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 or illegally parked within the Municipality. 

City of Darwin may issue vehicle removal notices in the below circumstances, if you have received a notice, ensure your vehicle complies with the below, or call 08 8930 0600 to discuss your circumstances. 

Dangerous or restricted parking

A vehicle stopped or parked where prohibited, or in a manner that causes danger, obstruction or inconvenience to drivers or pedestrians may be removed immediately.

Registered vehicles

Registered vehicles are permitted to be parked legally and unmoved in a public place for no more than 3 days where the time a vehicle may be parked is not limited. The owner may be served with a notice to remove the registered vehicle if it is left unmoved. 

Unregistered vehicles

The vehicle may be served with a notice, and the vehicle is required to be removed from public road or land immediately. 

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 and store them in accordance with the Northern Territory Traffic Regulations 1999, after which vehicles may be auctioned. Those classified as unsalvageable may be sent to a car wreckage outlet.

Report an abandoned vehicle

You can report an abandoned vehicle via:

Report an issue form

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.

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 0600.

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.