Abandoned Vehicles

Council regulates abandoned and hazardous vehicles parked on public road reserve. If a vehicle is considered to be abandoned or hazardous Council will take steps to remove the vehicle from the road reserve including impounding the vehicle if the owner fails to move it.

When is a vehicle considered to be abandoned or hazardous?

Hazardous – A hazardous vehicle is a vehicle (registered or unregistered) that has been left on a road or footpath in a way that presents a significant danger or risk.

Note: A lawfully parked vehicle cannot be considered to be hazardous.

Abandoned – An abandoned vehicle includes an unregistered vehicle parked on a road or footpath.

What if I have an issue with an abandoned vehicle on private property (shopping centre/business car park etc.)?

Council does not regulate abandoned vehicles on private property.It is the responsibility of the property owner to liaise with the Queensland Police Service in relation to these matters.

What if a car/trailer has been parked on the road outside my house and I don’t know who owns it?

If the vehicle is currently registered and lawfully parked no action will be taken by Council to move/remove a vehicle in this scenario.

For information on how to report an abandoned or hazardous vehicle to council select Report an Issue. Being able to provide the description of the vehicle including a registration if available will assist council in investigating the concern.

If you believe your vehicle has been impounded by council and you wish to reclaim it, you should contact council on 07 3810 6666 immediately to make the relevant arrangements. There are fees payable to council prior to recovering your vehicle.

Impounded Vehicles

  • The vehicles listed in the Impounded Vehicle List below (current as of 13th January 2026) will be offered for sale by public auction.
  • The auction will take place at council's Kenneth Street Depot, 2 Kenneth Street, Riverview on Wednesday 18th March 2026 pursuant to Section 100 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.
  • There are no public toilets available at the depot.
  • Enclosed footwear is required.  No thongs or open shoes.  No children are allowed in the Council depot.
  • Only registered bidders can remain for the auction.
  • Viewing of the listed vehicles is permitted from 8.00am on the day of auction with auction to commence at approximately 10am.
  • Council reserves the right to withdraw any vehicle from an advertised auction without prior notice.
  • Owners wishing to reclaim vehicles prior to auction should refer to Release of Impounded Vehicles underneath the below table.
  • Any vehicle purchased at the auction needs to be removed by a specified date and time, or further release fees will apply.

View Impounded Vehicle List

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