How to Check if You've Been Caught by a Speed Camera
If you have recently driven past a speed camera and are unsure whether you were caught, you are not alone. Thousands of Australians each week wonder the same thing. The reality is that there is no way to receive an instant notification — speed camera offences are processed by state transport and revenue agencies, and the notice arrives by post.
The time between detection and receiving a fine varies by state, camera type, and current processing volumes. In general, you should allow between two and six weeks. Below, we explain the full timeline, what to expect in each state, and what your options are once a notice arrives.
The Speed Camera Fine Timeline
From the moment a camera captures your vehicle to the point you receive your infringement notice, several steps must occur. Here is a typical timeline:
Detection
The speed camera captures an image of your vehicle, recording your speed, the date, time, location, and number plate. Fixed cameras transmit this data electronically; mobile camera data is uploaded when the operator returns to the depot.
Processing (2–14 Days)
The image and speed data are reviewed, either automatically or by an operator. The number plate is matched against registration records to identify the vehicle owner. If the image is unclear or the data is incomplete, the offence may be rejected at this stage.
Infringement Notice Sent by Post
Once processed, the infringement notice is generated and posted to the registered owner of the vehicle. In most states, this occurs within 14 days of the offence, though it can take longer during peak periods such as holiday weekends.
28 Days to Respond
Once you receive the notice, you typically have 28 days to either pay the fine, request a review, nominate another driver, or elect to have the matter heard in court. Failing to respond within this period can result in additional penalties and enforcement action.
Checking by State
Each Australian state and territory has its own agency responsible for processing speed camera infringement notices. Here is what to expect in each jurisdiction:
New South Wales (NSW)
Processing time: Typically 2–3 weeks from the date of the offence. NSW has one of the fastest processing systems in the country.
Online portal: Revenue NSW — Check and Pay Fines
Phone: 1300 138 118 (Revenue NSW)
Infringement notices in NSW include two photographs of your vehicle, the recorded speed, the speed limit, the location, and the date and time. Notices are sent by ordinary post to the registered operator of the vehicle.
Victoria (VIC)
Processing time: Typically 2–4 weeks. Victoria processes a high volume of camera offences and turnaround may be longer during holiday periods.
Online portal: Fines Victoria
Phone: 1300 369 819 (Fines Victoria)
Victoria issues infringement notices for both speed camera and red-light camera offences. The notice includes the offence details, the fine amount, and the demerit points that will be applied. You can view your infringement history online through the Fines Victoria portal.
Queensland (QLD)
Processing time: Typically 2–4 weeks. Queensland Transport and Main Roads handles camera offence processing.
Online portal: Queensland Government — Traffic Fines
Phone: 13 23 80 (Queensland Transport and Main Roads)
Queensland infringement notices are issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The notice includes a reference number that you can use to view your offence details and the camera images online. Queensland is one of the few states that publishes mobile speed camera schedules in advance.
South Australia (SA)
Processing time: Typically 2–3 weeks. SA Police and the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit handle camera offences.
Online portal: SA.GOV.AU — Fines and Penalties
Phone: 1300 763 469 (SA Police)
South Australia sends expiation notices that include the offence date, location, speed detected, speed limit, and the applicable fine and demerit points. You can pay or dispute your notice through the SA Government portal.
Western Australia (WA)
Processing time: Typically 2–4 weeks. WA Police and the Fines Enforcement Registry process camera offences.
Online portal: WA.GOV.AU — Fines and Penalties
Phone: 1300 650 235 (WA Fines Enforcement Registry)
Western Australia issues infringement notices through WA Police. The notice details the offence, including the camera image and the speed recorded. WA applies double demerit points during certain holiday periods, which increases the consequences of speeding offences detected during those times.
Tasmania (TAS)
Processing time: Typically 2–4 weeks. Tasmania Police manages speed camera enforcement.
Online portal: Tasmania Police — Traffic Offence Payment
Phone: 131 444 (Tasmania Police)
Tasmania has a smaller number of speed cameras compared to the mainland states, but processing times are comparable. Infringement notices include the standard offence details and are posted to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Processing time: Typically 2–3 weeks. The ACT has an efficient processing system given its smaller volume of offences.
Online portal: Access Canberra — Traffic Infringement Notices
Phone: 13 22 81 (Access Canberra)
The ACT operates a comprehensive camera network including fixed, mobile, red-light, and point-to-point cameras. Infringement notices are issued by Access Canberra and include photographs, speed data, and the applicable penalties. The ACT also uses point-to-point cameras on several major roads.
Northern Territory (NT)
Processing time: Typically 2–4 weeks. The NT has fewer cameras than other jurisdictions.
Online portal: NT.GOV.AU — Traffic Fines
Phone: 1800 723 471 (NT Fines Recovery Unit)
The Northern Territory has a limited speed camera network, primarily concentrated in Darwin and Alice Springs. Some sections of outback highways have open speed limits, but cameras still operate in built-up areas. Infringement notices follow the same general format as other states.
What a Speed Camera Notice Looks Like
A speed camera infringement notice is an official government document that arrives in a standard envelope by ordinary post. While the exact format varies by state, most notices include the following information:
- Offence details: The date, time, and location of the offence, including the road name and direction of travel.
- Speed recorded: The speed your vehicle was travelling at, along with the posted speed limit for that section of road.
- Photographs: One or two images of your vehicle, showing the number plate and usually the rear of the vehicle. Some cameras capture front-on images as well.
- Fine amount: The monetary penalty, which varies based on the state and how much over the speed limit you were travelling.
- Demerit points: The number of demerit points that will be applied to your licence if you pay or do not contest the fine.
- Reference number: A unique identifier for looking up your notice online.
- Payment options: Instructions for paying online, by phone, by post, or in person.
- Review and contest options: Information about how to request a review, nominate another driver, or elect to have the matter heard in court.
What to Do if You Receive a Fine
When an infringement notice arrives, you generally have three options. It is important to act within the deadline stated on your notice — usually 28 days — to avoid additional penalties.
Pay the Fine
The simplest option. Pay online, by phone, or by post within the deadline. Demerit points will be applied to your licence. Some states offer payment plans for financial hardship.
Request a Review
If you believe there are mitigating circumstances — such as a medical emergency, unclear signage, or incorrect vehicle identification — you can request an internal review from the issuing authority.
Contest in Court
You have the right to elect to have the matter heard in a magistrates court. This is appropriate if you believe the camera was faulty, the speed reading was inaccurate, or you have a strong defence. Seek legal advice before choosing this option.
For a detailed guide on contesting a fine, including what evidence to gather and the process in each state, see our How to Contest a Speeding Fine guide.