Got a rusted-out ute turning green under a fig tree? Maybe your neighbour’s left an old Commodore parked half on the kerb for three months, and you’re starting to wonder — can someone just take it away? If you’ve ever asked, “What are the car removal rules in Victoria?”, you’re not alone.
Why VIC’s Rules Matter
We get it — you just want the thing gone. But the difference between doing it right and doing it dodgy? That can mean hundreds in fines, a VICRoads headache, or worse — a trip to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
- Some councils require a Notice to Remove Vehicle before anything gets moved
- Leaving an unregistered vehicle on public land can land you in trouble with Victoria Police
- Failing to cancel rego properly can leave you liable for fines or toll charges — yep, even after it’s gone
- Car removal companies need to follow Australian Consumer Law, meaning you’re entitled to receipts and proper record-keeping
Removing Unregistered Cars in Victoria
Short answer: yes. You can remove or dispose of an unregistered vehicle in Victoria, but there are a few conditions depending on who owns it and where it’s parked.
- Proof of ownership (driver’s licence + VIN or old rego)
- Vehicle transfer form signed by you
- Statutory declaration if ownership is unclear
- If you’re transporting it on public roads, an Unregistered Vehicle Permit
If you’re not the listed registered owner, you can still organise removal. But you’ll need a Party Authority to explain your legal right to dispose of the car, say, you’re a landlord or agent, and the tenant left it behind.
Car on Private Property vs Public Land
This bit catches heaps of folks out. Where the vehicle sits makes all the difference on public land vs private plots.
| Location | Who Can Remove It | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Private property | Owner/tenant (with proof) | Proof of ownership, ID, and consent to remove |
| Public land | Council or Victoria Police | May issue Notice of Intention to Deem a Motor Vehicle Abandoned |
| Rental property | Landlord or agent (with process) | Motor vehicle notice + possible application to a court |
Dumped on a nature strip? Councils will often slap an Abandoned Vehicle Removal Notice on the windscreen. Leave it too long and it may be towed, impounded, or sold at online auction — with the previous owner still on the hook for storage or a release fee.
The Paperwork You Need
No one wants a mountain of red tape. Here’s the lean list of what you’ll need to make it legal:
| Document | Purpose | Who Organises It |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s licence | Proof of identity | You |
| Vehicle transfer form | Legal handover of the vehicle | We’ll sort it with you |
| Statutory declaration | Prove ownership if unclear | You or your legal agent |
| Rego cancellation | Cancel rego and apply for a refund | VICRoads / Department of Transport and Planning |
| Third Party Authority | Permission to act on someone else’s behalf | You and the vehicle owner |
| Receipt | Required under Australian Consumer Law | Provided by us |
What If the Vehicle’s Been Impounded?
Now we’re in spicy territory. If a car’s been seized under hoon laws or linked to a high-risk driving offence, then it’s been impounded by the Vehicle Impoundment Support Unit.
- You’ll need to contact Shift Towing & Transport (often operating out of Garden Drive)
- A release fee will apply (usually $1,000+)
- If unpaid, the car may be crushed or sold
- A payment plan can be arranged in some cases
- Police will notify the owner via a formal motor vehicle notice
Vehicles impounded for a dangerous driving offence, hoon driving offence, or similar are a whole different beast. You’ll need legal advice if you’re disputing the offence or trying to reclaim a car you don’t technically own.
What Happens After?
We don’t just tow it and dump it. Properly removed cars go through:
- Ownership Transfer – via the vehicle transfer form
- Dismantling by an auto wrecker – for salvageable parts
- Fluid disposal – as per EPA rules
- Recycling – metal shells go to scrap yards
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has strict guidelines, and any licensed vehicle disposal company must comply. You’d be shocked how many dodgy cowboys don’t.
We use only certified recyclers and provide paperwork for peace of mind.
How Much Can I Get for My Car?
Good question. Here’s what influences the price:
| Factor | Value Impact |
|---|---|
| Vehicle weight | Heavier = more scrap metal |
| Working parts (engine, gearbox) | Can be resold = higher offer |
| Accessibility | If it’s bogged or hard to tow, less value |
| Scrap market prices | Fluctuate monthly |
Common Myths
We’ve heard them all — and we’re setting the record straight.
- “You need rego to remove a car.”
- Nope. Most removed cars are unregistered vehicles.
- “Cash for cars is illegal in VIC.”
- Partially true. EFT and cheques are totally legal.
- “The council will remove any car for free.”
- Not always. Many councils charge release fees, especially for repeat offences.
- “You need a licensed vehicle tester to scrap a car.”
- Nah — that’s only for a roadworthy if you’re re-registering.
Suspect a Car’s Stolen or Abandoned?
Step one: Report it to Victoria Police or Crime Stoppers.
If it checks out, and it’s confirmed not stolen, you can:
- Request removal via your local council
- Post a Notice to Remove Vehicle if it’s on private land
- Lodge a vehicle search with VicRoads to check registration history
If you’ve got reasonable grounds to believe a vehicle’s abandoned and want to reclaim your land, a legal application to a court may be required.
Real Stories From the Road
One time, we had to winch a rusted Hilux out from under a collapsed pergola. Bloke reckoned it hadn’t moved since the Rudd years. There was a beehive in the glove box and a snake skin under the floor mat.
Another callout for old car removals in Elwood? A vintage Beetle was so bogged down in the backyard lawn, the grass had grown through the wheels. Took us two hours and a winch anchor, but we got it — and the owner ended up $400 better off.
Quick Checklist
Want to make things easy on pickup day? Here’s what to do:
- Remove all personal items from the car
- Take off your toll tag or e-tag
- Remove number plates (or ask us to do it)
- Get your licence and rego info ready
- Fill out a vehicle transfer form or Third Party Authority
- Notify VicRoads if the rego is still active
We’re the crew behind Old Cars Removed in Melbourne, and we’ve seen it all — from possums nesting in boots to burnout bombs dumped on nature strips after footy finals. We’ve handled old car removals in Elwood, Brunswick, Werribee, and everywhere in between. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that knowing the rules saves you time, stress, and sometimes even a court date.
FAQ
Can I remove a car from private property that isn’t mine?
Only with the owner’s consent, legal authority, or council order. Otherwise, you may need a court order.
What if a tenant leaves a car behind?
Post a motor vehicle notice, contact the council, and prepare a statutory declaration to explain your situation.
Do you take cars without keys or wheels?
Absolutely. We’ve removed shell cars, half-burnt wrecks, and abandoned trailers. We’ve seen worse.
Can I sell an unregistered car legally?
Yes — just complete a vehicle transfer form. No roadworthy needed unless you’re re-registering.
What if I can’t pay the release fee for an impounded car?
Talk to the Vehicle Impoundment Support Unit. They offer some cases.
Thelma Smith