Penalties, fines & infringements
What happens if you break a road rule? Learn about the enforcement of road rules in Victoria.
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Penalties for breaking road rules vary depending on the severity of the offence. In Victoria, there are a variety of penalties that can be applied, including fines, vehicle impoundment, attracting demerit points, license suspension or in extreme cases, being taken to court.
A demerit point is a penalty point applied to your driving record when you commit a driving offence in Australia. You’re usually notified of this via a Traffic Infringement Notice.
- All drivers start off with zero demerit points.
- Demerit points for driving offences range from 1-10 points and apply from the date the offence was made.
- Demerit points are valid for three years from the date of the offence (although sometimes older points can be counted due to delayed court processes).
If you’re sent an infringement notice but weren’t driving at the time of the offence, you can nominate who was driving at the time so that you’re not penalised.
Find out more about demerit points and the number of demerit points for each offence from VicRoads.
From parking and speeding fines to getting caught without a ticket on public transport – there are a lot of different kinds infringements and penalties to be aware of in Victoria. We’ve compiled a list of helpful summaries and resources for you below.
Penalties for breaking road rules exist to keep us all safe on our day-to-day travels, but sometimes people may feel they’ve been wrongly fined or penalised. In these circumstances, it may be worth investigating your options to determine whether you can challenge the fine or apply for a review.
Your options may include:
- Reviewing the photo of your traffic offence at Fines Victoria
- Applying for an Official warning with Victoria Police
- Making a complaint or providing feedback about a fine through the Road Safety Commissioner
- Seeking legal assistance (RACV is not able to provide legal advice or assistance)
For more information, read the Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017.
The summaries RACV provide on Victorian road rules are based on the Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017. We make sure to reference the exact rule where possible. When reading, keep in mind that we’re providing general information, not legal advice. If you’re looking for specific questions on any legal matter, consult with a lawyer for help.