Abandoned Vehicles

If you notice an abandoned vehicle on a council road in your neighbourhood, you can report it directly to Council by calling 8983 0600 during business hours, send an email, or use the Snap Send Solve app. Council is authorised to remove, or force owners to remove, vehicles abandoned within the municipality in accordance with Part 5 of the NT Traffic Regulations, which can be viewed by following this link.

Any vehicle found parked in a dangerous manner should be reported to the NT Police who can arrange to have it removed immediately.

The following roads are managed by the NT Government;

• Anzac Parade (to Fog Dam Road), 
• Arnhem Highway, 
• Channel Island Road, 
• Cox Peninsula Road, 
• Darwin River Road, 
• Gunn Point Road, 
• Howard Springs Road, 
• Jenkins Road, 
• McMillans Road, 
• Stuart Highway, and 
• Wagait Road. 

Vehicles found on these roads should be reported to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics on 8999 4699 or via the NT Governments Report a Road Fault Form.

Council officers will place a notice on the vehicle within 48 hours of an abandoned vehicle report being received. Unregistered vehicles will be removed from the roadside within 24 hours and registered vehicles are required to be moved within 7 days, unless parked in a prohibited area in which case the vehicle must be removed within 24 hours.

If an abandoned vehicle is not removed by the owner in the required time, it will be removed by Council. Where the vehicle is immobile and cannot be repaired at a cost that does not exceed its value, or has a value of less than $1000, the vehicle will be immediately disposed of by Council. Otherwise, the vehicle will be towed to the Council impound yard.

Council officers will make attempts to locate the last known or registered owner of an impounded vehicle. If this is not successful, Council will place a notice of impounding on its website for a minimum of two weeks. Abandoned vehicles are held by Council for a minimum of 28 days, after which, vehicles in roadworthy condition, will be auctioned (Vehicle Bid Form below).

An abandoned vehicle release fee (click here to view Council's Fees and Charges, under Regulatory Services) is payable prior to Council releasing an impounded vehicle with proof of ownership required. All associated towing and advertising costs are payable by the owner of the vehicle.

All unclaimed Abandoned vehicles will be sold via auction by an external auction agency.

Abandoned Vehicle Fact Sheet »