Appeal Your Victorian Parking Fine
Victoria has strict rules — you get ONE internal review per infringement, and only 5 legal grounds are accepted. Make your first submission count with a well-prepared appeal letter.
Central authority: Fines Victoria
Key Facts About VIC Fines
- You get ONE internal review per infringement — include everything first time
- Appeals go to the issuing council first, then Fines Victoria
- Only 5 legal grounds accepted under the Infringements Act 2006
- Council has up to 90 days to respond to your review
- No student or pensioner discounts on parking fines in Victoria
- Current penalty unit: $20.46 (2025-26 financial year)
VIC Councils We Cover
Select your council for specific appeal guidance, tips, and local information.
City of Melbourne
Melbourne CBD
Population: 180,000
Yarra City Council
Richmond/Fitzroy/Collingwood
Population: 100,000
City of Port Phillip
St Kilda/South Melbourne
Population: 115,000
City of Stonnington
Prahran/Toorak/South Yarra
Population: 120,000
City of Boroondara
Hawthorn/Camberwell/Kew
Population: 180,000
Merri-bek City Council
Brunswick/Coburg
Population: 175,000
Whitehorse City Council
Box Hill/Mitcham
Population: 180,000
Knox City Council
Wantirna/Boronia
Population: 165,000
Banyule City Council
Heidelberg/Ivanhoe
Population: 130,000
Bayside City Council
Brighton/Sandringham
Population: 105,000
Brimbank City Council
Sunshine/St Albans
Population: 210,000
Cardinia Shire Council
Pakenham/Officer
Population: 130,000
City of Casey
Cranbourne/Berwick
Population: 370,000
Darebin City Council
Preston/Northcote
Population: 165,000
Frankston City Council
Frankston
Population: 145,000
Glen Eira City Council
Caulfield/Bentleigh
Population: 155,000
Greater Dandenong City Council
Dandenong/Springvale
Population: 175,000
Hobsons Bay City Council
Williamstown/Altona
Population: 100,000
Hume City Council
Broadmeadows/Craigieburn
Population: 240,000
Kingston City Council
Moorabbin/Chelsea
Population: 165,000
Manningham City Council
Doncaster/Templestowe
Population: 130,000
Maribyrnong City Council
Footscray/Yarraville
Population: 95,000
Maroondah City Council
Ringwood/Croydon
Population: 120,000
Monash City Council
Clayton/Glen Waverley
Population: 205,000
Moonee Valley City Council
Moonee Ponds/Essendon
Population: 130,000
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Mornington/Rosebud
Population: 170,000
Nillumbik Shire Council
Eltham/Diamond Creek
Population: 65,000
Wyndham City Council
Werribee/Point Cook
Population: 300,000
Melton City Council
Melton/Caroline Springs
Population: 185,000
Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Lilydale/Belgrave
Population: 160,000
City of Whittlesea
South Morang/Epping
Population: 230,000
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I appeal a parking fine in Victoria?
In Victoria, you request an 'internal review' from the council that issued the fine. Most councils have online portals for this. Your review must be based on one of the 5 legal grounds in the Infringements Act 2006: contrary to law, mistaken identity, exceptional circumstances, special circumstances, or unaware of the fine.
What happens if my Victorian appeal is rejected?
If the council rejects your internal review, you can elect to have the matter heard at the Magistrates' Court. The fine amount may be higher if you're found guilty at court, so consider this carefully. You can also apply to Fines Victoria for a payment plan.
Can I view photos of my parking offence in Victoria?
Yes — most Victorian councils allow you to view offence photos through their online self-service portals. Always review these photos BEFORE submitting your appeal, as they may support or undermine your case.
Is 'I didn't see the sign' a valid appeal ground in Victoria?
No. Not seeing or misunderstanding a parking sign is not a valid ground for review in any Australian state. It is the driver's responsibility to find and comply with signage. However, if the sign was genuinely obscured, damaged, or missing, that could support a 'contrary to law' review.