Abandoned vehicle rule changes in the Northern Territory

From 21 January, powers to remove abandoned vehicles in the NT have been strengthened.

What has changed

Three targeted updates have been made to strengthen removal powers and improve community safety:

• Non-limited parking areas (registered vehicles): A registered vehicle left in a parking area with no posted time limit may now be deemed abandoned after 3 days (previously 7 days).
• Unregistered vehicles (scope expanded): The definition of an abandoned vehicle now explicitly includes unregistered vehicles left on a road, road-related area or other public place. No minimum time applies (previously this applied only to unregistered vehicles left on a road).
• Authorised officer powers (clarified and expanded): An authorised officer of a competent authority may move, or cause to be moved, a vehicle that is stopped or parked: where stopping or parking is prohibited, or in a manner or position that causes danger, obstruction or inconvenience to drivers or pedestrians (previously, the reference to danger, obstruction or inconvenience applied only to drivers).

These changes allow problem vehicles to be removed more quickly from road shoulders, footpaths, parking areas and other public places, improving safety, access and amenity and reducing the risk of damage or vandalism.

Leaving a vehicle in a public place

If you leave a vehicle in a public place and there is any chance it could be considered abandoned, it is recommended that you notify the relevant road authority for that location: Northern Territory Government or the local council or authority responsible for the area.

What has stayed the same

A registered vehicle left for more than 24 hours in a time-limited parking area (beyond the signed limit) is deemed abandoned.

A registered vehicle left for more than 24 hours where stopping or parking is prohibited is deemed abandoned.

How to report an abandoned vehicle

If you are unsure who is responsible, or for vehicles abandoned on NT Government–managed road reserves, reports can be lodged through Road Report NT under ‘Report a Road Fault’.

For local council areas contact your local council.