Finding an abandoned vehicle on your property in Adelaide can be frustrating — whether it was left behind by a previous tenant, an unknown visitor, or someone illegally dumping it. Before taking action, it’s important to follow the correct South Australian legal procedures to avoid liability.
This manual will guide you through the legal compliance, reporting process, and effective solutions to dispose of an abandoned car without compromising compliance with South Australian law. In the event you seek a convenient and speedy solution to have an abandoned car removed, SA Car Removal provides free car removal.
1. How to Identify an Abandoned Vehicle
Before lodging a complaint or arranging removal, confirm the vehicle is genuinely abandoned. The most common signs include:
- The vehicle has not budged for months or weeks
- Flat tyres, broken windows, or missing parts
- Expired registration or no number plates
- Dust, leaves, or graffiti covering the vehicle
- No known owner or no response from neighbours or tenants
If any of these signs match, the vehicle is likely abandoned and can be escalated for investigation.
2. Check If the Vehicle Is Registered
Verifying registration helps determine whether the vehicle is still in use or has been discarded. You can check registration status quickly using SA’s online registration check.
What the Status Means
- If the vehicle is registered → You must attempt to contact the owner first.
- If the vehicle is unregistered → It’s more likely abandoned and can be reported.
This step protects you legally and helps authorities take the correct action.
3. Try to Identify or Contact the Owner
If the vehicle is registered, or if you believe that it belongs to a tenant or neighbor, attempt to find the owner prior to removal.
Inquire with local residents or businesses if they have seen the vehicle.
- Drop a written notice on the windshield requesting the owner to call you.
- Verify with past renters or title records where necessary.
- If the owner can be located, ask them to take the vehicle away within a reasonable period of time. If they do not respond or refuse, additional action will be required.
4. Report the Vehicle to Your Local Adelaide Council
- If the vehicle is not claimed, the next action is to report it to the responsible authorities.
- Abandoned vehicle complaints are usually dealt with by local councils. They will investigate and serve notice to the owner.
- If the car is obstructing a public highway, is suspected of being stolen, or is associated with crime, it should be reported to the police.
In reporting, give information such as:
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- License plate number (where available)
- Vehicle location
- How long it has been abandoned
- Once reported, the council or police can serve a removal notice on the owner or make further arrangements.
5. Understanding the Legal Process for Vehicle Removal
- If the vehicle is indeed abandoned and confirmed by the authorities, the legal process of removal can then start.
- The council can put a notice on the vehicle, with a time limit for the owner to remove it
- If the owner does not take action, the car can be towed away
- In the event the car is not claimed, it will be auctioned, scrapped, or discarded
- It is essential to adhere to the legal procedure so as to escape liability and ensure the removal is properly done.
6. Removing the Car Yourself – What Are Your Options?
If the car is left on your personal property, and it is allowed by authorities, you can probably get it removed yourself.
A. Using a Towing Service
A choice is to have a professional tow firm take away the vehicle. But towing is an expensive operation, and you can be billed for storage as well.
B. Calling a Car Removal Company
Car removal companies such as SA Car Removal can pick up unwanted vehicles for free and may pay cash for a car, whether old, broken down, or not registered. It is a simple and cheap solution to remove an abandoned car.
C. Selling the Car for Scrap Metal
If the vehicle is beyond repair, you may be able to sell it to a scrap metal buyer. Many companies offer free car removal services and pay for scrap vehicles based on their weight and metal content.
Before arranging for removal, ensure that the proper legal steps have been followed to avoid future disputes.
7. How to Prevent Abandoned Cars on Your Property
Working with an abandoned automobile one time is frustrating, but taking proactive measures can prevent repeat problems.
- Install security cameras – Deter and monitor illegal parking.
- Post No Parking signs – Legibly demarcate private property.
- Restrict entry to driveways and parking lots – Utilise gates or barriers.
- Verify vehicle registrations for rental homes – Monitor tenants’ vehicles.
- Report unauthorised parking in advance – Treat the problem before it becomes bigger.
By following these measures, unwanted cars cannot be left on your land.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1: How long does a car have to be abandoned before I can remove it?
There is no specific time frame, but if a car has not been driven for weeks and the owner cannot be contacted, it may be considered abandoned. Officials typically issue a notice to have the car towed before they act.
2: Am I able to get an abandoned vehicle removed myself?
If the vehicle is on private land, you might be able to have it removed with the owner’s permission. If the vehicle is on public land, only the authorities can have it removed.
3: Am I paid for an abandoned vehicle on my property?
If the vehicle is legally cleared for removal, you might be able to sell it to a car removal or scrap metal business for cash.
4: Can I be held liable for removing an abandoned car?
If you follow legal procedures and obtain proper authorisation, you will not be held responsible. However, illegally removing a car without permission can lead to legal consequences.
Clearing Your Property of Abandoned Cars the Right Way
An old vehicle on your property can be troublesome, but doing things the right way legally and effectively results in a clean process. Through determining the car’s identity, trying to locate the owner, reporting to authorities, and checking into removal methods, you are able to retake your space without violating any regulations in the area.
If you want to get rid of a junked car without delay and hassle, professional car removal companies have a quick and easy solution. Rather than shell out money for towing fees, they give free removal of the vehicle and even cash for the car.
Taking preventive measures can also prevent your property from future abandoned cars, keeping the environment clean and uncluttered in the long term.
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