Paying a Fine
Orders For The Payment Of Money
An order for the payment of money (whether for a fine, damages/restitution or costs) made by a Court of Petty Sessions usually specifies either the date when full payment must be made or any instalment payment terms. If the Magistrate did not make either order, then a default period of 14 days applies from the date the penalty was imposed.
You should not try to pay your fine until after you receive a Notice of Fine. This contains the reference numbers necessary for payment to be accepted. The notice will be forwarded by post as soon as practicable after the fine has been imposed.
The collection of Fines, Costs, Damages / Restitution, Traffic and other Infringement Notices is the responsibility of Fines Enforcement which is a part of the Department of Justice.
Information on how to pay your fine is available on the Fines Enforcement website.
If after the order has been made you believe that you cannot comply with the court's order, you should contact the appropriate officer at any Registry of the court and obtain an Application form to request additional time to pay.
You must complete and lodge that application BEFORE the time ordered to pay expires and appear in Court to explain to the Magistrate why you need more time to pay.
You will be told by the Court Officer in the Registry when you lodge the Application of the date and time of the hearing before the Magistrate. Usually such Applications are heard on the day that they are filed. When you appear before the Magistrate you should have with you any documents that are relevant to your financial situation.
A Magistrate is the only person who has power to extend the time for making payment.
However, if AT ANY TIME (even after the date for payment) you need more time, you should contact any Registry of the Court immediately.