Abandoned vehicles and trailers

Unattended and abandoned vehicles

Council may notify the owner that their vehicle is causing a safety risk or an obstruction or has been left unattended in one place for too long, including boat trailers, other trailers and caravans.

Once notified, the owner must respond and move the vehicle within the following risk-based timeframes:

• Immediately if causing an obstruction or safety risk
• 3 days if unregistered, or registered but unable to be legally driven (e.g. due to damage), and left unattended in one place for more than 15 days
• 15 days if registered and left unattended in one place for more than 28 days. If these timeframes are not met, the council may move the vehicle causing a safety risk or an obstruction to a safer place in the same general area, or
• Take possession of the vehicle and move the vehicle (if valued over $1,500) to a place of storage at the owner's expense (if the owner known) OR take possession of the vehicle and destroy the vehicle (if valued less than $1,500) and
• Issue a fine. Fines of $660 apply for leaving a vehicle unattended. Higher court-imposed penalties may apply.

To contact Council about an unattended or abandoned vehicle, please call 9911 6555.