At first, it might be acceptable to have an abandoned car remain on your property in Perth, Western Australia, for a few hours. However, it becomes an issue if the vehicle is left parked for a long time without someone returning to claim it.
Regulations for dealing with abandoned cars differ from one state to another, so knowing what the law has to say about an abandoned vehicle in Western Australia is essential if you’re dealing with this issue. In this article, we’ll provide you with some advice on how to handle abandoned goods.
What Is Considered an Abandoned Vehicle?
Anytime the phrases “abandoned cars” or “abandoned vehicles” are used, they often refer to a wide range of unwanted vehicles. Run-down vehicles with vulgar license plates and vehicles parked in private places are two examples.
According to state laws, if a vehicle has been parked on business or private residential property for more than 24 hours, it is considered abandoned.
Why Do People Abandon Their Motor Vehicles?
The truth is that abandoning a vehicle isn’t a rare occurrence, and people may ditch an unwanted car for a number of reasons.
People May Ditch Their Cars After Breaking Down on Major Roadways to Prepare for Repairs
If they break down on urban roadways, there is a good chance that people may temporarily ditch their cars. To prepare for the car’s repair, the driver may decide to leave it where it broke down. These vehicles are very different from junk cars, whose abandonment is typically permanent.
Abandoning a Vehicle on Private Property To Obtain Replacement Parts
Sometimes, a car owner keeps a broken-down car on private property so they can get replacement parts for it. In this situation, dealing with abandoned vehicles is the responsibility of the police, and you’ll need to contact the local police station.
However, abandoning vehicles in open areas can be problematic for authorities. When people park their cars on private property for extended periods, it can be a problem for the owner. If the property owner agrees, the abandoned goods may remain there in any private location.
Old Cars May Be Too Expensive to Maintain
Some vehicle owners may find the cost of maintaining an outdated vehicle exorbitant. In addition, attempting to repair it would be a waste of time and money. The owner decides that fixing the problem will end up costing them more money and will abandon it instead.
Having It Towed Is Too Costly
A cost-effective approach to dispose of a car, especially if it’s old, is to abandon it. Due to the lower cost, some car owners choose to do it even though it is against the law. They can leave knowing that someone else or the police will handle it for them.
How Can You Deal with an Abandoned Vehicle?
Now that you understand why a person might want to abandon their vehicle, how do you deal with the situation? You can follow the steps below to get rid of unwanted cars on your property.
Contact the Police
The first thing you’ll need to do if you find an abandoned vehicle is to contact the police. Alternatively, you can choose to report the car to your local city council if the vehicle is on public property. The authorities will conduct a site search and try to learn more about the abandoned vehicle.
Look for Details About the Abandoned Vehicle
Suppose a car is abandoned in a public area. In that case, the City Council will conduct a site search and investigation before dealing with the vehicle. Moreover, the authorities will send a towing company to collect the car. However, when an abandoned car is on private land, it is the property owner’s job to look for details to determine who it might belong to.
Have the Car Towed
You can arrange to have an abandoned vehicle removed from your property. A great option is to contact a towing company in Perth, especially if the car remains in your area for the duration that the authorities have stated. The service is provided for free by several car movers in Perth.
Sell the Vehicle
With permission from the authorities, you can sell an abandoned car. There are a number of ways to do this. You could conduct a private sale, take the vehicle to a public auction, or sell it to a car removal company.
Generally, you can expect to receive the best rate for an abandoned vehicle from a removal company like Max Car Removals.
Selling an Abandoned Vehicle to a Car Removal Company
An “Uncollected Goods Certificate,” that can be acquired from the local Magistrates Court, is a document that must be provided upon request when selling abandoned cars to a car removal company.
Please contact your local council in Perth to apply for this abandoned goods certificate. You can also talk to the police for advice on how to deal with the car. Moreover, the police will inform you of the laws regarding abandoned vehicles and can help you conduct a site search to find the owner.
Contact Max Car Removals Today!
If you are dealing with an abandoned vehicle and need to get rid of it fast, you can contact Max Car Removals. We buy cars for cash and resell or recycle them. We will collect the car from your yard and take care of the paperwork, so you can take care of an unwanted car in Perth quickly.
To find out more about how to sell your car in Perth, Western Australia or request a free quote, get in touch with us today by dialling 0478 500 021. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
In the section below, we’ll answer some of the most-asked questions about abandoned vehicles in Western Australia.
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To obtain this form, you will need to go to the Western Australia Magistrates Court website. After a quick site search, you will find this document.
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Yes, abandoned cars are often removed and sold at a public auction, so you can purchase these vehicles at these auctions.
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To report abandoned motor vehicles in Perth, please contact the local police assistance centre by dialling 131444. The police will do a site search and write a report.
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Suppose your tenant has moved out. In that case, you will likely conduct a site search. If, during this site search, you discover an abandoned vehicle, please contact your local police department for advice on how to proceed.
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No, it is unlawful to clamp a car’s wheels in Perth. However, you will have greater control over who parks their vehicles on your land.
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Getting rid of abandoned cars is not lawful without first notifying the police.
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