Abandoned Vehicle
Abandoned Vehicle

Abandoned Vehicle

Abandoned Vehicle

If you notice a vehicle left unattended on a public road, let us know.
Last updated on: 02 February 2026
In this article
In this article

Abandoned Vehicle

Registered vehicles can remain parked in one spot as long as:
  • They're in good condition
  • They're parked legally under NSW road rules.
You can check a vehicle's registration status on Service NSW website.
An abandoned or unattended vehicle is one that appears to have been left behind and is no longer being used or cared for.

Report to us

We only investigate vehicles when they are clearly unattended and meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • The vehicle is registered but has remained in the same location for more than 28 days without being moved.
  • The vehicle is unregistered, or it is registered but damaged and not roadworthy, and has been parked in the same spot for 15 days or longer.
  • The owner cannot be identified or contacted.
  • The vehicle is burnt-out, and all police investigations have been completed.
  • The vehicle poses a safety risk to the public or the environment.

Not abandoned

We don't treat a vehicle as abandoned if any of the following apply:
  • The owner is known and lives locally.
  • We can identify and contact the owner after receiving a report (we'll always try before taking action).
  • The vehicle is awaiting police investigation, such as burnt-out vehicles still under review.
  • If you suspect a registered vehicle is stolen, call NSW Police on 131 444.

Related articles

  • Illegal Parking - to report vehicles that are illegally parked on public roads but are not considered abandoned.

Raise a request

Before you begin

  • If you are reporting more than one abandoned vehicle, a separate request is required for each.
  • Have the details of the vehicle ready, including registration plate, vehicle make, model, colour and any other useful information.
  • Please include all relevant information relating to why you believe the vehicle is abandoned.
  • When lodging your request, you will have the option to attach photos or other supporting documents.

Location matters!

Providing specific details about the location of the vehicle helps us locate and address it quickly. Please include cross streets, house numbers, or identifying landmarks.

Next steps

  1. You'll receive an acknowledgement with your request number.
  2. During the initial investigation, our Rangers will search for the vehicle owner and place a green sticker on the vehicle while the investigation is underway.
  3. Rangers will return to inspect the vehicle after a set period based on its condition and registration status.
  4. A formal notice is sent to the last known owner, requesting the vehicle be removed.
  5. Enforcement action:
  6. If the vehicle is unregistered, a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) may be issued.
  7. If no contact is made and the vehicle remains, it will be towed and impounded at the owner's expense.
  8. You'll be notified once the investigation is complete and any action has been taken.

Time frames

  • We will begin the investigation as soon as possible.
  • The inspection, investigation, and removal of unattended vehicles is a legislated process that can take up to 10 weeks to complete. Our Rangers work within this timeframe to ensure all cases are handled thoroughly.
  • We prioritise vehicles that present safety concerns due to their location or condition.