How to Dispute a NSW Toll Payment Demand

A NSW Toll Payment Demand is not yet a government fine.

But ignore it and it can become one.

If you believe the demand is wrong, you can lodge an objection with the motorway operator. The important thing is to act before the due date printed on the demand.

Check what you actually received

The current NSW unpaid-toll process generally works like this:

  1. You travel without an active toll account or pass.

  2. You have 72 hours to pay for the trip.

  3. An Unpaid Toll Reminder may be sent, giving you another 48 hours.

  4. If the trip remains unpaid, a Toll Payment Demand may be issued.

  5. If the demand is not dealt with, it may progress to a penalty notice, civil debt recovery or both.

A Toll Payment Demand is different from a Revenue NSW penalty notice.

You object to the demand through the motorway operator. If you have already received a penalty notice, the review process moves to Revenue NSW.

For a fuller explanation, read NSW Toll Payment Demand Explained.

When can you dispute a Toll Payment Demand?

Service NSW lists several possible grounds:

  • The charge is incorrect.

  • The trip was already paid.

  • Your vehicle did not travel on the toll road.

  • Roadworks left you with no choice but to enter the toll road.

  • The vehicle had been stolen.

  • Special or extenuating circumstances apply.

Your objection should be short, factual and supported by evidence.

Useful evidence may include account statements, payment receipts, vehicle-sale records, registration records, photographs, travel records or correspondence with the toll provider.

If the vehicle was stolen, include the Police Event Number.

“Someone else was driving” is no longer enough

For toll trips taken from July 2026, the registered operator is responsible for ensuring the toll is paid.

You generally cannot nominate another driver simply because you lent them the vehicle.

If they owe you the money, the NSW Government says you must recover it from them directly.

Different rules may still appear on older paper toll notices relating to trips before the July 2026 change. Check the date of the trip and the instructions printed on your notice.

Where do you send the objection?

The correct destination depends on the road.

Sydney Harbour Bridge or Sydney Harbour Tunnel

Email your objection to:

toll_enquiries@transport.nsw.gov.au

Other NSW toll roads

Use the Linkt online objection form.

You can also send a written objection to:

Toll Objections
Locked Bag 5072
Parramatta NSW 2124

A mailed objection should include:

  • A copy of the front of the demand, or its notice number

  • Your number plate

  • The state or territory where the vehicle is registered

  • Your reason for objecting

  • Supporting documents

  • Your signature

Service NSW recommends posting it at least seven days before the demand’s due date.

Keep a copy of everything you send. Save screenshots, email confirmations, reference numbers and postal tracking.

Do not assume the deadline has been paused unless the operator confirms this in writing.

What if the objection is rejected?

Ask for the decision and reasons in writing.

You can then use the provider’s formal complaints process. If the problem remains unresolved, you can contact the NSW Tollway Ombudsman for free and independent assistance.

A complaint to the Ombudsman is not a replacement for lodging your objection before the due date.

What if it has already become a penalty notice?

A penalty notice is handled through Revenue NSW, not the original toll objection process.

Follow the instructions printed on the penalty notice and request a review before its due date. Include every document that supports your position.

If a penalty notice becomes an overdue fine, additional costs and enforcement action may follow.

The bottom line

Do not ignore a Toll Payment Demand because you think it is wrong.

Challenge it clearly. Provide evidence. Lodge it before the deadline. Keep proof that it was received.

That puts you in a far stronger position than waiting for a small toll charge to become a government fine or debt-recovery problem.

Visit our Sydney toll-road guide or the main Australian toll roads, fines and reform hub for more information.

Official sources

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Check the instructions and due date printed on your own notice.

Last updated: September 2026