Public transport fines in Melbourne apply to passengers who breach Victoria’s transport laws — from travelling without a valid ticket to disorderly behaviour on trains, trams, or buses. For adults, the most common myki fine for not holding a valid ticket is currently $305, while other public transport offences can range from just over $300 to more than $500, depending on the conduct involved.
These myki fines are typically issued by Authorised Officers (AOs) either on the spot or through a notice sent later, and must be dealt with promptly to avoid additional fees or enforcement action through Fines Victoria.
What Exactly Is a Public Transport Fine?
A public transport fine — often referred to as a myki fine — is a legal penalty issued when a passenger breaches Victoria’s public transport regulations. Authorised officers employed by Public Transport Victoria or Victoria Police have the authority to request your ticket and identification at any time while you’re using Melbourne’s train, tram, or bus network.
If you fail to provide a valid myki, misuse a concession, or give false information, you may receive an on-the-spot myki fine or a formal infringement notice sent to your address. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, repeated myki fines can also lead to escalation to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
In most cases, Authorised Officers do not issue warnings. If an officer believes an offence has occurred, they will record the incident for review, and an infringement notice will usually follow. This applies equally to fare evasion myki fines and behavioural offences on public transport.
Legal Basis
All myki fines and other public transport penalties are issued under the Transport Regulations 2015 and the Transport Integration Act 2010. These laws define offences such as fare evasion, misuse of concession cards, failing to produce a valid myki, or obstructing an authorised officer during an inspection.
Common Offences and Penalty Amounts (2025)
While minor mistakes can sometimes be reviewed, many common offences attract standard infringement amounts for adults. The most common myki fines and related penalties include:
- No valid ticket or concession (myki fine): $305
- Smoking in a designated non-smoking area: $305
- Littering on public transport premises: $305
- Placing feet on seats or other fittings: $305
- Disorderly or offensive behaviour: $407
- Interfering with ticket gates or vehicle doors: $509
- Trespassing or travelling in non-designated areas: $407–$509
These myki fines and penalties are enforced through Fines Victoria. Children may receive lower penalties, but adults are generally liable for the full infringement amount.
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How Public Transport Fines Are Issued?
Public transport fines, including myki fines, are issued by Authorised Officers during inspections or reported for later processing. An officer may issue an on-the-spot infringement notice or submit a report that results in a myki fine being mailed to the passenger.
Once issued, the fine is reviewed administratively rather than decided instantly by the officer. This means passengers still have the right to request a review of a myki fine if they believe it was issued incorrectly, provided they act within the required timeframe.
How to Appeal a Public Transport Fine in Victoria?
Every myki fine infringement notice includes instructions on how to respond, including the due date for payment or review. Ignoring a myki fine can trigger reminder notices, added fees, and eventual enforcement action through Fines Victoria, so it is important to act promptly even if you intend to dispute the fine.
If you believe your myki fine was unfair or issued in error, you can request an internal review through PTV. Common reasons for successful appeals include faulty ticket readers, medical emergencies, or genuine misunderstandings over concession eligibility.
Step-by-Step Appeal Process
If you decide to challenge a myki fine, following a clear and structured appeal process helps ensure your request is assessed fairly and within the required timeframe.
- Visit the official PTV infringement review page.
- Complete the online form and attach supporting documents such as bank receipts or statutory declarations.
- Submit your request within 28 days of receiving the myki fine
- Wait for PTV’s written outcome (usually within 6–8 weeks).
If your appeal is denied, you can elect to take the matter to the Magistrates’ Court. At this stage, legal advice is strongly recommended, particularly for multiple or high-value myki fines.
How to Prevent Future Fines?
Prevention is the simplest way to avoid myki fines. These practical steps can save you time, money, and stress:
- Always tap on and off correctly with your myki
- Check your balance before each trip
- Carry valid concession documentation
- Keep receipts or digital proof of top-ups
- Be cooperative and respectful during inspections
These small habits not only reduce the risk of receiving a myki fine but also demonstrate good faith if you ever need to appeal.
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When to Seek Legal Advice?
Sometimes a fine may be part of a bigger issue — such as multiple infringements, identity errors, or financial hardship. In these cases, a lawyer can help you apply for hardship programs, negotiate payment plans, or challenge enforcement through the courts.
Through LegalFinda, you can connect with qualified Victorian lawyers who specialise in transport and criminal matters. Their advice can help you protect your record and resolve fines faster.
Need tailored help? Our Melbourne-based lawyers can review your infringement and represent you in appeal or hardship applications.
Legal advice is particularly important where fines have escalated, multiple infringements exist, or enforcement action such as licence suspension is threatened. A lawyer can also assess whether a fine should be reviewed due to procedural errors, identity issues, or exceptional circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to real-world questions often asked by passengers facing fines in Melbourne.
What if my myki didn’t scan properly?
If your card failed to register despite tapping, you can request a review of the myki fine. Provide evidence such as receipts or top-up records. PTV may withdraw myki fines issued under technical error circumstances if sufficient proof is shown.
Can I still appeal if I forgot my concession card?
Yes. If you had a valid concession but couldn’t show it at the time, attach a copy of the card and a short statement when appealing the myki fine. PTV often waives fines for genuine, first-time mistakes.
How long do I have to pay or appeal?
You have 28 days from the issue date to pay or apply for a review of your myki fine. Missing this deadline can trigger extra fees and enforcement via Fines Victoria. Failure to respond can result in Penalty Reminder Notices and Final Demand notices.
Can unpaid fines affect my licence?
Yes. Unpaid myki fines can lead to enforcement action by Fines Victoria, including licence suspension or cancellation after multiple reminders.
Where can I check my fines?
You can view all outstanding myki fines and other infringements on the Fines Victoria portal, where you can pay, appeal, or request more time online.
Conclusion
Public transport fines — particularly myki fines — are more than just a minor inconvenience. They are legally enforceable penalties that can escalate quickly if ignored, leading to added fees, enforcement action, or even licence suspension. Understanding how myki fines are issued, what your review rights are, and when to act can make a significant difference to both the outcome and long-term impact on your record.
If you believe a myki fine was issued unfairly, or if multiple fines or financial hardship are involved, early action is critical. Seeking legal guidance can help you assess whether a review, payment plan, or court election is the most appropriate path.
LegalFinda connects passengers with experienced Victorian lawyers who understand public transport offences and infringement law. Whether you need help disputing a myki fine, managing escalated penalties, or protecting your licence, LegalFinda makes it easier to find clear, practical legal support tailored to your situation.
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