Can You Leave Your Car Parked on the Street Indefinitely in NSW?
A Drive.com.au Article Got Us Thinking...
We recently came across an interesting article on Drive.com.au where journalist Jemimah Clegg explored a question many drivers have probably wondered at some point:
Can you legally leave your car parked on a residential street indefinitely if there are no parking restrictions?
It's something most of us don't think about until we notice the same vehicle sitting in exactly the same spot for weeks—or even months.
While every situation is different, the answer in New South Wales may surprise you.
What Are the Rules in NSW?
Even if a residential street has no time-limited parking signs, that doesn't necessarily mean a vehicle can remain there forever.
According to the NSW Office of Local Government, if a registered vehicle has been left in the same location for more than 28 days, the local council may direct the owner to move it within 15 days.
If the vehicle is creating a safety hazard or obstructing traffic, council can require it to be moved much sooner.
What About Unregistered Vehicles?
The rules become stricter if a vehicle is unregistered or considered unroadworthy.
If an unregistered or unroadworthy vehicle has been left in the same location for more than 15 days, the owner can be instructed to remove it within three days of being notified by council.
Failure to comply may result in the vehicle being impounded and fines of $660 or more.
How Do Councils Know?
Many abandoned vehicles come to the attention of councils after being reported by local residents.
In NSW, residents can check a vehicle's registration status through Service NSW before reporting concerns to their local council if they believe a vehicle has been abandoned or left illegally.
Councils will then investigate whether the vehicle meets the criteria for further action.
Why It Matters
Vehicles left stationary for extended periods can create a number of issues, including:
- Reducing available street parking.
- Obstructing visibility for other motorists.
- Becoming safety hazards if they deteriorate.
- Impacting the appearance of local neighbourhoods.
While many vehicles are perfectly legal to remain parked for extended periods, councils have powers to act where a vehicle is abandoned or no longer complies with NSW regulations.
Looking After Your Vehicle
If you own a vehicle that isn't driven regularly, it's worth ensuring it remains registered, roadworthy and is moved periodically where appropriate.
Keeping your vehicle maintained not only helps avoid potential issues with local regulations, but also protects its reliability, appearance and long-term value.
Thinking About an Upgrade?
If your current vehicle has been spending more time parked than driven, it could be the perfect opportunity to upgrade to something newer.
At Tynan Motors, we offer a wide range of new, demonstrator and quality used vehicles across Sydney and the Illawarra, many equipped with the latest safety technology, driver assistance features and improved fuel efficiency.
Browse our available stock online here or visit your nearest Tynan Motors dealership and let our family help yours find your next vehicle.
Original drive.com.au story link: https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/unrestricted-street-parking-abandoned-cars/