Impounded vehicles

Learn about the process for handling abandoned vehicles.

Definition of an abandoned vehicle

The City may impound any vehicle considered abandoned. An abandoned vehicle is considered to be a vehicle that is: 

• Parked for any period exceeding 24 hours. 
• Parked during any period where parking is prohibited or restricted by a sign. 
• Unregistered or disused. 
• Parked in a manner causing a hazard to other users within the area. 

How to report abandoned vehicles

Report abandoned vehicles on 9400 4000. 

Abandoned vehicles investigation process 

Upon receiving a report of an abandoned vehicle, the City will undertake the following process: 

1. Inspection and initial enquiries: the City will conduct a visual inspection of the vehicle and safety assessment. If the vehicle is causing a safety hazard, removal of the vehicle will be made by either:
   • Locating the owner (if the owner is known), or 
   • Arrange towing of the vehicle.
     Important note: if the owner is identified, they will be provided suitable opportunity to remove the vehicle. If the vehicle is not a hazard and is on public property, or the owner is not identified, the vehicle details will be provided to WA Police to ensure it is not a vehicle of interest or stolen. 
2. Follow-up investigation: the City will re-attend the vehicle after 24 hours and affix a 24-hour removal notice sticker to the front window. Photographs will be taken of the vehicle including any damage or belongings. 
3. Vehicle removed: if the vehicle has not been removed after the expiry of the 24-hour notice, the City will engage a contractor to arrange removal of the vehicle. Contact will be made with WA Police to advise the vehicle has been removed. 
4. Owner notified: if the owner details are known, a letter will be sent to the last registered owner advising the vehicle has been impounded.

Impounding and recovery of vehicles

All vehicles that are impounded by the City are taken to the City’s contracted vehicle impounding facility.  If you believe your vehicle has been impounded, please contact the City on 9400 4000 for confirmation and to obtain contact details for the impound facility.  

Before collecting your vehicle, please inquire about any applicable fees. You will be required to provide proof of ownership to release the vehicle and make suitable arrangements for removal from the impound yard. If the vehicle remains uncollected for more than two months, the City may auction it.