Appeal Your Queensland Parking Fine
Queensland gives you 28 days to dispute a parking fine directly with the issuing council. Miss this window and it goes to SPER with additional fees. Act fast with a well-prepared appeal.
Central authority: SPER · Appeal deadline: 28 days
Key Facts About QLD Parking Fines
- You have 28 days from the infringement date to dispute
- Appeals go directly to the issuing council
- After 28 days, the fine is referred to SPER with extra fees
- Current penalty unit: $161.30 (as of July 2024)
- Faulty meter appeals REQUIRE you to have reported the fault at the time
- Cairns fines increased 30% from September 2024
QLD Councils We Cover
Select your council for specific appeal guidance, tips, and local information.
Brisbane City Council
Brisbane
Population: 1,250,000
City of Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Population: 640,000
Sunshine Coast Council
Sunshine Coast
Population: 350,000
Cairns Regional Council
Cairns
Population: 170,000
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I appeal a parking fine in Queensland?
Contact the council that issued the fine within 28 days of the infringement date. Most councils accept disputes online through their council portals (e.g., Brisbane's self-service portal, Sunshine Coast's MyCouncil). Include your infringement number, grounds for dispute, and supporting evidence.
What happens if I miss the 28-day deadline?
If you don't dispute or pay within the deadline, the fine is referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER). SPER adds additional fees and has enforcement powers including suspending your driver's licence, vehicle registration, or garnishing wages. Always act within 28 days.
Can I appeal a faulty meter fine in Queensland?
Yes, but ONLY if you reported the meter fault to the council at the time it happened. You'll need the report/reference number as evidence. Without a contemporaneous fault report, a faulty meter appeal will almost certainly be rejected.
How much are parking fines in Queensland?
Queensland fines are based on penalty units ($161.30 as of July 2024). Minor offences like expired meters are 1 penalty unit ($161), while serious offences like disabled parking misuse are 4 penalty units ($644). Cairns increased fines by 30% from September 2024.