Abandoned vehicles

If you see an abandoned vehicle or need to leave your car unattended in a public area for a long period of time, please phone our Customer Contact Centre.

Abandoned vehicle investigation process

Step 1 - A ranger will attend the location

A ranger will attend the location to place a 24-hour notice sticker on the vehicle to allow the owner time to move the vehicle to private property. After 24 hours, if the vehicle is still there it will be considered abandoned and an investigation will take place by a Ranger.

The City will attempt to obtain the vehicle owner details and where possible a letter will be sent to the last registered owner notifying them that they must move the vehicle to private property. If, after a period of time, the owner fails to move the vehicle it may be towed and impounded by the City.

Step 2 - Collection of your vehicle

You can arrange collection of your vehicle by contacting the City’s storage contractor, Manheim Pty Ltd, and quoting the reference number on your impoundment letter. Their details are:

Address 62 Grogan Road, Perth International Airport WA 6105
Telephone (08) 9267 8888
Collection hours 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Collection of vehicles must occur before 4.00pm for processing.

Please note that release fees will apply.

Abandoned vehicle FAQs

Will I be fined for abandoning my vehicle?

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, the following may apply:

  • An infringement for littering, which carries an on-the-spot-fine of $200 - $500, with a maximum penalty of $5,000 if the matter goes to Court
  • An infringement under the City’s Parking Local Law for a vehicle parked in excess of 24 hours, which carries a penalty of $80.

What happens if I don’t collect my impounded vehicle?

Unclaimed vehicles will be sold or disposed of in accordance with the Local Government Act.

How long is a vehicle kept in storage before it is sold or disposed of?

The length of time a vehicle is kept in storage depends on its value.

Vehicles with a value lower than $500 will be kept for 21 days.

Vehicles with a value over $500 will be kept for a maximum period of 65 days.

Did you know?

Please note, attendance by our rangers to reports of abandoned vehicles may be delayed depending on the urgency of other reports received.

More information and contact

For more information please review the Local Government Act 1995 and the Parking Local Law 2014

If you have further questions, please call our Customer Contact Centre.