Local laws fines

If the local law prohibits a person from doing something 'unless in accordance with a permit', anyone found doing that activity without a permit has breached the local laws. An authorised officer may issue a fine to the responsible person or corporation. 

Alternatively, you can request an infringement review, request a payment arrangement or extension or elect to have the matter heard at court.

If you don’t act before the due date on your fine, it will continue through the infringements process External link and more costs will be added. Act now to avoid further costs and enforcement action. 

Avoid a fine – familiarise yourself with the local laws

Here's a simplified breakdown of the most commonly breached local laws in the City of Melbourne. These violations result in 88 per cent of all fines. Always follow these rules to avoid a fine. 

• Depositing a small item of litter: we have a zero-tolerance approach to littering including dropping cigarette butts or lit cigarettes. No warnings are given for littering. 
• Depositing rubbish: it’s illegal to dump rubbish, green waste and household goods. We offer residents a free annual hard waste collection and organic green waste collection. Read our tips about recycling and what can go in your garbage bin. 
• Possessing an open container of liquor: we’re committed to community safety and promoting responsible consumption of alcohol. Consumption of alcohol is banned in public places in the central business district 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, BYO alcohol is permitted in the City of Melbourne’s public parks and gardens by individuals or groups of 50 people or less. 

Payment arrangements and extensions

You can only apply for a payment arrangement or extension if you are the person or corporation issued with and named on the fine. Payment arrangements are only possible for fines involving litter or tobacco offences.

There are three types of payment arrangements and extensions:  

• receiving a payment extension  
• paying in instalments (if you are eligible) or
• requesting a payment arrangement with Fines Victoria.

If you wish to apply for a payment arrangement or extension, you must complete an application before the due date or the fine will continue through the infringements process External link and additional costs may be added.  

Seeking an extension of time to pay

An extension of time to pay may be granted at the City of Melbourne’s discretion. You can apply for a payment extension by completing the form below.  

Please note: partial payments are not accepted. The full amount is required to finalise the matter. 

Payment arrangement by instalment

Payment arrangements are only possible for fines involving litter or tobacco offences.

You are automatically entitled to request to pay in instalments if you are the person or corporation issued with and named on the fine and have one of the following:

• Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
• Department of Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
• Centrelink Health Care Card
• Seniors Card

We are unable to offer a payment arrangement by instalment if you:

• haven’t provided a copy of your eligible card with your application
• are not the person or corporation issued with and named on the fine
• have requested a review of your fine and are awaiting the outcome
• have been issued with Notice of Final Demand. 

You can request to pay in instalments if you meet the eligibility requirements above. Please have any supporting documentation ready before you start. 

Payment arrangement with Fines Victoria

You may request the City of Melbourne refer your outstanding litter or tobacco fine(s) to Fines Victoria to manage as part of a payment arrangement.

A payment arrangement allows you to pay one or more fines in monthly or fortnightly instalments.  

In order for this to occur, you must have a current payment arrangement registered with Fines Victoria and be the person or corporation issued with and named on the fine

You will also need to provide us with the following:

• Payment arrangement number (given to you by Fines Victoria)
• Fine number/s
• Infringement Number/s
• Full name
• Address
• Preferred contact number
• Email address