Vehicle Legalities and Auctions

There are rules and regulations concerning abandoned or hazardous vehicles, the private sale of vehicles on the roadside and vehicles that have been impounded and subsequently put up for auction.

Abandoned or Hazardous Vehicles

• An abandoned vehicle includes an unregistered vehicle parked on a local government controlled area (footpath) or road, or a hazardous vehicle (currently registered or unregistered) that has been left on a road or footpath in a way that creates a risk.
• If it has been established that a vehicle is abandoned or hazardous, Ipswich City Council will take steps to remove the vehicle from the road by towing. It is an offence and a contravention of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 to park an unregistered vehicle on the road or footpath.

Abandoned and Hazardous Vehicles Factsheet (PDF, 431.3 KB)

Roadside Vehicle Sales

• Selling vehicles in public places is considered a nuisance under council’s Local Law No. 8 (Nuisances and Community  Health and Safety).
• Public places include road reserves, roadways, footpaths and other public land.

Vehicle Roadside Sales Factsheet (PDF, 343.8 KB)

Impounded Vehicles

• The vehicles listed in the table below (current as of 11 September 2020) will be offered for sale by public auction.
• The auction will take place at council's Kenneth Street Depot, 2 Kenneth Street, Riverview date to be advised pursuant to Section 100 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.
• There are no public toilets available at the depot due to current COVID restrictions.
• Enclosed footwear required.  No thongs or open shoes.
• Viewing of the listed vehicles is permitted from 8.00am on the day of auction.
• 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.

Removal of Purchased Vehicles

Purchasers must make arrangements to legally tow or transport vehicles from council’s depot, noting the below:

• There will NOT be any forklift available for the movement of any vehicles - please make alternative arrangements.
• Vehicles are sold in current condition, unregistered and a PPSR search is provided.
• Enclosed footwear is compulsory.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Animals, smoking and alcohol are not permitted on depot grounds.

Release of Impounded Vehicles

Impounded vehicles are held at an Ipswich City Council holding yard at Riverview. A vehicle may be claimed by the owner within one month from the date of being impounded, subject to:

• Completion of an impounded vehicle release form
• Payment of the prescribed release fee - refer to fees and charges
• Provision of proof of ownership of vehicle (registration details, purchase receipt) and proof of identity (driver licence)
• A person acting on behalf of the owner must satisfy council of their right to possession and authority to act on behalf of the owner.

If a successful claim is not made for the return of a vehicle within one month of the date of impounding, then ownership of the vehicle (and anything in, on or attached to the vehicle) rests with the local government and the local government may dispose of the vehicle in accordance with section 40 of Ipswich City Council’s Local Law No.1 (Administration) 2013.

All enquiries for the return of impounded vehicles should be made to Ipswich City Council on (07) 3810 6666.