In short
- ACT Government (Access Canberra) issues the fine. The amount is set by the territory, and unpaid ones go to Access Canberra.
- $145 for overstaying or not paying, $329 for No Stopping, $640 for a disabled bay.
- You have 28 days to pay, request a review or elect court. Then a reminder ($34 extra).
- Request a review in writing within 28 days of the notice (or of the reminder notice, if one was served), using the Traffic and Parking Infringements Applications form on the Access Canberra site. Photos of the sign and your paid session are what win a review.
The amounts
These apply across Australian Capital Territory, including Canberra. They are from the current schedule.
| Offence | Fine | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Park longer than the time limit on the sign | $145 | 0 |
| No ticket or paid session in a paid zone | $145 | 0 |
| Disobey a No Parking sign | $145 | 0 |
| Disobey a No Stopping sign | $329 | 0 |
| Stop in a loading zone | $197 | 0 |
| Stop in a bus zone | $197 | 0 |
| Stop across a driveway or footpath | $145 | 0 |
| Park on a footpath or nature strip | $145 | 0 |
| Park in a disabled bay without a permit | $640 | 0 |
Amounts are from Schedule 1 of the Road Transport (Offences) Regulation 2005, republication 105 effective 1 August 2026, checked October 2026. Parking penalties carry no demerit points.
Driveway: item 269 (stop on or across driveway) $145. Footpath or nature strip: item 265 (stop on path or strip in a built-up area) $145. Bus zone: item 246 $197. Loading zone: item 237 $197.
Park without paying meter fee (item 300) and park without a current ticket displayed (item 313) are both $145. Stopping at or near a bus stop is $197.
Loading zone permit fees rose on 1 July 2026 (permits, not fines).
Who fines you
ACT Government parking officers issue notices on foot or from plate-recognition vehicles. Police can also issue parking notices.
How to pay
- Online through Access Canberra with the infringement notice number (no spaces), VISA or MasterCard
- By phone: Billpay on 13 18 16 (code 0286) or Access Canberra on 13 22 81
- BPAY biller code 343533 with the notice number as reference, or at an Australia Post office with the notice
- Payments can take up to 3 business days to process, so pay early
- Ask for more time, a payment plan or a hardship waiver through Access Canberra
If you pay late
28 days to act.
Pay, request a review, nominate the driver, or elect to go to court.
The reminder.
After the deadline a reminder notice adds $34.
Enforcement.
If you do not pay within 28 days, a reminder notice goes to the registered operator and the $34 cost of serving it is added to the penalty. If it is still unpaid, your licence, registration or right to drive in the ACT can be suspended until you pay both. Driving while suspended is a serious offence. A payment plan (Infringement Notice Management Plan) is available.
An unpaid $145 overstay keeps growing, and ends with your licence or registration on the line. Pay it, or dispute it, inside the first 28 days.
Disputing a fine
Request a review in writing within 28 days of the notice (or of the reminder notice, if one was served), using the Traffic and Parking Infringements Applications form on the Access Canberra site. If the notice is not withdrawn you can have the matter heard in court.
Reviews that succeed usually have evidence:
- Photos showing signs, bay markings and where you parked
- A valid ticket, app receipt or permit
- Proof of a breakdown or medical emergency
- A statutory declaration, where relevant
Not getting one
- Read the sign where you park, not the one across the road. Time starts when you park. See how to read Canberra parking signs.
- Parking is free once the signposted evening hours end; paid hours resume in the morning. Designated motorcycle-only zones are free.
- Tap I parked here on Rangr Dangr and set a 2P timer. If a neighbour reports an inspector near your car, your phone buzzes.
Good to know.
How much is a parking fine in Canberra?
Overstaying the sign or not paying is $145. No Stopping is $329. A disabled bay without a permit is $640. Amounts come from the current schedule.
How long do I have to pay a parking fine in ACT?
28 days from the date on the notice to pay, request a review or elect court. Then a reminder adds $34.
Can I dispute a Canberra parking fine?
Request a review in writing within 28 days of the notice (or of the reminder notice, if one was served), using the Traffic and Parking Infringements Applications form on the Access Canberra site. If the notice is not withdrawn you can have the matter heard in court.
Know before you park.
A live, neighbour-powered map of inspector sightings. Tap I parked here, set a 2P timer, and the street has your back.