Camera related offences are although issued by Transport NSW (the new RMS) the enforcement and management of the infringement notice is managed by Revenue NSW.
If you have received a camera detected notice you should always check the photographs that were taken and details carefully. You can request the photographs online through NSW Revenue. Despite common misconceptions the camera are not designed to take a photograph of the driver. The cameras are designed to capture the vehicles model, number plate, speed and lane.
If you’re named on the penalty notice and responsible for paying the fine, you can view the photo of your offence online. You can also request to see the photo if you have a lawful interest.
Types of Cameras that used in NSW: There are several types of camera that may capture a driving, parking or traffic offence.
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| Speed |
Accurately measure how fast a vehicle is going. They use electronic sensors in the road and radars to monitor multiple lanes of traffic. |
| Red-light speed |
Detect when a vehicle is over the stop line when the traffic light is red. One photo is taken of the licence plate and a second photo is taken to make sure the vehicle continued into the intersection. These are both red-light and speed cameras. |
| Safe-T-Cams |
Heavy vehicle fatigue, registration and safety station entry monitoring. |
| T-way lane |
Installed beside the lane and record three images of any unauthorised vehicle using a T-way lane. |
| Bus lane |
Detect unauthorised vehicles in a bus zone, by using two cameras to read number plates. |
| Average speed |
Measure how long a vehicle takes to travel between two points. An offence occurs when the average speed is above speed limit. |
Overdue Fines
You can still pay the fine. If you do not pay a penalty notice (fine) by the due date, Revenue NSW will send you a penalty reminder notice. You will have 28 days from the date of the penalty reminder notice to either pay the fine, elect (choose) to go to court, or request a review.
Failing to pay the fine by the penalty reminder due date, enforcement action will likely be taken against you. There is also an additional administrative fee that is also added to the fine.
I think I am going to exceed my demerit points, what do I do?
If you are a full licence holder, you can apply to go on a good behaviour licence, this is not wihtout risk if you acquire more than two demerit points over the twelve month period you will serve double the suspension period that was originally to be served.
If you are a P or an L plate licence you can make application for the courts to waive or reduce your suspension period.
How do I check my demerit points?
You can check your demerit points by contacting Transport NSW or online.
What if the details on the fine are incorrect?
Fines do not automatically become invalid if some of the details are incorrect – it depends on what the details are and whether they are critical to whether or not you will be held legally responsible for the offence. A fine is not usually invalid because of a misspelling of a name or an incorrect date of birth.
You should obtain legal advice from a traffic lawyer, especially if you want to dispute your fine in court.
What are my options, do I have to to pay the fine?
There are a number of options when deciding what to do, you should consult a traffic lawyer.
Generally there are three options which are described in further detail in our guide.
Briefly they are:
- Pay the infringement Notice
- Appeal the infringement notice
- Nominate another responsible person
- Take the infringement notice to court or court elect.
Can I appeal my infringement notice?
Yes, although technically you are not appealing the notice, but making an application for the authority to withdraw and/or replace the infringement with a caution for the offence.
I sent the court a Written Notice of Pleading saying that I wanted to plead guilty and I have received a letter saying that I have to go to court. Why?
The court can reject your written notice of pleading for many reasons such as:
- you sent it too late. It must be lodged with the court at least seven days before your court date
- the explanation you have given shows that you disagree with the prosecution facts, or
- the court does not want to decide the case without you being there.
The court may adjourn the case and you will have to go to court on another date. If you do not go to court on the new date, the case may be heard without you or a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
See our contact details listed for each court here.
Can't afford to pay the fine.
Revenue NSW can negotiate payment plans. You should phone us on 1300 138 118 to discuss your options.
For severe hardship Revenue NSW in conjunction with an approved community organisation can develop a Work and Development Orders (WDO), to support eligible customers to gain access to certain courses/treatments.
These programs can count towards repaying your fines. You may be eligible if you have a mental
illness, an intellectual disability or cognitive impairment, are homeless, have a serious addiction to
drugs or alcohol, or are experiencing acute financial hardship.
More information can be found online.