Is internal review the same as electing court?

No. Internal review is a free administrative review by Revenue NSW. Court election is a formal court process - you typically pay a filing fee and engage a lawyer.

Can I be charged extra for asking for a review?

No. There is no fee for internal review.

What does 'caution issued' mean?

Revenue NSW cancels the fine, doesn't apply demerit points, and records that you received a caution. Often available for first-time minor offences with a clean record.

Section 24A NSW Fines Act review: a step-by-step

Published 2026-05-07 · 5 min read

TL;DR

Section 24A of the NSW Fines Act 1996 lets anyone who's received a penalty notice ask Revenue NSW to review it - for free, without a lawyer. Lodge through Service NSW, attach evidence, then allow up to 42 days (about 6 weeks). Possible outcomes: fine cancelled, caution issued (fine cancelled, no points), or upheld.

If your fine looks like this:

Any NSW penalty notice - speed camera, red light, mobile phone, seatbelt, parking, or other infringement - is eligible. Internal review is the first step before court election.

Check this fine free — 60 seconds →

Step-by-step

Confirm eligibility
You must be the person to whom the notice was issued (or their representative with written authority). The fine must not yet have been paid.
Identify your grounds
Common grounds: the notice was procedurally defective; you have a statutory defence (medical emergency, honest and reasonable mistake of fact); you qualify for a caution (e.g. 10-year clean record); the evidence is materially ambiguous.
Lodge through Service NSW
Go to service.nsw.gov.au → 'Request a review for a fine'. Enter the notice number, attach your dispute letter, and any supporting evidence (photos, calibration FOI replies, medical certificates).
Wait for the decision
Revenue NSW asks you to allow up to 42 days (about 6 weeks), sometimes longer. Enforcement is paused while you wait. The decision arrives in writing - keep it.
Decide your next step
If cancelled or caution: you're done. If upheld: you can elect court (separate process, lawyer recommended) or pay.

Primary sources

Common questions

Is internal review the same as electing court?: No. Internal review is a free administrative review by Revenue NSW. Court election is a formal court process - you typically pay a filing fee and engage a lawyer.
Can I be charged extra for asking for a review?: No. There is no fee for internal review.
What does 'caution issued' mean?: Revenue NSW cancels the fine, doesn't apply demerit points, and records that you received a caution. Often available for first-time minor offences with a clean record.

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