Abandoned Vehicles

A vehicle may be considered abandoned if left on public land such as a roadway or nature strip. In most cases, these vehicles are unregistered. We do not typically consider a vehicle to be abandoned if it is currently registered and lawfully parked.

Council Officers investigate each report by:

  • attempting to contact the last known owner to move the vehicle
  • checking the vehicle is registered and not stolen
  • monitoring the vehicle while we wait to hear from the registered owner
  • impounding the vehicle if we cannot locate the owner, or the owner fails to relocate the vehicle to private property.

We investigate reports of abandoned vehicles under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and

This process can take up to 21 days depending on the registration status.

  • To report an abandoned vehicle, you will need to provide key information to help us investigate the vehicle appropriately. This may include:

    • the vehicle’s registration number
    • vehicle make, model and colour
    • location of the vehicle
    • supporting photos.

    To determine if the vehicle is registered, you can do a free online registration search to identify the registration status.

    If the vehicle is unregistered and you believe it has been abandoned, you can either:

    • report the abandoned vehicle online
    • call us on 1300 763 903

    REPORT AN ABANDONED VEHICLE

    Note: An abandoned vehicle will only be towed immediately if it poses as a risk or danger to the public.

  • If you believe your vehicle has been stolen, please contact the Queensland Police Service immediately on 131 444.

    If you believe your vehicle has been impounded by Council, check the impound list or call us on 1300 763 903 to confirm.

    Vehicle Impound List (Create page to link to)

  • If you have confirmed Council has impounded your vehicle and would like to reclaim it, you must meet the following requirements:

    • Call us on 1300 763 903 as soon as possible to discuss associated costs.
    • Provide proof of ownership, right to possession or authority to act on behalf of the owner. For example: registration notice, bill of sale, statutory declaration, letter of authority.
    • Provide proof of identity. For example: driver’s licence, passport.
    • Complete a  RELEASE FORM
    • Pay all associated costs for impounding and storage of the vehicle. Payments can be made any one of our Customer Service Centres Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

    You must meet these requirements within one month of the vehicle being impounded. Impounded vehicles that remain unclaimed or surrendered after one month may be either sold via online auction or disposed of by Council.

    Arrange collection

    Unregistered vehicles will only be permitted to be released via a registered car trailer or tow truck. If third party is to remove vehicle this must be submitted in writing prior to arranged pickup time. All vehicle must be collected within 72 hours of payment.

  • If you no longer own the vehicle, you must meet the following requirements:

    • Call us on 1300 763 903 to discuss.
    • Provide proof of ownership, right to possession or authority to act on behalf of the owner. For example: registration notice, bill of sale, statutory declaration, letter of authority.
    • Provide proof of identity. For example: driver's licence, passport.
    • Let us know in writing that you are no longer the owner of the vehicle.
      *If you are acting on behalf of the previous owner of the owner of the vehicle, ensure you attach a letter of authority.

  • Impounded vehicles that remain unclaimed or surrendered after one month of impoundment are either:

    • Sold via auction
    • Or disposed of by Council

    Impounded vehicles and goods for sale by public auction on the above date. This auction is in accordance with powers vested under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (TORUM) and Cassowary Coast Regional Council Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2022 (Local Law 1).

    If you wish to claim ownership of a vehicle or goods, please contact the Council immediately (proof of ownership and fees apply).