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Cannot Pay A Court Fine: What You Can Do
If you cannot afford a court fine, contact the court named on your letters and ask to pay in instalments, over longer or later. Explain your budget. The court can take money from your wages or benefits, or send bailiffs, if you do not pay, and the fine can stay on your credit history for 5 years. Court fines are a priority debt. If you get a summons, you must go.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
If You Cannot Pay
Ask the Court
Ask to pay in instalments, over a longer period or later. Explain if your income has dropped. The court might write off the fine if you clearly cannot afford it. source
If You Do Not Pay
The court can take money from your wages or benefits, or send bailiffs (with fees added). The fine can be registered and stay on your credit history for 5 years. source
Summons
You must attend unless you have paid in full, or you could be arrested. The court can increase the fine by 50%. Prison is extreme and usually only for deliberate non-payment. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 5 yearsOn your credit historyIf the fine is registered
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Contact the court as soon as you know you cannot pay.
Step 2 of 4
Send a budget showing your income and costs.
Step 3 of 4
Ask for affordable instalments.
Step 4 of 4
Go to any hearing and bring proof of income.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Free Debt Advice (MoneyHelper)
Find free, confidential debt advice near you or online.
Citizens Advice or National Debtline
Free debt advice. They can also ask bailiffs for more time on your behalf.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
These rules are for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different debt and enforcement rules.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.