Perth Abandoned Vehicle Bylaw Removal Guide

In Perth, Western Australia, abandoned vehicles can create safety, environmental and amenity problems on public and private property. This guide explains how local bylaws and state agencies handle abandoned vehicle removal, who enforces the rules, how to report a vehicle, typical sanctions, and practical steps residents can take to resolve the issue quickly. Where official details are not published on city or state pages, the text notes that explicitly; official sources and complaint pages are cited for each key action so you can follow the correct local process.

How removal works

Local government and state agencies may both have roles: the City of Perth handles local public-land complaints and bylaw enforcement for its localities, while the Department of Transport Western Australia administers removal from roads and provides guidance on abandoned vehicles and authorised tow contractors. Follow local reporting steps to trigger investigation and removal; contractors may levy towing and storage fees which residents are responsible for if a vehicle is claimed.^{[1] [2]}

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically through local government by-law officers or authorised contractors working under state rules. Specific monetary penalties and fee schedules are not always published on the City or Department pages; where amounts are absent this section notes that the cited page does not specify them.

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited City of Perth and Department of Transport pages; removal and storage fees are charged by authorised contractors and are set by those operators or under contract.^[1][2]
• Escalation: first, council investigation and notice; repeat or continuing offences may lead to removal and further action—specific escalation ranges not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove, seizure of vehicles by authorised removal contractors, disposal if unclaimed, and referral to courts for enforcement where council pursues proceedings.
• Enforcer and complaints: City of Perth By-law Enforcement handles local reports; the Department of Transport coordinates roadside abandoned vehicle processes and authorised removals. Report via the City of Perth report page and the Department of Transport contacts listed on their guidance pages.^[1][2]
• Appeals and review: appeal or dispute routes (objection to infringement notices or review of council orders) are managed by City of Perth processes or formal dispute pathways—time limits for lodgement are not specified on the cited pages.
• Defences and discretion: councils may exercise discretion for licensed traders, recent breakdowns, or evidence of active sale; specific permitted exceptions or permit processes are not detailed on the cited pages.

Common violations and typical outcomes

• Long-term parking on public verge or road where vehicle shows signs of abandonment — investigation, notice, tow and storage fees.
• Unregistered or derelict vehicles on private property affecting amenity — council notice to owner, possible removal if not addressed.
• Breakdown vehicles left in hazardous positions — immediate removal may be arranged for safety, with fees applied.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth provides an online reporting form for abandoned vehicles; the Department of Transport gives guidance on removal and the role of authorised removal contractors. Specific form numbers or consolidated fee schedules are not specified on the cited pages; residents should use the City report page or the Department of Transport guidance to begin the process.^[1][2]

Action steps for residents

• Document the vehicle: take date-stamped photos, note exact location, registration and condition.
• Report to the City of Perth using the official reporting tool or phone line; include evidence and contact details for follow-up.^[1]
• Wait for council inspection: councils typically inspect before removal; if the vehicle poses immediate danger, note that in your report.
• If vehicle is towed, contact the authorised contractor or council for reclaiming instructions and fee information; be prepared to pay towing and storage charges.
• If you receive an infringement or notice you dispute, contact the City of Perth for review instructions and lodge any objection within the timeframe shown on the notice (time limits: not specified on the cited page).

FAQ

Who do I contact to report an abandoned vehicle?

Report to the City of Perth via its abandoned vehicle report page; for vehicles on a road, the Department of Transport provides guidance on authorised removal.^[1][2]

Will I be charged if I reclaim a towed vehicle?

Yes, towing and storage fees are typically charged by the removal contractor; exact amounts are not specified on the cited pages and vary by operator.

How long before a council will tow an abandoned vehicle?

Timing depends on council inspection schedules and risk to public safety; specific timeframes are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

1. Photograph the vehicle and record its exact location and registration if visible.
2. Use the City of Perth online report form to log the issue and upload evidence.^[1]
3. Wait for council inspection; follow any notice instructions and keep a copy of the report number.
4. If the vehicle is towed, contact the listed contractor for reclaim steps and payment of fees.
5. If you wish to contest a notice or fee, contact City of Perth by the complaints/review route and follow the dispute instructions.

Key Takeaways

• Report abandoned vehicles with clear photos and location to speed investigation.
• The City of Perth and the Department of Transport share responsibilities; follow official reporting channels.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Perth - Report an abandoned vehicle
• Department of Transport WA - Abandoned vehicles guidance
• WA Police Force - Contact

1. [1] City of Perth - Report an abandoned vehicle (current as of February 2026)
2. [2] Department of Transport WA - Abandoned vehicles guidance (current as of February 2026)