Exposed: SA’s worst 10 fine dodgers clock up more than $2.2m in unpaid court costs and traffic offences

Two South Australians from the same tiny town have been exposed as the state’s worst fine evaders, owing almost $730k between them. See the full list.

South Australia’s 10 fine invaders have been revealed. Picture: iStock

Two people from a tiny town have topped the list of South Australia’s worst fine evaders owing a combined almost $730k.

It only has a population of 700 but two Hamley Bridge residents are among them - racking up the state’s biggest and second biggest bills in unpaid fines.

The pair, who cannot be identified, owe $391,134 from 54 fines and $335,783 from 14 fines, respectively, both from court penalties including traffic offences.

All up, the state’s top 10 have amassed nearly 1000 unpaid fines and owe taxpayers $2.26m.

Court penalties and traffic expiation offences make up the majority of unpaid fines, with one Salisbury East offender with 453 fines against their name.

The Department of Treasury and Finance is also chasing three people interstate, including a Victorian who has one fine for $218,548 for court and victims of crime costs.

Their identities are not publicly available after the state government suspended its name-and-shame file in 2019 over fears it could inadvertently identify vulnerable people.

Despite the large amount of individual debts, the fines unit says the majority of South Australias were trying to do the right thing.

Around 64 per cent of the total outstanding fines debt was subject to payment plans, or being resolved through non-financial pathways introduced in 2019.

Non-financial pathways include undertaking a voluntary community service arrangement, or a voluntary approved alcohol and drug treatment program.

The fines unit also has the power to recover unpaid debts through suspending driver’s licences, collecting income from bank accounts and seizing assets.

A department spokeswoman said while it was easy to ignore overdue fines, the consequences of not paying them or setting up a payment plan can be serious.

“People who deliberately and consistently avoid paying their fines are breaking the law and action will be taken,” she said.

“They will be subject to a range of enforcement measures, which attract additional fees and levies, such as the suspension of your licence or garnishing money from your bank accounts or pay.

“Taking early action when someone receives a fine is the best way to avoid enforcement and additional fees.

“If someone is unsure what steps to take next, the best thing they can do is to call us so we can help talk them through the range of options available.”