I have fines I can’t pay — what do I do?

Fines in Victoria can quickly become overwhelming — and if you ignore them, they get worse. The good news is: there are options, and the earlier you act, the better. Here’s what to do.

Step 1: Don’t ignore fines

This is the most important thing: do not ignore fines. Fines that go unpaid can lead to:

• Your driver’s licence being suspended
• Property being seized
• Jail (in some circumstances for persistent non-payment)

If you know you have fines, or if you’ve received a letter about fines, act now. The earlier you deal with it, the more options you have.

Step 2: Find out how much you owe

You can check your fines at fines.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 140 712 (Fines Victoria).

Bring everything you have — letters, notices, any documentation — to the service you visit for help. It’s easier to deal with fines when you have all the information in front of you.

Step 3: Swan Hill CLC — (03) 5032 1688

Swan Hill Community Legal Centre can help you with fines. They deal with fines regularly and can:

• Check whether the fines are valid
• Help you apply for a Work and Development Order (WDO)
• Advise you on your options

A Work and Development Order is one of the best options if you can’t pay fines. Through a WDO, you do community work instead of paying the money. It’s genuine — you work off the value of the fines. This can be a much better option than having your licence suspended or ending up in a worse situation.

Get help from Swan Hill CLC early — don’t wait until it’s a crisis.

Step 4: If your licence is about to be suspended

If your driver’s licence is about to be suspended because of unpaid fines, act immediately. Swan Hill CLC can help you apply for a WDO or an internal review before the suspension takes effect.

You have a limited time to act once you get a suspension notice. Don’t throw it away — read it and get help.

Step 5: Legal Aid Victoria for serious fine matters

If your matter is serious — for example, you’ve ended up in court because of unpaid fines — call Legal Aid Victoria on 1800 677 402. They can provide legal representation or advice for people who qualify.

Step 6: Check if the fines were correctly issued

Sometimes fines are issued incorrectly. Swan Hill CLC can check whether:

• You were correctly identified as the person who committed the offence
• The fine amount was correct
• The fine was issued within the legal time limits

If a fine was incorrectly issued, it may be able to be challenged or withdrawn.

Step 7: Payment plans

If you can afford to pay something but not the full amount, Fines Victoria may be able to set up a payment plan. Swan Hill CLC can help you negotiate this.

Don’t just ignore fine notices and hope they go away. They don’t — they get bigger.

Key numbers

• 1300 140 712 — Fines Victoria (check how much you owe)
• (03) 5032 1688 — Swan Hill CLC (free help with fines and WDO applications)
• 1800 677 402 — Legal Aid Victoria
• fines.vic.gov.au — Online fines check