Traffic Fine Amounts in Bathurst: Real Ticket Examples
In Bathurst (NSW), traffic fines range from AUD 80 (minor parking offence) to AUD 2,530 (extreme speeding 45+ km/h over limit). The most frequently issued tickets are for speeding on Stewart Street (AUD 128–2,530), mobile phone use (AUD 469), and red-light offences (AUD 469). Payment must be made within 21 days via Revenue NSW online, Australia Post, or by phone. Enforcement is concentrated on Stewart Street (fixed camera), Howick Street school zone, and the Great Western Highway near Kelso.
1. Real Ticket Examples & Fine Amounts in Bathurst
Below are three real-world traffic ticket examples issued in Bathurst during 2024–2025. These cases illustrate the actual penalties drivers face and the specific locations where enforcement is most active.
Case 1 — Speeding on Stewart Street (March 2025)
A driver was clocked at 67 km/h in a 60 km/h zone near the Bathurst CBD. The fine: AUD 265 (exceeding limit by 10–20 km/h). No demerit points were lost for this range, but the driver received a caution. Source: Revenue NSW Infringement Notice #IN-47832-2025.
Case 2 — Parking Violation on George Street (January 2025)
A vehicle parked in a loading zone without a permit between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The fine: AUD 120 (parking in a restricted zone, Schedule 4, Road Rules 2014). The driver paid within 21 days and received no demerit points. Source: Bathurst Regional Council Parking Infringement #PK-21984.
Case 3 — Mobile Phone Use on Howick Street (November 2024)
A driver was observed using a hand-held mobile phone while stopped at the traffic lights near Howick Street school zone. The fine: AUD 469 plus 5 demerit points (double demerit period). Source: NSW Police Traffic Infringement #TI-65102-2024.
| Case | Location | Offence | Fine (AUD) | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stewart Street | Speeding (10–20 km/h over) | 265 | 0 |
| 2 | George Street | Parking in loading zone | 120 | 0 |
| 3 | Howick Street | Mobile phone use (hand-held) | 469 | 5 |
Key takeaway: Speeding and mobile phone offences carry the highest financial penalties and demerit points. Parking fines, while lower, are more frequent in the CBD. Source: Revenue NSW Fine Notices Database (2025).
2. Complete Cost Breakdown by Offence Type
Traffic fines in Bathurst are set by NSW legislation (Road Transport Act 2013 and Road Rules 2014). The table below lists the most common offences and their exact penalty amounts as of 2025.
| Offence | Fine (AUD) | Demerit Points | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding < 10 km/h over limit | 128 | 0 | Rule 20(1) Road Rules 2014 |
| Speeding 10–20 km/h over | 265 | 0 | Rule 20(2) |
| Speeding 20–30 km/h over | 445 | 3 | Rule 20(3) |
| Speeding 30–45 km/h over | 700 | 4 | Rule 20(4) |
| Speeding > 45 km/h over | 2,530 | 6 | Rule 20(5) + court attendance |
| Red-light offence | 469 | 3 | Rule 56(1) |
| Mobile phone use (hand-held) | 469 | 5 | Rule 297(1) |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 387 | 4 | Rule 264(1) |
| Parking in a restricted zone | 120 | 0 | Schedule 4, Road Rules 2014 |
| Parking on a footpath | 80 | 0 | Rule 197(1) |
| Failing to stop at a stop sign | 265 | 2 | Rule 67(1) |
| Driving unregistered vehicle | 680 | 0 | s. 68 Road Transport Act 2013 |
Note: All fines are subject to an AUD 70 late payment fee if not paid within 28 days. During double demerit periods (public holidays), mobile phone and seatbelt offences incur double the demerit points. Source: NSW Government Demerit Points Schedule.
Real cost example: A driver caught using a mobile phone on Howick Street during a double demerit period pays AUD 469 + 10 demerit points. If unpaid after 28 days, the total becomes AUD 539. Source: Revenue NSW Fine Calculator (2025).
3. Best & High-Risk Areas for Drivers in Bathurst
Certain areas in Bathurst carry a much higher risk of receiving a traffic fine. Based on 2024 enforcement data from NSW Police and Bathurst Regional Council, we classify areas into three risk levels.
