New fee hikes could turn a $10 toll into a $247 bill—check your mail before it’s too late

A simple mistake could soon cost drivers a lot more than they expect.

Forgetting to pay a speeding fine or missing a toll might seem minor, but under new government proposals, the penalties could skyrocket.

The state plans to increase late payment fees by as much as 73 per cent—turning a small slip-up into a serious financial setback.

The proposed changes, which could come into effect as early as next year, would see penalty reminder notice fees rise from $29.20 to $50.40, while notice of final demand fees would jump from $151.50 to $186.80.

For many older Australians living on fixed incomes, this could mean that one missed payment leads to months of financial stress.

When a $10 toll becomes a $247 nightmare

When it comes to toll roads, the numbers get even scarier.

A fine that starts at just $29.20 can grow by an additional $180.70 once reminder and demand fees are added.

Under the proposed increases, that gap would widen further—turning a $10 toll into a $247.30 bill.

It’s a scenario many can relate to: you forget to update your credit card details or move house and miss a payment.

After 28 days, a Penalty Reminder Notice arrives with an extra $29.20 added.

Miss that again by another 14 days, and Fines Victoria sends a Notice of Final Demand with an additional $151.50.

That’s how a $10 toll snowballs into nearly 25 times the original amount.

The government’s justification meets fierce criticism

For seniors who rely on toll roads but struggle with online systems—or those living with memory challenges—these escalating fees can quickly spiral into thousands of dollars.

The Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety argues the increases are necessary to recover the costs of chasing unpaid fines.

The department forecasts an extra $40 million in annual revenue, lifting the total to around $160 million to fully fund enforcement efforts.

Officials emphasise that residents have multiple chances to act before penalties apply, including reviews, court hearings, and payment plans.

They can also request automatic deductions from Centrelink payments or ask for more time to pay.

But not everyone agrees with the government’s logic.

Legal experts have condemned the move as a ‘tone-deaf cash grab’ that unfairly targets the state’s most vulnerable.

Shifrah Blustein from Inner Melbourne Community Legal told The Age that some people already had to choose between paying their fines or eating dinner, warning that the changes would hit struggling Victorians hardest.

A timeline that catches people off guard

Understanding how fines escalate is key to avoiding the pain of extra fees.

When an Infringement Notice is issued, payment must be made—or action taken—by the due date.

If not, a Penalty Reminder Notice follows within 28 days, adding a late fee.

Then, within another 14 days, the matter can move to Fines Victoria, and a Notice of Final Demand may arrive.

At that stage, residents have 21 days to comply before enforcement begins.

Fines Victoria can suspend a driver licence or vehicle registration, issue an Enforcement Warrant, and even involve the Sheriff to recover debts.

For pensioners and retirees already balancing limited budgets, the increased penalties can be crushing.

Many older Australians find online fine management confusing or miss email notices altogether.

Though the system allows Centrelink deductions to prevent escalation, awareness of this option remains low.

A growing national trend

Victoria isn’t alone in toughening up.

Queensland is dealing with $160 million in unpaid fines and has warned drivers that their vehicles could be seized, licences suspended, or wages garnished.

This national hardline stance suggests other states may soon follow suit, leaving little room for leniency.

Your options before fines escalate

The good news is that there are ways to prevent fines from spiralling.

Victorians can request payment plans, set up automatic deductions from Centrelink, or ask for extensions if experiencing hardship.

Those who believe a fine was issued in error can request an internal review or have the matter decided in the Magistrates’ Court.

If eligible, people can also apply for the Work and Development Permit or Family Violence Scheme, or authorise someone else to handle their fines on their behalf.

Act now to avoid higher fees

Public consultation on the proposed increases is open now through the government’s online portal.

But with fee adjustments scheduled every July, these changes could take effect sooner than many expect.

The message for drivers is clear—act fast when you receive a fine notice.

Set reminders, arrange automatic payments, and contact Fines Victoria for help if needed.

The cost of ignoring a fine has never been higher—literally.

If you thought Victoria’s proposed fee hikes were tough, wait until you hear what’s next on the roads.

Across the country, new traffic rules and penalties are being rolled out—changing how drivers navigate familiar streets and how much they could be fined for breaking the law.

It’s another reminder of how quickly the rules can shift, and why keeping up to date could save you a costly mistake behind the wheel.

Read more: New rules for drivers! Fresh fines, slower speeds—starting any day now

Have you ever been caught out by an unpaid fine or found the process confusing?