Appeal a parking fine

• Exceptional circumstances

  You can request a review if something unexpected and outside your control contributed to the parking offence.

  These circumstances must be unusual and significant. They must help explain why the offence occurred.

  Examples may include:

  • a medical emergency
  • a vehicle breakdown
  • another unforeseen event that affected your ability to comply with parking restrictions.

  Please provide evidence to support your application, such as medical documents, towing records, repair invoices or roadside assistance reports.

• Contrary to law

  You can request a review if you believe the parking fine should not have been issued.

  Examples may include situations where:

  • the offence did not occur
  • the infringement was issued incorrectly
  • there is a significant factual or legal error.

  Provide any information or evidence that supports your request, such as photos, permits or other relevant documents.

• Mistake of identity

  You can request a review if you believe the fine was issued to the wrong person.

  This ground may apply if:

  • you were not responsible for the vehicle at the time of the offence
  • your identity has been confused with someone else's
  • another person should be held responsible and can be identified.

  You may be asked to provide supporting documents.

• Person unaware

  You can request a review if you did not know about the infringement notice or penalty reminder notice and had taken reasonable steps to keep your address details up to date.

  This ground may apply if:

  • you recently moved house
  • your mail was redirected or delayed
  • there were other circumstances outside your control that affected delivery of correspondence.

  You will need to provide evidence showing that you took reasonable steps to maintain your correct address details.

  Note: This ground applies to not receiving the notice. It does not apply if you received the notice but missed the payment or review deadline.

• Special circumstances

  You can request a review if special circumstances affected your ability to control your behaviour or understand your actions at the time of the offence.

  Under Victorian legislation, special circumstances may include:

  • a mental or intellectual disability
  • a serious addiction to drugs, alcohol or a volatile substance
  • homelessness
  • family violence.

  Applications under this ground usually require evidence from a qualified practitioner or support agency.

  If family violence applies to your circumstances, you may also be eligible for the Family Violence Scheme.

• Family Violence Scheme

  You can request a review under the Family Violence Scheme if family violence substantially contributed to the offence.

  The scheme recognises that people affected by family violence may not have been able to avoid or prevent the circumstances that led to the infringement.

  Applications are assessed in accordance with Victorian law and supporting evidence will generally be required.

  For more information, visit Fines Victoria's Family Violence Scheme page.

Applying for an internal review

• What you'll need to provide

  To help us assess your application, provide:

  • a clear explanation of why you are requesting a review
  • any relevant supporting documents
  • contact details if we need to seek further information.

  Applications are assessed using:

  • the information you provide
  • any supporting evidence
  • information available to Council
  • relevant law.

  Incomplete applications may delay the review process.

• What happens after you apply

  Once we receive your application:

  1. We review the information and supporting evidence.
  2. We assess the matter against the applicable law.
  3. We make a decision and notify you in writing.

  Your fine remains on hold while we review it.

• Possible review outcomes

  After completing the review, we may decide to:

  • confirm the fine
  • withdraw the fine
  • waive the fine and issue an official warning
  • refer the matter for another appropriate outcome under the law.

  Our written decision will explain the outcome and any further options available to you.

• Need another way to apply?

  If you cannot submit your application online, you can apply by mail.

  Send your request and supporting documents to:

  City of Port Phillip
  Private Bag 3
  PO St Kilda VIC 3182

  You can also contact us for assistance:

  • Online via My Port Phillip
  • Phone: 03 9058 6611

• When you can go to court

  You may elect to have your matter heard in court if:

  • the infringement is unpaid and
  • the matter is still eligible under Victorian law.

  To request a court hearing, submit your request through the Parking Infringement Portal or contact us for assistance.

• What the court may decide

  The Magistrates' Court may:

  • dismiss the matter
  • uphold the fine
  • impose a penalty
  • make another order available under the law.

  The court's decision is final, subject to any appeal rights that may apply under the law.