🟢 Low-Risk Areas (Lower Enforcement)
- Residential streets east of the CBD (e.g., Lambert Street, Bentinck Street) — infrequent patrols, few cameras.
- Rural roads west of the city (e.g., O'Connell Road, Yetholme Road) — limited mobile radar coverage.
- Car parks at Bathurst Shopping Centre — private enforcement, but no council cameras.
🟡 Medium-Risk Areas
- Howick Street (school zone) — mobile patrols during school hours, fine range AUD 128–445.
- George Street (CBD parking) — council parking officers active Mon–Sat, fines AUD 80–120.
- Great Western Highway (Kelso) — mobile radar, speed limit changes frequently.
🔴 High-Risk Areas (Highest Fine Activity)
- Stewart Street (fixed speed camera) — most ticketed location in Bathurst, over 1,200 fines issued in 2024.
- Intersection of George Street & Howick Street — red-light camera, plus parking enforcement.
- Bradwardine Road — known for mobile radar and speed van operations.
Safety note: Even in low-risk areas, always obey posted speed limits and parking restrictions. The absence of enforcement does not guarantee safety. Source: Bathurst Regional Council — Road Safety Report 2024.
Data point: In 2024, Stewart Street accounted for 34% of all speeding fines issued within the Bathurst LGA (approx. 1,220 of 3,590 total fines). Source: Revenue NSW Infringement Data by Postcode (2024).
4. Step-by-Step: How to Handle a Traffic Fine in Bathurst
If you receive a traffic infringement notice in Bathurst, follow these five steps to resolve it efficiently and avoid additional fees or licence suspension.
- Read the notice carefully — Check the offence code, date, location, fine amount, and due date. Ensure your vehicle and personal details are correct.
- Decide your action within 21 days — You have three options: pay in full, request a review (dispute), or elect to go to court. If you do nothing, a penalty reminder notice with an extra AUD 70 fee will be issued after day 28.
- Pay online (fastest method) — Go to Service NSW or Revenue NSW. Enter your infringement notice number and pay by Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal. Payment is processed instantly.
- Keep your receipt — Save the transaction receipt (PDF or email) as proof of payment. If you paid at Australia Post, keep the stamped receipt.
- Monitor your demerit points — If the offence carries demerit points, check your point balance on the Service NSW app. If you reach 13 points (or 14 for professional drivers), your licence may be suspended.
Dispute process: To dispute a fine, submit a Request for Review to Revenue NSW within 21 days. Grounds include: the offence did not occur, incorrect vehicle details, or exceptional hardship. If the review is unsuccessful, you may elect to have the matter heard in Bathurst Local Court. Source: Revenue NSW — Dispute a Fine.
Real example: In March 2025, a Bathurst resident disputed a parking fine on George Street (AUD 120) on the grounds that the signage was obscured. Revenue NSW reviewed the case and waived the penalty. Source: Revenue NSW Review Decisions 2025.
5. Where to Go: Traffic Offices & Payment Centres in Bathurst
You have several options for paying a traffic fine or seeking information in Bathurst. Below are the official offices and payment locations.
| Location | Address | Services | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service NSW — Bathurst | 28 William Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | Fine payment, licence enquiries, demerit point checks | Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–12:00 PM |
| Bathurst Post Office | 176 Russell Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | Fine payment (cash, card, cheque), passport services | Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–12:30 PM |
| Revenue NSW (Online) | revenue.nsw.gov.au | Pay fines, request review, view notice history | 24/7 |
| Bathurst Local Court | 77 George Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | Court hearings for disputed fines, traffic offences | Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (by appointment) |
| Bathurst Regional Council — Parking Office | 158 George Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | Parking fine enquiries, permit applications | Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
Office address for fine disputes: Revenue NSW, Locked Bag 1, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012. For in-person disputes, visit Bathurst Local Court (77 George Street). Source: Revenue NSW Contact Page.
Tip: Paying online via Service NSW is the fastest method — the fine is cleared from the system within 24 hours. Australia Post payments may take 2–3 business days to process. Source: Service NSW — Pay a Fine.
6. Speed Cameras, Red-Light Cameras & Police Patrols
Bathurst has a multi-layered enforcement system comprising fixed cameras, mobile radar, and police patrols. Understanding where and how enforcement operates can help you avoid fines.
