NSW Reinstates On-the-Spot Parking Fines in Push for Fairer System

From 1 July 2025, the Minns Labor Government has reinstated on-the-spot parking fines across New South Wales, replacing a ticketless system that had long drawn criticism for being opaque and unfair.

The change affects all councils and motorists across the state and is intended to improve transparency, following public concerns over delayed and unclear fines.

The move reverses a 2020 decision by the former Liberal-National Government, which had removed the requirement to leave physical notices on vehicles.

Under that system, drivers often received fines days or even weeks after an alleged offence, sometimes without knowing they had committed one.

Now, under the new rules, councils must either attach a fine or notice to the vehicle at the time of the offence or issue the fine within seven days.

Councils are also required to submit photographic evidence of the offence to Revenue NSW and make this material available to motorists upon request.

“Today marks the end of the previous government’s unfair ticketless parking fine system,” said Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos.

“People shouldn’t be caught by a surprise parking ticket weeks later. Our commonsense changes bring fairness and transparency back to the system.”

Motoring groups supported the reform, with NRMA Spokesperson Peter Khoury stating, “Transparency matters. People deserve to know when and why they’re being fined—and to have a fair chance to challenge it if needed.”

Internal taskforce created to monitor standards

To implement the new measures, Revenue NSW has formed an internal taskforce responsible for monitoring compliance and supporting councils in meeting the new legislative standards.

The taskforce is also tasked with invalidating fines that do not meet legal requirements and reviewing exemptions to ensure they are not misused.

Many councils have been adjusting to the changes, with investments in handheld printing devices, cameras, and officer training.

Between January and June 2025, the number of ticketless fines dropped by 15%, with some councils beginning to phase out the practice ahead of the enforcement deadline.

Under the new system, data on parking fine issuance will be made publicly available, providing an additional layer of accountability.

The government expects this level of openness will help protect motorists’ rights and support public confidence in council enforcement.