Fines SA

1. The Best First Step: Set Up a Payment Arrangement

You do not have to pay the full amount at once. You can apply to pay by instalments (e.g., weekly, fortnightly, or monthly).

• How to apply: You can do this through the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit (Fines Unit).

• The Cost: There is typically a small administrative fee (approx. $24.10) to set up the plan, but this is much cheaper than late fees.

• When to do it: Apply before the fine is overdue. If you wait until a reminder notice is sent, you will be hit with a "Reminder Notice Fee" (approx. $60+) on top of the fine.

2. If You Have Severe Financial Hardship

If you cannot afford even small instalments, you may be eligible for Community Service (RepaySA). This allows you to "work off" your fine by performing community service hours instead of paying cash.

• How it works: $200 of debt is usually worked off with roughly 7.5 hours of community service.

• Eligibility: This is generally available only if the Chief Recovery Officer is satisfied that you (and your dependents) would suffer hardship if you were forced to pay money.

• The Process:

  1. Contact the Fines Unit immediately. Do not wait for them to chase you.

  2. Ask specifically about "non-monetary payment options" or converting the fine to community service due to hardship.

  3. Note: Technically, community service is often arranged after an "enforcement determination" is made. However, you should contact the Fines Unit now to see if you can arrange this early or to understand exactly when you become eligible, so you don't get blindsided by extra enforcement fees.

3. Can the Fine be "Waived" (Cancelled)?

Generally, no. Financial hardship is not a legal ground to have a speeding fine deleted/waived in South Australia.

• "Trifling" Offences: You can only apply to have a fine waived if the offence was "trifling" (e.g., you were speeding due to a genuine medical emergency or humanitarian reason). Being unable to pay does not count as "trifling."

4. What Happens If You Do Nothing?

If you simply stop paying or responding:

1. Reminder Notice: A fee (approx. $65) is added.

2. Enforcement Determination: The Fines Unit takes over. A massive "Enforcement Fee" (approx. $228) is added.

3. Sanctions:

   • Suspension of your driver’s license.

   • Refusal of vehicle registration renewal.

   • Garnishing your wages or bank account.

   • Wheel clamping or impounding your car.

Q: Where can I pay my fine?

• Online: Via the Fines Online portal.

• By Phone: Call 1800 659 538 (24/7 automated service for credit card payments).

• To the Issuing Agency: If the fine is not yet overdue, you may be able to pay it directly to the agency that issued it (e.g., SA Police, local Council).

Q: What payment methods are accepted?

• Credit Card (MasterCard and Visa)

• BPay (You will need the Biller Code 465450 and your payment reference number).

• Direct Debit (Often used for Payment Arrangements).

• Centrepay (A voluntary bill paying service using Centrelink payments).

• Money Order (Sent via post to the Chief Recovery Officer).

Q: What information do I need to pay?

• You must have your Fine Reference Number and/or Payment Reference Number, which are located on the fine notice.

Q: What if I can't pay the full amount by the due date?

• You should apply for a Payment Arrangement through Fines SA before the due date. This allows you to spread the payment over a period of time and avoids additional fees.

Q: What happens if my fine is overdue?

• It is referred to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit (FERU). Additional fees and penalties are added, and you must deal with FERU.

⚖️ How to Dispute or Review an SA Fine

Disputing the Original Fine (Expiation Notice)

Q: How do I dispute the fine itself (e.g., I didn't commit the offence)?

• You must contact the original agency that issued the fine (e.g., SA Police, local Council). Their review process should be on the fine notice.

Q: What are common grounds for the withdrawal of a fine?

• Common grounds include: you did not commit the offence, the offence was trifling (minor/technical), or you suffer from a cognitive impairment that excuses the offending.

Q: What if I was not the driver of the vehicle?

• You need to complete a Nomination or Statutory Declaration form to name the person who was driving. Submit this to the issuing agency before the due date.

Q: Can I dispute the fine if I've already paid it?

• No. Paying the fine is generally considered an acceptance of the offence, and you lose the right to dispute it or elect to go to court.

Q: How do I elect to go to court instead of paying the fine?

• Complete the Election to be Prosecuted section on the expiation notice and submit it to the issuing authority before the due date.

Disputing the Enforcement (FERU Action)

Q: How do I dispute the enforcement action taken by the Fines Unit (FERU)?

• You can apply for a Review of Enforcement through the Fines SA online portal.

• Note: This reviews the enforcement determination (like a licence suspension), not the original offence.

Q: What are the grounds for a Review of Enforcement?

• Grounds typically relate to: you already paid the fine, failure to receive a required notice, or due to exceptional circumstances.

❓ Other Common Questions

Q: What is an 'Expiation Notice'?

• This is the official term for a fine issued by authorities for an offence (e.g., speeding, parking). Paying the fee resolves the offence without prosecution.

Q: What are the consequences of ignoring an overdue fine?

• Enforcement actions by the FERU can include:

• Suspension of your driver's licence.

• Refusal to renew your vehicle registration.

• Garnishing (deducting) money from your wages or bank account.

• Clamping/Impounding your motor vehicle.

Q: How do I check for fines or restrictions on my licence?

• Check your balance of overdue fines at Fines Online and look for licence/registration restrictions via Service SA.

Q: How do I update my address with the Fines Unit?

• You must contact the Fines Unit directly to update your contact information. Updating it elsewhere (like mySAGOV) may not be sufficient.