Victoria has become the latest Australian state to start issuing electronic infringement notices, estimated to save the state from sending approximately 350,000 paper notices annually.
On February 11, Victoria’s State Highway Patrol officers started issuing electronic penalty infringement notices (ePINs), with the state reporting it has since issued 5143 ePINs up to April 7.
Rather than a traditional paper infringement notice – which is posted to a motorist’s address – the ePIN is sent to the offending motorist’s email address (via PDF) or mobile phone (MMS).
According to Victoria Police, the application used by officers to issue infringements “features built-in information on penalty codes, penalty amounts, demerit points and the ability to calculate infringement due dates”.
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After receiving the ePIN, motorists follow the same payment process.
If it’s not possible to receive an ePIN, a paper-based infringement can still be mailed to the motorist’s address.
Victoria Police claims this new process “creates significant efficiencies, with more time able to be dedicated to policing and community safety”, saying it issues almost 350,000 paper infringements roadside annually.
The ePIN system is set to be rolled out across the Victoria Police force by June 2025.
“This new technology makes a significant difference to how we issue fines, and how the public receives them,” Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said in a media statement.
“With Victoria now introducing digital licenses and a lot of traditional paperwork now digital, introducing electronic infringements is a natural and timely progression for the force.
“The ePINs application simplifies the process for our police and members of the community, making it quicker and easier to issue and receive infringement notices.
“Reducing the time required for police to complete paper-based administration means we can dedicate more time to policing and community safety.”
The move away from paper infringements in Victoria sees the state follow Queensland and New South Wales, both of which introduced electronic notices over the past five years.
