at any stage, even after enforcement has started. Fines Victoria runs the whole process through its own online portal.
Valid grounds for review
Victoria recognises the following as grounds to ask Fines Victoria to review your fine, under Infringements Act 2006 (Vic) s22(1)(a)–(c).
Signage was obscured or missing
contrary to law — the infringement notice wasn't valid, the offence didn't occur, or required signage was missing or non-compliant
Nearest meter was broken or out of order
contrary to law — the circumstances described (e.g. a broken meter) mean the alleged offence did not occur as described
Technical or administrative error on the ticket
contrary to law — the notice contains a factual or administrative error, or the issuing officer was not authorised to issue it
Walking to/from the meter to buy a ticket
exceptional circumstances — an unforeseen event outside the person's control directly connected to the offence
Compassionate or emergency grounds
special circumstances — at the time of the offence the person was experiencing a mental or intellectual disability, illness, serious addiction, homelessness, or family violence that contributed to the offence
First-time leniency request
exceptional circumstances — an out-of-the-ordinary, unavoidable, or unexpected event connected to the offence
No real chance to see or comply with the restriction
contrary to law — there was no reasonable opportunity to see or comply with the restriction at the time
I wasn't the owner or driver at the time
contrary to law — the person given the notice was not responsible for the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence
Valid permit or pass held, but not displayed properly
contrary to law — a valid permit or pass was held at the time but was not properly displayed
Loading or unloading at the time
exceptional circumstances — the vehicle was stopped briefly for genuine loading or unloading
A road closure or diversion forced the parking
exceptional circumstances — an unforeseen road closure or diversion outside the person's control led to the vehicle being parked as described
Valid ticket bought, but it fell, faded, or the machine failed
contrary to law — a valid ticket was purchased but was lost, damaged, or not dispensed correctly by the machine
How to submit your review
Apply before the fine is referred to enforcement where possible. "Special circumstances" applications can be made at any stage, including after enforcement has started.
- 01
Log in to Fines Victoria Online Services with your infringement number.
- 02
Choose "Apply for internal review" for the relevant fine.
- 03
Select the matching review ground, then paste your appeal letter.
- 04
Attach your evidence PDF and submit.
Common questions
What's the difference between an internal review and "special circumstances"?
An internal review argues the fine itself was wrong (a broken meter, missing signage). "Special circumstances" is a separate, broader category for things like a mental or intellectual disability, illness, serious addiction, homelessness, or family violence, and can be applied for even after the fine has already gone to enforcement.
Can I apply after enforcement has started?
For a standard internal review, apply before referral to enforcement where possible. Special circumstances applications stay open at any stage, including after enforcement has started.
Is there a fee to apply?
No — applying for an internal review or special circumstances through Fines Victoria doesn't cost anything.
Skip the manual work
AppealMate reads your notice, drafts the letter grounded in Infringements Act 2006 (Vic) s22(1)(a)–(c), and packages the evidence PDF — for $15 AUD, once you're ready. Checking your grounds is free.
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