Fines

You can apply to the Fines Hardship Review Board if you have one or more enforcement orders issued in your name and SDRO has:

• refused your application for time to pay a fine by installments
• refused your application to reduce the amount you pay under a time to pay arrangement
• set or requested payments at a higher rate than you offered
• refused your application to have fines written off due to financial, medical and/or personal hardship.

The Fines Hardship Review Board cannot determine if a fine is valid or if a person is liable for a fine. Read more about requesting a review of a penalty notice or an enforcement order at www.sdro.nsw.gov.au.

Complete an Application for Review of a State Debt Recovery Office Decision and send it to us.

To request an application, to speak to an officer, or if you need assistance in completing your application, contact us.

You need to show how your financial, medical and/or personal circumstances prevent you from paying your fines now and in the near future. You must also attach documentation to support your case.

Yes, as long as you have given your written consent in an Authority to Act form.

No, you are not required to be present and the Board will consider your application based on all the available evidence.

The Board will request SDRO provide all the information used to assess your original application. Any additional information that you have supplied with your application to the Board will also be considered.

The Fines Hardship Review Board has authority under the Fines Act 1996 to direct SDRO to:

• allow you time to pay your fines
• defer payment of your fines
• write off your fines.

There is no right of objection or appeal to the Board’s decision.

You will receive written confirmation when your application has been received which will advise you if your case is eligible for referral to the Board or not. You may be requested to provide additional information to support your case. If your case is eligible, you will be advised in writing when the Board will consider your application.

A decision will be made on the day of the Board meeting or further information will be requested by the Board to assist it in making its decision. You will be notified in writing of the Board's decision.

Once your application to the Fines Hardship Review Board is received, SDRO may suspend enforcement action against you pending the Board’s decision. If the Board thinks it appropriate, however, it may direct the SDRO to suspend enforcement action pending your review.

The Board will direct SDRO to allow you time to pay, defer payment of your fines or to write off your fines. You will be notified in writing of the result of your application and SDRO is required to implement any decision of the Board.

You will be notified in writing of the decision of the Board. You will be required to meet the terms of any orders issued by SDRO. If you do not meet these terms, SDRO will resume action to enforce your outstanding fines.

No. The Board does not have authority to direct SDRO to remove NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) restrictions. For more information about having your RTA restrictions lifted, contact SDRO.

No. The Fines Hardship Review Board can only review certain decisions by SDRO involving enforcement orders. If you are unable to pay your penalty notice, you should contact SDRO as soon as possible to see what options are available.