Contact the authority that has given you the ticket as soon as possible. It's best to write to them rather than phoning. A Citizens Advice Bureau, your local Community Law Centre or YouthLaw Tino Rangatiratanga Taitamariki may be able to help you write this letter.

Clearly set out why you think you shouldn't have been fined. If you have a genuine excuse the authority may decide you don't have to pay.

If it is a speed camera fine, you won’t get demerit points affecting your licence. There are defences to a speed camera offence which are listed on the back of the ticket. If you were not driving the car, you may still have to pay if the car is registered in your name. The police will want the name and details of the driver, which you must provide in order not to be held responsible.

If you have received a fine for not having a current registration or warrant, some authorities will let you off the fine as long as you get a registration or warrant within a certain period. Contact the authority straight away and find out whether they allow this. If they do, get the warrant/registration as soon as possible and write back giving details of the date and place that you got it, the serial number and any other information they require.

You can also write to the authority that issued the ticket and request a Court hearing. You can do this if you think that you didn't break the law but the authority is still saying that you did. This must be done before the due date.

But, if you do apply for a hearing, it is important to remember that if you go to court and the Court doesn't accept your side of the story you may have to pay additional Court costs. If you want any legal advice on these matters contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Law Centre or YouthLaw Tino Rangatiratanga Taitamariki Inc.