Public transport fines
This page has information to help people who have received a fine (Infringement Notice) on Melbourne's public transport system and railway station car parks.
Information on this page
Paying a fine
You can pay the fine in full:
- in person at any post office
- by phone on 131 816
- online at Post Billpay
- by mail: detach the payment section of the fine. Send it with a non-negotiable cheque or a money order (do not send cash) to:
Department of Transport
GPO Box 2797
Melbourne VIC 3001
What happens if you don't pay
You should not ignore the fine. Failure to pay is likely to result in additional costs and, if the matter progresses to court, may also result in a conviction recorded against you.
If you are unable to pay the fine by the due date, you may ask for an
extension.
Payment extension
If you are unable to pay a fine by the due date, you may ask for an extension.
Please read the information below carefully and then, if you would like to apply for an extension, click on the email link.
Please note:
- Payment extensions are usually only granted once.
- A 90 day extension applies.
- All payment extension requests via email must include the following:
- Infringement number
- Name
- Address (only if changed since offence)
- Reason for extension
- Contact number
Email Transport Infringement Administration
Appealing a fine
You can appeal in writing to the Department of Transport. Your letter must include:
- your name and address
- the Infringement Number. This is on the fine.
- all the circumstances you would like considered in your appeal and
- photocopies of any supporting documents or other evidence (do not send originals).
Send the letter to:
Case Review Area
Transport Infringement Administration
GPO Box 2797
Melbourne VIC 3001
How to take the matter to court
If you have received an infringement and would like to contest the matter in court, fill out the form at the end of the infringement with your details and send it to:
Department of Transport
GPO Box 2797
Melbourne VIC 3001
We will arrange for you to be summonsed to the relevant court and you will be contacted with the relevant dates in due course.
Old and lost fines
Fines older than 28 days
If the
Due Date for Payment of your fine has passed, you need to call 1300 135 066. There may be additional costs because the fine has not been paid by the payment date.
Lost fines
Call 1300 135 066 as soon as possible and provide as much information as you can. We will send you a copy of your fine.
Types of infringements
See also
Transport (Infringements) Regulations 1999.
Offences committed after 13 July 2004 are subject to graduated fines which increase yearly in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For example, fare evasion incurs a fine of $172 for a first offence, $229 for a second offence and $286 for the third and subsequent offences within a given three-year period.
Holders of student concession cards
Holders of eligible primary and secondary student concession cards who are detected travelling on a concession ticket but are not carrying their concession card, will be issued with an infringement notice.
However, that infringement notice may be cancelled on appeal if it is the person's first penalty for this offence and they can subsequently provide the
Public Transport Division's Transport Infringement Administration area with a photocopy of the front and back of their concession card.
This opportunity will be only granted for a first offence. Students subsequently found travelling without a valid concession card will be subject to a penalty.
Frequently asked questions
The Metlink website also includes answers to
Frequently asked questions in relation to public transport tickets, including information on what to do if a ticket is confiscated.
Revenue from fines
Revenue from fines is returned to State Government consolidated revenue.
As public transport operators employ most Authorised Officers, an administration fee per fine is paid to the operators to help cover costs incurred in the ticket enforcement process.