Disputes
What if you refuse to pay?
If you refuse to pay, SPER can suspend your Queensland driver licence, or prevent you from obtaining one. Even if you have a driver licence from another State you will not be allowed to drive in Queensland.
If SPER cannot apply a licence suspension or you refuse to pay, an enforcement fee of $92 may be added to each of your fines/orders and then more serious action will be taken.
SPER can seize and sell your property. This could include your vehicle or even your house. You will also be liable for the cost of removing, storing and selling the property so a small fine/order could cost you a lot of money.
SPER can order your employer to deduct money from your wages, or order your bank to deduct money from your bank account.
SPER might even give police a warrant for your arrest. Police don't have to give you any time to pay and they don't have to give you the chance to do community service. Anytime, anywhere, you will have to pay the overdue amount in full or be taken into custody. If you are arrested in Queensland you will be imprisoned immediately and if you are arrested in another State, you will be held in custody until you can be taken to a court.
What if you don't think you should have to pay?
SPER did not issue your fine/order, so SPER cannot waive your fine/order. Disputes about the validity of the fine/order or complaints about how it was issued cannot be made with SPER, they must be made with the agency or court that issued the fine/order.
Why didn't you find out about your overdue fine earlier?
If an infringement notice or court summons couldn't be given directly to you (parking, speed cameras, red light cameras etc), the address on your vehicle registration could have been used to post you the notice or a reminder. Having an out of date address on your driver licence or vehicle registration is the most common reason that people miss their first chance to pay their fines.
Note: Updating your address with SPER will not update other government agencies (and vice-versa).
What if you want to apply for a rehearing/reopening for a Court ordered offence?
SPER cannot arrange for the matter to be reheard/reopened. You would need to contact the originating Court (the Court that originally heard the matter) to find out if you are eligible for these options. Refer to the Queensland Courts website for further information.
It is recommended you obtain legal advice from a solicitor or other qualified person regarding your options as any appearance in court could lead to additional costs.
Where did SPER obtain my contact details?
The collection of information by SPER and the disclosure of information by other agencies to SPER is authorised under the State Penalties Enforcement Act (Section 152).
Information such as your address and telephone number are collected from third parties including:
- Queensland Government Departments and Agencies
- Local Government organisations, and
- Courts.