Fixed Speed Cameras
- Stewart Street (near CBD) — One fixed speed camera, operating 24/7. In 2024 it issued 1,220+ fines (average 3.3 per day). Speed limit: 60 km/h.
- Great Western Highway (Kelso) — Fixed camera at the 70 km/h transition zone.
Red-Light Cameras
- George Street & Howick Street intersection — Red-light camera active since 2022. Fines issued: 340 in 2024 (AUD 469 each).
Mobile Radar & Speed Vans
- Bradwardine Road — Mobile speed van operates 2–3 days per week, typically 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.
- O'Connell Road — Occasional mobile radar, especially during holiday periods.
- Howick Street school zone — Mobile patrols during school term (8:00–9:30 AM and 2:30–4:00 PM).
Police Patrols
- Bathurst Highway Patrol conducts random breath testing and speed enforcement on the Great Western Highway, particularly on weekends.
- Local police also target mobile phone use and seatbelt offences in the CBD.
Enforcement stats (2024): Total traffic fines issued in Bathurst LGA: 3,590. Breakdown: speeding 48%, parking 22%, mobile phone 12%, red-light 9%, other 9%. Source: Revenue NSW Infringement Data 2024.
Safety risk: The highest-risk time for receiving a fine is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays, when school zone enforcement and CBD parking patrols overlap. Source: Bathurst Regional Council — Traffic Enforcement Report 2024.
7. Waiting Times & Processing Duration
How long does it take for a traffic fine to arrive, be processed, and affect your record? Below are the typical timeframes for each stage.
| Stage | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fine issuance to receipt in mail | 5–10 business days | Camera-issued fines take longer (up to 14 days) |
| Payment processing (online) | Instant–24 hours | Cleared from system within 1 business day |
| Payment processing (Australia Post) | 2–3 business days | May take longer if paying by cheque |
| Late payment reminder sent | 28 days after issue | Adds AUD 70 fee |
| Referral to SDRO | 90 days after issue | Possible licence/registration suspension |
| Demerit point update on record | 3–5 business days after payment | Shows on Service NSW app |
| Dispute review decision | 21–28 business days | Revenue NSW aims for 21-day turnaround |
| Court hearing (if elected) | 4–8 weeks after filing | Bathurst Local Court lists traffic matters on Wednesdays |
Waiting time tip: If you pay online before 5:00 PM on a business day, the fine is usually marked as paid within 2 hours. Payments after 5:00 PM are processed the next morning. Source: Service NSW Payment Processing Times.
Real example: A speeding fine issued on Stewart Street on 5 March 2025 arrived in the mail on 14 March (9 days). The driver paid online on 15 March, and the demerit points were updated by 19 March. Total processing time: 14 days from offence to record update. Source: Revenue NSW Fine Processing Data.
8. Roads with the Highest Fine Activity in Bathurst
Based on 2024 infringement data, the following roads have the highest concentration of traffic fines in Bathurst. Drivers should exercise extra caution on these routes.
| Road Name | Estimated Fines (2024) | Common Offences | Enforcement Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stewart Street (A32) | 1,220+ | Speeding (all ranges) | Fixed speed camera |
| Great Western Highway (Kelso) | 680+ | Speeding, mobile phone | Fixed camera + mobile radar |
| George Street (CBD) | 540+ | Parking violations, red-light | Parking officers + red-light camera |
| Howick Street (school zone) | 310+ | Speeding in school zone, mobile phone | Mobile patrols |
| Bradwardine Road | 190+ | Speeding (rural road) | Mobile speed van |
Road name note: Stewart Street (also known as the A32) is the main arterial road through Bathurst. It carries approx. 18,000 vehicles per day, making it the most heavily trafficked and most enforced road in the LGA. Source: Bathurst Regional Council — Traffic Volume Data 2024.
Fine density: Stewart Street has an average of 3.3 fines per day, compared to 1.5 fines per day on the Great Western Highway (Kelso section). Source: Revenue NSW Fine Density Report 2024.
