Is It Legal to Tow a Car Without a Sign in Melbourne?
If your vehicle has been towed from a private car park or apartment complex, you’re probably asking: is it legal to tow a car without a sign in Melbourne?
The short answer: In most cases, clear signage is required before a vehicle can be legally towed from private property in Victoria. However, there are exceptions depending on the situation.
In this guide, we explain when towing is legal, when it may be unlawful, and what your rights are as a vehicle owner in Melbourne.
When Is It Legal to Tow a Vehicle in Victoria?
In Victoria, a car can legally be towed under certain circumstances:
- Police-authorised towing
- Accident towing in regulated zones
- Abandoned vehicles
- Illegally parked vehicles on clearly signed private property
- Vehicles blocking driveways or emergency access
The key issue in most disputes is private property towing without clear signage.
Is Signage Required Before Towing a Car?
In most private property situations, yes — visible warning signs are required.
If a property owner wants to enforce parking rules and remove unauthorised vehicles, signage should:
- Be clearly visible at entry points
- State parking restrictions
- Warn that vehicles may be towed
- Include towing company contact details
If there are no visible warning signs, towing may be considered unreasonable or unlawful, especially if the driver had no clear notice of restrictions.
What If There Was No Sign and Your Car Was Towed?
If your car was towed and there were no visible signs:
You may have grounds to:
- Request proof of signage
- Ask for an itemised invoice
- Lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria
- Dispute the charge through VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal)
Each situation depends on the exact circumstances, but lack of proper signage can weaken the towing party’s legal position.
Can a Tow Truck Remove a Car Without the Owner Present?
Yes — a vehicle can be removed without the owner present if:
- It is illegally parked on properly signed private property
- It is blocking access
- It is abandoned
- Police have authorised removal
However, towing must still follow Victorian regulations and fee guidelines where applicable.
Who Regulates Towing in Melbourne?
In Victoria, accident towing in controlled areas is regulated by the state government. Maximum fees apply to prevent overcharging.
Private property towing may not fall under the same strict accident towing regulations, but operators must still comply with consumer protection laws.
Your Rights as a Vehicle Owner
If your vehicle has been towed, you have the right to:
- Clear information about why it was removed
- Contact details of the towing company
- An itemised breakdown of towing and storage fees
- Dispute unreasonable charges
You are also not required to sign documents you do not understand at the scene.
How to Avoid Being Towed in Melbourne
To reduce the risk:
- Always check for signage before parking
- Avoid blocking driveways or emergency exits
- Be cautious in apartment or retail car parks
- Follow clearly displayed time limits
If signage is unclear or missing, take photos before leaving your vehicle.
FAQs
Is it illegal to tow a car without warning in Melbourne?
If there is no visible signage or clear restriction, towing may be disputed. However, police-authorised removals do not require signage.
Can a landlord tow a tenant’s car?
Generally, proper notice and signage are required unless the vehicle is abandoned or breaching lease terms.
Can a car be towed from private property?
Yes, but usually only if restrictions are clearly displayed and the vehicle is unauthorised.
Need Lawful Towing Services in Melbourne?
If you require compliant and professional towing services, Tow Trucks Melbourne operates across Melbourne and follows Victorian regulations.
Call us now or email towtrucksmelbourne01@gmail.com for assistance. We’ll dispatch a tow truck to your location and ensure your vehicle is transported safely and in accordance with local laws.