Fight my Fine
Home › Dispute a mobile phone fine (NSW)

How to dispute a mobile phone fine in NSW

In NSW, mobile-phone detection-camera fines are reviewed by Revenue NSW. You lodge a request for a review — usually within 28 days — explaining why it should be withdrawn (for example the phone was mounted and used legally, or you weren’t using it) and attaching any evidence. It’s free to ask, online via the myPenalty portal or by letter.

Check your fine in minutes →Free case-strength check first — if your grounds are weak, we'll tell you · letters from $10.50, capped at $49.50

By the numbers

More than 80%
of fines for speeding, mobile-phone, seatbelt and red-light offences in Australia are now issued by automated cameras rather than police officers (2024).

Can you dispute a mobile phone fine in NSW?

Yes. Detection-camera images aren’t always clear-cut, and if you believe the fine was issued in error you can ask Revenue NSW to review it — the free first step before any court stage.

You don’t have to decide your approach upfront. Once you’ve entered your case details, Fight My Fine recommends the stronger path — disputing or asking for leniency — and you choose, or switch.

Common grounds people raise

Whether any apply depends on your situation:

How to request a review

Lodge with Revenue NSW online through the myPenalty portal using your penalty notice number, or by letter to the address on your notice, within the window shown (commonly 28 days).

If you can, refer to what the camera image actually shows and why it doesn’t establish illegal use. Keep it factual and make a clear request.

What to put in your letter

A strong review request identifies the notice, states the ground plainly, addresses the camera evidence, and makes a clear request. Fight My Fine drafts exactly that from a few plain-English questions — tailored to NSW and addressed to Revenue NSW, as an editable Word document you send yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Can you dispute a mobile phone fine in NSW?

Yes. You can ask Revenue NSW to review the fine by lodging a request for a review, usually within 28 days, explaining why it should be withdrawn and attaching any evidence. It is free to ask.

What if my phone was in a cradle?

Using a phone that is secured in a mounted cradle is treated differently from holding it, and the rules depend on your licence type. If that is your situation, it is a common ground people raise in a review request to Revenue NSW.

The camera caught something that wasn’t my phone — can I dispute that?

Yes. Detection-camera images are not always clear, and "it wasn’t a phone" is a ground people raise. Referring to what the image actually shows helps. Revenue NSW decides on the merits.

How long do I have?

The window is on your notice and is commonly 28 days from the issue date. Lodge as early as you can and do not ignore the notice while you decide.

What does Fight My Fine cost?

From $10.50 — 10% of your fine, GST included, with a $10.50 minimum and a $49.50 cap. There is a free case-strength check before you pay.

Start your mobile phone fine letter →Free case-strength check first — if your grounds are weak, we'll tell you

Fight My Fine is a self-help tool, not a law firm, and this page is general information, not legal advice. You are the author and sender of every letter. The issuing authority makes the final decision on any review. For serious matters or court, speak with a qualified lawyer or a free service such as LawAccess NSW.