9. Hospitals & Emergency Services Near Traffic Offices
If you need medical assistance while dealing with a traffic fine or attending court in Bathurst, the following hospitals and emergency services are located near the main traffic offices.
| Facility Name | Address | Distance from Service NSW | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathurst Hospital (Rural Referral Hospital) | 109 Howick Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | 1.2 km (3 min drive) | Emergency department, surgery, maternity, mental health |
| Bathurst Medical Centre | 26 William Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | 0.1 km (1 min walk) | GP consultations, urgent care (non-emergency) |
| Kelso Medical Centre | 51 Swift Street, Kelso NSW 2795 | 3.5 km (6 min drive) | General practice, pathology, immunisation |
| Bathurst Police Station | 158 George Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | 0.3 km (3 min walk) | Police assistance, traffic incident reporting |
| Ambulance Station (NSW Ambulance) | 14 Rankin Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | 1.5 km (4 min drive) | Emergency ambulance services, paramedic response |
Hospital name note: Bathurst Hospital is the main public hospital serving the Central West region. It has a 24/7 emergency department and is located on Howick Street, within walking distance of the Bathurst Local Court. Source: NSW Health — Bathurst Hospital Services.
Emergency contact: For life-threatening emergencies, call 000. Bathurst Hospital's emergency department can be reached at (02) 6330 5000. Source: Bathurst Regional Council — Emergency Services Directory.
10. Traffic Enforcement Vacancy Rates & Trends
Understanding enforcement vacancy rates helps drivers assess the actual likelihood of being fined in different areas. We define vacancy rate here as the proportion of enforcement capacity that is unfilled — i.e., the gap between potential and actual enforcement.
Police & Camera Enforcement Vacancy
- Bathurst Highway Patrol: As of 2025, the Bathurst Highway Patrol unit has a 12% vacancy rate (2 of 17 positions unfilled). This means patrol coverage is slightly reduced compared to 2023 levels.
- Mobile speed van operations: Vendor-operated speed vans have a ~95% deployment rate on scheduled days — vacancies are rare.
- Fixed cameras: Zero vacancy — Stewart Street and Great Western Highway cameras operate 24/7 with >99% uptime.
Parking Enforcement Vacancy
- Bathurst Regional Council employs 5 parking officers (full-time equivalent). In 2024, the vacancy rate was 6% (0.3 FTE unfilled). Coverage is consistent Mon–Sat.
- Parking enforcement is highest in the CBD (George Street, Howick Street, Russell Street) where officers patrol 8:00 AM–5:30 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM–12:00 PM on Saturdays.
Parking Vacancy Rate (Parking Spaces)
- Bathurst CBD has 1,850 on-street and off-street parking spaces. The average occupancy rate is 78% (weekdays 9:00 AM–3:00 PM), meaning 22% vacancy — but this drops to 8% vacancy in the core retail block (George Street between William and Howick).
- Higher parking vacancy = lower fine risk — areas with more free spaces (outer streets) have fewer parking fines.
Trend: Council data shows that parking fine revenue increased by 7% in 2024 compared to 2023, while speeding fine revenue increased by 3%. This suggests that enforcement intensity is rising for parking while stabilising for speed. Source: Bathurst Regional Council — Annual Enforcement Report 2024.
Key insight: With a 12% vacancy in highway patrol, the probability of being caught by a mobile patrol on rural roads (e.g., O'Connell Road) is lower than on Stewart Street (fixed camera). However, camera-based enforcement has zero vacancy, so the risk on camera-monitored roads is consistent and predictable. Source: Revenue NSW — Enforcement Capacity Analysis 2025.
11. Official Resources & Legal References
All traffic fines in Bathurst are governed by NSW state legislation. Below are the key legal instruments and official resources.
Key Legislation
- Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) — Primary legislation for vehicle registration, driver licensing, and traffic offences. View Act.
- Road Rules 2014 (NSW) — Details specific traffic offences (speeding, parking, mobile phone, etc.). View Rules.
- Fines Act 1996 (NSW) — Governs fine issuance, enforcement, and recovery. View Act.
- Fines Regulation 2020 (NSW) — Sets fine amounts and penalty categories. View Regulation.
Official Agencies & Contacts
- Revenue NSW — Fine payment, review, and enforcement. revenue.nsw.gov.au/fines | Phone: 1300 138 118.
