If you notice an abandoned vehicle in your neighbourhood you can report it directly to Council. City of Darwin has regulations in place to remove, or to require owners to remove, vehicles abandoned within the Municipality.

Abandoned vehicles removed from public places

The following vehicles have been removed from public places. Any person with an interest in these vehicles should phone council on 08 8930 0638

Please note that these vehicles are not for sale.

Claiming an impounded vehicle

An impounded vehicle may be claimed by an owner upon the payment of the prescribed fee and proof of ownership and identification being sighted.

For a vehicle to be driven after collection it must be in roadworthy condition and currently registered. If not, the owner must arrange for a tow truck or vehicle trailer for collection at their own expense.

Report an abandoned vehicle

You can report an abandoned vehicle via:

Report an issue form

darwin@darwin.nt.gov.au

08 8930 0600

We will begin proceedings to serve notice on the owner of an abandoned vehicle within 24-48 hours of receiving a complaint about the vehicle's location.

Unregistered vehicles

The vehicle may be served with a notice for it to be remove within 24 hours.

Dangerous or restricted parking

A vehicle deemed as abandoned within a restricted parking zone or parked in a dangerous manner may be removed immediately.

Registered vehicles

Registered vehicles are permitted to be parked legally and unmoved in a public place for no more that 7 days. The owner may be served with a notice to remove the registered vehicle within 7 days if it is left unmoved. 

Investigation process

As part of the proceedings, Council rangers will, if necessary, make enquiries with residents or businesses in the vicinity of where the vehicle is found to try and identify the current owner of the vehicle.

If a vehicle is not removed within the prescribed time, Council will remove it at a cost to the owner. A letter will be sent to the last registered owner of an NT registered vehicle to advise impounding.

If your vehicle is registered in another state, we will treat the vehicle as if it is unregistered. No contact will be made with the owner as this information is not available to us. The vehicle will be impounded and advertised on our website.

Council will impound abandoned vehicles for a minimum of 28 days after which vehicles may be auctioned. Those classified as unsalvageable may be sent to a car wreckage outlet.