Request a court hearing

You may be eligible to dispute your parking fine in the Magistrates Court.

If you request to have a parking fine dispute heard in court, you must seek your own legal advice. We cannot provide legal advice or assist you to seek legal advice.

If you do not appear in court on the date of your hearing, the offence may be heard in your absence.

We strongly recommend that you seek a formal review of the notice before submitting a court hearing request.

If you wish to dispute your parking fine, but not in court, you can request a parking fine review.

The difference between a review and a court hearing

Characteristic parking fine review a court hearing
Number of times you can submit this type of request per fine Once Once
The decision-maker City of Gold Coast The Magistrate
Timeframe for resolution Up to 45 days Up to 12 months
Potential additional costs No Yes

Request a parking fine court hearing

To request a parking fine court hearing:

  1. Complete our checklist below to find out if you are eligible to have your parking offence heard in a Magistrates Court.
  2. If you are eligible you will be able to submit a request for a court hearing using our online form.
  3. Gather the supporting evidence required for your claim and submit your request.
  4. After you submit a request for a parking fine court hearing:
    – your fine will be placed on hold
    – no payment is required while we process your request
    – you will receive correspondence within 28 days by email or mail.

Check & apply for a court hearing

What happens if you’re found guilty

If the magistrate finds that you are guilty of the offence, you may be liable for the fine amount plus any legal and court costs. Additional costs may include the cost of the complaint and summons, an offender levy and any other court ordered costs. The Court may then refer your infringement to the State Penalty Enforcement Registry (SPER).

Frequently asked questions

I am not the registered owner but I was the driver at the time of the offence. Can I submit a court hearing request?

In order to submit a request, a statutory declaration from the registered owner nominating you as the driver at the time of the offence must be included.

Statutory declaration for vehicles registered to an individual.

Statutory declaration for vehicles registered to an organisation or company.

How long do I have to lodge a parking fine court hearing request?

We must receive your court hearing request within 28 days of the infringement notice issue date or the last correspondence received from us regarding the infringement.

Can I request a court hearing if my parking fine review was upheld?

Yes. If your parking fine review is unsuccessful, you can still elect to have your case heard in the Magistrates Court. We must receive the court hearing request within 28 days from our last correspondence regarding the infringement.

Will my fine be placed on hold while my court hearing request is processed?

Yes. When we accept your request, your fine will be placed on hold and no payment will be required until a decision is made by the court.

What could happen if I lose the court hearing?

If the magistrate rules against you, you may have to pay the original fine, court costs and any additional penalties.

How do I submit a request for a court hearing?

Complete the checklist and you will be directed to the online request form. Make sure you answer all questions correctly and provide complete information including any document that may support your request.

Can I request a court hearing after I’ve paid the fine?

No. Once you have paid the fine or entered a payment arrangement (such as paying by instalments), you can no longer request to have the matter heard in court.

This is in accordance with section 26(1)(a) of the State Penalties Enforcement Act 1999.

English is not my first language. Can I get help with my court hearing request?

Yes. A friend, family member or an interpreter can assist you. For details about language assistance, visit our Translating and language assistance page.