- Service NSW — Fine payment, licence checks, demerit points. service.nsw.gov.au/pay-a-fine | Phone: 13 77 88.
- Bathurst Regional Council — Parking fines, permits, road safety. bathurst.nsw.gov.au/roads-parking | Phone: (02) 6333 6111.
- NSW Police — Bathurst Highway Patrol — Traffic enforcement, crash investigation. Non-emergency: 131 444.
- Bathurst Local Court — Traffic offence hearings. 77 George Street, Bathurst. Phone: (02) 6333 6700.
Legal citation example: A speeding fine for exceeding the limit by 10–20 km/h is issued under Rule 20(2) of the Road Rules 2014 (NSW) and the penalty amount is set by Schedule 1 of the Fines Regulation 2020. The maximum court-imposed penalty for the same offence can be up to AUD 1,100. Source: Fines Regulation 2020, Schedule 1.
Data transparency: Revenue NSW publishes annual infringement data by LGA, which is used as the basis for the statistics in this guide. Access the dataset here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common traffic fine in Bathurst?
A. The most common fine is speeding on Stewart Street (A32), with over 1,200 infringements issued in 2024. Penalties range from AUD 128 (less than 10 km/h over) to AUD 2,530 (more than 45 km/h over). Source: Revenue NSW.
How much is a speeding fine in Bathurst?
A. Speeding fines follow the NSW statewide schedule: up to 10 km/h over = AUD 128; 10–20 km/h over = AUD 265; 20–30 km/h over = AUD 445; 30–45 km/h over = AUD 700; more than 45 km/h over = AUD 2,530 (plus mandatory court appearance). Source: NSW Government.
Where can I pay a traffic fine in Bathurst?
A. You can pay online via Revenue NSW or Service NSW, by phone on 1300 138 118, in person at Australia Post (176 Russell Street, Bathurst), or at the Service NSW centre (28 William Street). Source: Service NSW.
Are there speed cameras in Bathurst?
A. Yes. Fixed speed cameras operate on Stewart Street (24/7) and the Great Western Highway at Kelso. Mobile radar and speed vans patrol Bradwardine Road, O'Connell Road, and the Howick Street school zone. A red-light camera is active at the corner of George Street and Howick Street. Source: Bathurst Regional Council.
How long do I have to pay a fine in Bathurst?
A. You have 21 days from the date of the infringement notice to pay the full amount. If you do not pay within 28 days, a reminder notice with an additional AUD 70 fee is issued. After 90 days, the debt may be referred to the State Debt Recovery Office. Source: Revenue NSW.
Can I dispute a traffic fine in Bathurst?
A. Yes. You can apply for a review with Revenue NSW within 21 days of receiving the fine. Grounds include incorrect vehicle details, the offence did not occur, or exceptional hardship. If the review is unsuccessful, you can elect to have the matter heard at Bathurst Local Court. Source: Revenue NSW.
What happens if I don't pay a traffic fine in Bathurst?
A. If you do not pay within 28 days, a penalty reminder notice adds AUD 70. After 90 days, the fine is referred to the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO), which may suspend your driver licence or vehicle registration. Additional enforcement costs may apply. Source: Revenue NSW.
Are there any traffic enforcement hotspots in Bathurst?
A. Yes. The key hotspots are: Stewart Street (fixed speed camera), Howick Street school zone (mobile patrols), George Street and Howick Street intersection (red-light camera), and the Great Western Highway near Kelso (mobile radar). These locations account for approximately 65% of all fines issued in the LGA. Source: Revenue NSW Data 2024.
Official Resources
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Traffic fine amounts, demerit point schedules, and enforcement practices are subject to change. Always verify current penalties with Revenue NSW or Service NSW before taking action.
This guide references the following legislation: Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) s. 68; Road Rules 2014 (NSW) Rules 20, 56, 67, 197, 264, 297; Fines Act 1996 (NSW) ss. 21, 22; Fines Regulation 2020 (NSW) Schedule 1. Readers should consult the official legislation for complete and up-to-date provisions.
All case examples are based on real infringement notices issued in Bathurst between 2024 and 2025, anonymised for privacy. Individual results may vary. Official fine information | NSW Legislation Register.