Unregistered Car on the Street in Perth: Council Rules and Impound Risk

An unregistered car on the street in Perth can quickly turn into a costly problem. In WA it is officially called a vehicle license. Councils take unlicensed, abandoned and disused cars on roads and verges seriously. Your suburb has its own parking local law, so the precise rules depend on your local government. This guide explains the common rules The risks and what you can do 

Council Rules for Unregistered Vehicles in WA

WA road law requires a vehicle to be licensed if it is to be driven on the road. Then councils add their own local laws for parking. Some see a vehicle as a nuisance if it is parked in a public place for more than 24 hours or appears to be abandoned, unregistered or unused. For example, the Town of Bassendean sets out a specific offence for parking an unlicensed vehicle on a thoroughfare.

In Perth, an unregistered vehicle on the verge has similar limitations. Many local laws prohibit you parking on a verge without the consent of the adjacent owner or occupier. Some WA councils also say verges are not to be used to store vehicles no longer driven. 

Fines, Removal and Car Impound Risk in Perth

In Perth, there really is a risk of getting your car impounded. The process of the City of Stirling is a good example. The ranger tickets the car for twenty-four hours. If it is still there, the City will contact the last registered owner and may tow it and impound it. 

Costs can add up quickly:

• Stirling lists an $80 Parking Local Law penalty for a vehicle parked over 24 hours.
• Abandoning a car can bring a littering fine of $200 to $500, or up to $5,000 in court.
• You must pay impound fees and show proof of ownership and ID before release.
• Unclaimed cars can be sold or disposed of. Stirling keeps vehicles worth under $500 for just 21 days.

Public Land Versus Private Property

Council local laws apply to roads, verges and reserves as they are public land. Your driveway, garage, or backyard is your private property. Councils usually say owners should move unregistered cars there. If storing a car at home long term, check your council's rules, any strata by-laws and your lease. 

What to Do With an Unregistered or Unroadworthy Car

Get there before a ranger. If the licence has expired don’t drive the car but move it quickly off public land. It is an offence to drive an unlicensed vehicle on a road. “Legally, a licensed tow truck can tow it.

Then decide to relicense, repair or sell the car. If repairs are more than it is worth, then selling it for removal is often the simplest choice. 

How WA Car Removals Can Help

WA Car Removals offers free car removal in Perth for cars that are unregistered, old, damaged and unwanted. We pick up your car from your driveway or the street, pay you on pickup and recycle what we can. You only need proof of ownership and a valid photo ID.

Removing Abandoned Cars in Perth is a different ball game when it’s not your car. Tell your local council who run their own process . 

Get Your Unregistered Car Off the Street Today

Do not expect a council sticker on your windscreen. Contact WA Car Removals on 0422 622 617 or get a quote online. We offer free car removal and will pay you cash for your car anywhere in Perth.