Speeding ticket in Australia - consequences?

Question

After my vacation to Australia, I was mailed a traffic infringement notice from the Victoria Police for speeding in Melbourne. A traffic camera caught my rental car going 13 km/h (~8mph) over the speed limit. The penalty stated is $220 and 3 demerit points.

As a U.S. citizen, and I required to pay this penalty? What would happen if I ignored this ticket? Would I be prevented from revisiting Australia?

Answer 1

Yes, you are legally obligated to pay the fine - why would it make a difference if you're a US citizen or not? It may not prevent you from entering Australia again, but it might cause you a delay at passport control if you try to go back and there will certainly be an additional fine before you get in when you go back if you ignore the ticket. The outstanding ticket will be linked to your passport record in a database.

Answer 2

You should probably pay just to avoid any possible issue that may arise if you decide to visit again. As of now, there isn't a law that will prohibit you from re-entering the country but it may change to something stricter one day like death by firing squad (and you wouldn't want to find out the hard way!)

Answer 3

You are required by Australian law to pay the fine if you are at fault.  I would pay the fine and I don't think the demerit points would affect your US license, just your AU license.

You probably wouldn't be prevented from returning to AU but they might not honour your International Driving license if you haven't paid and not issue you with a rental car in future trips.

The best advice I can give is for you to seek legal advice or to call VicPol and ask them.

Answer 4

Hi There,

I am pretty sure that you will be fine though I dont think they would stop you from coming back into Aussie, But if you are worried just pay it.