Did You Know - Unregistered Vehicles

Published on 07 August 2026

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What You Need to Know

Unregistered vehicles can create safety risks and attract penalties if driven or parked on public roads.  Registration ensures vehicles meet safety standards and include compulsory third-party insurance.  Even if a vehicle is stationary on a roadside or nature strip, it must be registered under State Law.  Unregistered vehicles on private property can also present a safety and amenity hazard.

What is Allowed on Public Property

Abandoned cars spoil the amenity of local streets and take up valuable parking spaces.  Any vehicle that has been assessed as derelict, abandoned or unregistered and parked on Council land, including road, may be removed and impounded by Council.

Under Council's General Local Law 2024 - Clause 32: a person must not, without a permit, leave any derelict, abandoned or unregistered vehicle on any road or Council land or allow such a vehicle to remain there, whether temporarily or permanently.

If a car is found to be derelict, unregistered or is deemed abandoned by Council, an investigation will be undertaken to either have the vehicle registered by the owners or removed from Council land or the roadway.  Prior to impounding a vehicle, Council write (when possible) to the last registered owner, requesting the removal of the vehicle.

Any unregistered or abandoned vehicles parked on arterial roads will be resolved by VicRoads.

What is Allowed on Private Property

Alleged unsightly and dangerous properties is a common source of complaint received by Council’s authorised officers – this includes unregistered vehicles.

Under Council's General Local Law 2024 - Clause 12: an owner or occupier of private property must not, with out a permit, keep more than one unregistered vehicle.

Residents can keep up to one unregistered vehicle that is visible from a public space (such as a footpath) or from a neighbouring private property.  This includes cars, motorbikes, and trailers.

If you plan to store more than one unregistered vehicle, you will need to apply for a General Local Law Permit with Council.

How to Stay Compliant

Check your vehicle’s registration status via the VicRoads website or app.

Check Registration Status online

Report Unregistered Vehicles

You can report unregistered abandoned vehicles on public land to Council via:

  • Council’s website - Report An Issue
  • Contacting Council’s Customer Service via phone on #03 5398 0100
  • Visiting Council’s Customer Service at 34 Lyle Street, Warracknabeal VIC 3393.
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