Unregistered and abandoned vehicles

Hobsons Bay City Council investigates reports of abandoned and unregistered vehicles on local roads, nature strips and Council-controlled land. Vehicles left in these conditions can create safety hazards, reduce amenity and obstruct access for other road users.

When is a vehicle considered abandoned?

A vehicle may be considered abandoned if it is:

• unregistered – you can check a vehicle's registration status on the VicRoads website. This will also show if a vehicle has been reported stolen.
• registered but has not moved in more than two months.

Reports we cannot investigate

Please contact the appropriate authority if the vehicle is:

Illegal parking? If the vehicle is illegally parked (e.g. blocking a driveway, in a no-stopping zone), please report illegal parking instead.

How to report an abandoned vehicle

You can report an abandoned or unregistered vehicle by:

• Online: My Hobsons Bay Hub
• Phone: 1300 179 944

When reporting, please include:

• location (street address or nearest cross street)
• make, model, colour and registration number (if visible)
• description of the vehicle's condition
• photos (if safe to do so)

What happens next?

1. A Council officer will inspect the vehicle and assess whether it meets the criteria for removal.
2. If appropriate, a notice will be placed on the vehicle directing the owner to take action within a specified period.
3. Where possible, Council will contact the registered owner in writing.
4. If no action is taken, Council may authorise the vehicle to be towed and impounded.

Vehicles that pose an immediate safety risk may be removed without prior notice.

Collecting an impounded vehicle

Vehicles impounded by Council are stored at a secure facility operated by Nationwide Towing & Transport.

Before attending:

• Collections must be booked in advance — walk-ins may be turned away.
• Submit your documents ahead of your appointment to speed up the process.

What to bring:

• Driver's licence or government-issued photo ID, plus one of the following:
• • impoundment letter from Council
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (current or expired)
  • signed Statutory Declaration (if vehicle purchased but not yet transferred) — including date of purchase, amount paid, seller details and sales receipt.

Important:

• Vehicles must be registered or have a valid Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) to be driven out. If unregistered without a UVP, the vehicle must be collected by tow truck or trailer.
• External tow companies are welcome; however, Nationwide reserves the right to refuse trucks deemed unsafe or unsuitable.

Impound facility:

Costs and penalties

• Vehicle owners are responsible for all towing, storage and release costs.
• Leaving an abandoned or unregistered vehicle on a road or Council land is an offence under the Hobsons Bay Community Local Law 2025 and may result in infringement notices or court penalties.
• If the vehicle is not collected within 14 days of impoundment, Council may sell, destroy or give away the vehicle (and anything in, on, or attached to, the vehicle).

Legislation

Council exercises its powers under:

• Local Government Act 1989 – Schedule 11, Clause 3
• Hobsons Bay Community Local Law 2025 – Clause 6.3
• Road Safety Act 1986

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park an unregistered vehicle on the street? No. Unregistered vehicles cannot be parked on any road, nature strip or Council-controlled land. They must be stored on private property. An Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) does not authorise parking or storage on public roads.

What if I am going on holiday and leaving my registered car on the street? A registered vehicle that is roadworthy and belongs to a local resident is generally not considered abandoned. However, if it remains in the same location for an extended period and is reported, Council officers may investigate.

What if my vehicle has been impounded but I believe it was not abandoned? You may contact Council on 1300 179 944 to discuss the matter. You also have the right to make a written or oral submission to Council if you are aggrieved by a Notice to Comply. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the date shown on the notice.

Can I donate my unwanted vehicle instead of having it impounded? Yes. If you have an unwanted vehicle, consider donating it to a registered charity that accepts vehicle donations before it is impounded. This may also provide a tax benefit.

Who pays for towing and storage? The vehicle owner is responsible for all costs associated with towing, impounding, storage and release.