Appealing fines in the ACT?

My apologies in advance for this totally useless comment.

Evertyime I see the heading of this thread on the homepage, I read it as “Appalling fines in the ACT”.

I know of two people who have done this who both had good records. The second person did once in the ACT and the 2nd time while in VIC because a friend told him VIC can’t see ACT records. I don’t know what they can and can’t see but I know he got off two tickets, once in the ACT and another in VIC within a year.

a few months ago, i recieved a traffic camera fine (doing 70 in a 60 zone), and went online to find out the way to appeal the fine ( this is my first ever offence in 15 years driving).

Just read the back of the ticket next time!

a few months ago, i recieved a traffic camera fine (doing 70 in a 60 zone), and went online to find out the way to appeal the fine ( this is my first ever offence in 15 years driving).

I hunted around the AFP website, trying to find a bit of info. Not easy
https://forms.afp.gov.au/online_forms/act_traffic_dispute_notice

Had trouble with the online form, so in the end i emailed them to enquire where to find the info, and giving the details as to why i was appealing the fine (I thought I would just give it a try, not really expecting to be succecssful). Not long afterwards, I received a reply saying i had been successful. I think you only get the one chance to do this, still lost points, but didnt have to pay the fine, so was pleased with that).
Good luck

Only works for Murder charges but give it a go, you might get lucky.

I appealled a speeding fine based on the fact that I have an un-blemished driving record and a series of technical issues in regard to the layout of the signage and streets, and had a responce last week in which the fine and all demerit points and court orders have been withdrawn. I have appealled before on an amber traffic light fine that I got for failing to stop in pooring rain, and that too was withdrawn, but a nice little clause at the end of the withdrawal letter said s.th to the effect “, however the Police would wish to remind you that you must obey the road rules…..”. My latest withdrawal letter from the Traffic Police did not state this, so I presume they simpified with my arguement, and my good driving record. If you think you have been injusticed, then appeal that too, it may well help your case, as it probably did mine.

What type of Fine
I cleared 12 parking fines and 2 speeding in 10 years by writing appropriate letters…..ACT is not that bad it depends on the circumstance and your debate and the actual TRUTH AND EVIDENCE! Mine have been cleared not by “nice” guys or a process but by honest mistakes with personnel.
On call occasions fortunately was a simply nice placed letter to the RTA.

Yes they can dismiss the fine and not lose points, I wrote a letter years ago to the Police Commissioner, regarding a fine. On the day it was operation PR day, meaning they let you off with a warning, I did do the one wrong thing, got let off on that, then they told me an untruth, which I knew was wrong about changing a licence within a week from another state, of course I knew this was just so wrong, the norm is three months, and I decided to write a letter, I had proof to back this up.
I did not have to pay the fine or lose points, because of my excellent driving record, that was in Sydney.

Jono, you rather obviously omit the details of the fine. For all we know you could have been doing 30km/h over the limit in a school zone.
There is to my knowledge no such provision in the ACT that triggers automatic leniency if you have a clear record. You can request an appeal be heard by the RTA, or you can appeal the infringement in the Magistrates Court. If you appeal in the court, they will hit you up for some major penalties if you loose… and it would be well deserved too.

KeenGolfer said :

Was it a fine issued by a parking inspector or a police officer? If it’s a parking officer you can plead your good history in a letter and they may let you off – but this only works once. Has worked for me.

If it’s a fine issued by the police there is no equiv. to SDRO in the ACT and the fine goes back to the issuing officer to decide the outcome. Just be sure you don’t write ‘dispute’ anywhere in the letter or it automatically goes to court to be decided by a magistrate.

Unless of course u want to be heard in court ……….. bearing in mind that if the matter is taken to court and you lose, it will then show up in your crim record, whereas a infringement doesn’t. Depends on how strongly you feel about it.