Abandoned vehicles


Please report unattended vehicles posing a public safety risk to ACT Policing on 000.

If we cannot establish an owner for an unattended vehicle, it will be declared an abandoned vehicle. Abandoned vehicles can include cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks, trailers and caravans.

Abandoned vehicles can be reported to the ACT Government. Prior to making a report, please check the registration status of the vehicle. If the vehicle is registered it is not an abandoned vehicle.

Once investigated, the ACT Government can remove unapproved abandoned vehicles parked on public land such as roadways, verges, pathways and public car parks.

Please note the following:

Report abandoned vehicle

You can report an abandoned vehicle on Fix My Street or by calling 13 22 81. Please have the following information available:

  • Registration status
  • Registration number
  • Make, model and colour
  • Location
  • Length of time parked
  • Condition of vehicle (i.e. vandalised)

Photos also help us locate the vehicle.

Investigation

The ACT Government investigates each abandoned vehicle report and will:

  • check if an owner can be established
  • ask the owner to remove the vehicle
  • place a sticker on the windscreen with instructions to remove the vehicle within 48 hours
  • organise the vehicle to be disposed of or impounded.

Abandoned vehicles are managed in accordance with the legislative provisions of the Litter Act 2004, Public Unleased Land Act 2013 and Uncollected Goods Act 1996.

For more information contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

Related links

Photos

The following photos show unattended vehicles parked on public land.

Unattended vehicle blocking pathway

Unattended vehicle parked on a road

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.