Why this trending hack might be costing you more than you think
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If you’ve ever returned to your car only to find a dreaded slip of paper tucked under your windscreen wiper, you’re not alone.
Parking fines are one of life’s little annoyances—right up there with magpies in spring and the price of lettuce.
But lately, social media has been abuzz with a so-called 'hack' that claims you might not actually have to pay certain fines. So, is there any truth to this viral wisdom, or is it just another internet myth that could land you in hot water?
You may have seen social media videos or posts suggesting that unless your parking fine comes directly from the local council, you can simply toss it in the bin.
The logic goes something like this: council fines are government-issued and have real teeth, while private car park fines are more like a sternly worded letter from a mall cop—annoying, but ultimately powerless.
One popular video even compared private parking officers to 'mall cops trying to arrest you,' implying they don’t have the authority to make you pay up.
It’s a tempting idea, especially when you’re staring down a $100 penalty for overstaying your welcome at the local shopping centre.
Here’s where things get interesting. There’s a kernel of truth to the popural hack, but it’s not the get-out-of-jail-free card some people think it is.
Council-issued fines are indeed government business. If you ignore them, you could face escalating penalties, licence suspension, or even a visit from the sheriff.
These fines are enforceable under state law, and the government has the power to make your life difficult if you don’t pay.
Private parking fines, on the other hand, are a different beast. These are issued by private companies—think shopping centres, hospitals, or apartment complexes.
They’re not backed by government authority, so you won’t lose your licence or get a black mark on your driving record if you ignore them. But—and this is a big but—that doesn’t mean you’re completely off the hook.
According to Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh, private companies can still pursue you for unpaid fines.
If you ignore their requests, they might send your details to a debt collector, issue a letter of demand, or even take you to court.
If they win, you could be ordered to pay the fine, plus interest and legal costs.
The good news? In practice, most companies don’t bother chasing small fines through the courts because the legal costs often outweigh the value of the fine itself.
But if you rack up multiple fines or owe a significant amount, you could find yourself facing legal action.
Absolutely! If you believe the fine is unfair—maybe the signage was unclear, or you never agreed to the terms when you entered the car park—you can dispute it.
Common defences include:
If you do decide to dispute a fine, make sure to gather evidence—photos, receipts, or witness statements can all help your case.
Here’s the million-dollar question: is it worth fighting a private parking fine, or should you just pay it and move on?
The answer depends on your circumstances. If the fine is small and you don’t want the hassle, paying it might be the easiest option.
But if you feel you’ve been treated unfairly, or you’re facing a hefty penalty, it could be worth disputing.
Remember, ignoring a fine won’t make it disappear—and if the company decides to pursue you, things could get complicated (and expensive) down the track.
Have you ever received a parking fine you thought was unfair? Did you pay it, dispute it, or ignore it? We’d love to hear your stories and tips—share your experiences in the comments below.
Read more: Australia issues parking fine refunds after $12 million council blunder
Parking fines are one of life’s little annoyances—right up there with magpies in spring and the price of lettuce.
But lately, social media has been abuzz with a so-called 'hack' that claims you might not actually have to pay certain fines. So, is there any truth to this viral wisdom, or is it just another internet myth that could land you in hot water?
You may have seen social media videos or posts suggesting that unless your parking fine comes directly from the local council, you can simply toss it in the bin.
The logic goes something like this: council fines are government-issued and have real teeth, while private car park fines are more like a sternly worded letter from a mall cop—annoying, but ultimately powerless.
Viral posts claim you can ignore parking fines from private car parks and only pay those issued by the Council. Credit: @aaronboundy and @matildanorton / TikTok
One popular video even compared private parking officers to 'mall cops trying to arrest you,' implying they don’t have the authority to make you pay up.
It’s a tempting idea, especially when you’re staring down a $100 penalty for overstaying your welcome at the local shopping centre.
Here’s where things get interesting. There’s a kernel of truth to the popural hack, but it’s not the get-out-of-jail-free card some people think it is.
Council-issued fines are indeed government business. If you ignore them, you could face escalating penalties, licence suspension, or even a visit from the sheriff.
These fines are enforceable under state law, and the government has the power to make your life difficult if you don’t pay.
Private parking fines, on the other hand, are a different beast. These are issued by private companies—think shopping centres, hospitals, or apartment complexes.
They’re not backed by government authority, so you won’t lose your licence or get a black mark on your driving record if you ignore them. But—and this is a big but—that doesn’t mean you’re completely off the hook.
According to Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh, private companies can still pursue you for unpaid fines.
If they win, you could be ordered to pay the fine, plus interest and legal costs.
The good news? In practice, most companies don’t bother chasing small fines through the courts because the legal costs often outweigh the value of the fine itself.
But if you rack up multiple fines or owe a significant amount, you could find yourself facing legal action.
Absolutely! If you believe the fine is unfair—maybe the signage was unclear, or you never agreed to the terms when you entered the car park—you can dispute it.
Common defences include:
- Unclear or missing signage: If the rules weren’t clearly displayed, you may have a case.
- Unfair contract terms: If the terms are unreasonable or you weren’t given a fair chance to agree, you might be able to challenge the fine.
- No proper consent: If you didn’t actually park in the spot or the fine was issued in error, you can contest it.
Here’s the million-dollar question: is it worth fighting a private parking fine, or should you just pay it and move on?
The answer depends on your circumstances. If the fine is small and you don’t want the hassle, paying it might be the easiest option.
But if you feel you’ve been treated unfairly, or you’re facing a hefty penalty, it could be worth disputing.
Remember, ignoring a fine won’t make it disappear—and if the company decides to pursue you, things could get complicated (and expensive) down the track.
Read more: Australia issues parking fine refunds after $12 million council blunder
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