Seeing your car hooked up to a tow truck can feel like a punch in the gut. One moment you’re running errands or grabbing a coffee, and the next your car’s gone. Sometimes towing happens because of a breakdown, but other times it’s due to rules and regulations.
So, why exactly do cars get towed away in Australia? Let’s go through the most common reasons — and how to avoid them.
1. Illegal Parking
Probably the number one reason. If you’ve ever parked in a clearway during peak hour in Melbourne, you’ll know how quickly tow trucks appear. Council and VicRoads don’t muck around when it comes to keeping traffic moving.
Other hot spots for towing include:
- Blocking driveways
- Parking too close to fire hydrants or pedestrian crossings
- Stopping in loading zones without a permit
Even if you think “I’ll only be a minute,” it’s often enough time to get towed.
2. Unpaid Fines or Suspended Licence
In some cases, if you’ve racked up unpaid fines or your licence has been suspended, authorities can seize your car. It’s not super common, but it does happen. It’s one of those situations where ignoring letters from VicRoads or Fines Victoria comes back to bite.
3. Breakdowns and Accidents
Not all towing is bad news. If your car breaks down on the Monash Freeway or you’re involved in a crash, a tow truck is often the safest way to clear the vehicle.
In Victoria, accident towing is heavily regulated. Only licensed accident tow truck operators can remove cars from crash scenes, and usually the police organise it on your behalf.
4. Abandoned or Unregistered Vehicles
Leaving a car sitting on the street for too long can make it a target for towing. Councils have the right to remove vehicles that appear abandoned, especially if they’re unregistered.
We once had a call from someone in Coburg who left their old Falcon parked on the street for months. They came back one day and — you guessed it — it was gone.
5. Private Property Rules
Shopping centres, apartment complexes, and even pubs sometimes tow cars that are parked without permission. If you leave your car in a “residents only” spot or overstay the time limit in a private car park, you risk finding an empty space when you return.
6. Blocking Traffic or Safety Hazards
Cars that block intersections, bus lanes, or create hazards (like parking too close to a corner) can be towed to keep roads safe. Emergency situations, such as bushfires or flooding, may also see cars towed to clear evacuation routes.
How to Avoid an Unwanted Tow
- Always check signs before parking — especially in busy suburbs like Richmond, Carlton, or Footscray.
- Keep your rego up to date with VicRoads.
- Don’t ignore fines or letters from authorities.
- If your car breaks down, arrange a private tow quickly to avoid it being moved by someone else.
Before You Get Stuck Without Your Car
Cars get towed for all sorts of reasons — from simple mistakes like parking in a clearway to bigger issues like accidents or unpaid fines. Knowing the common causes helps you avoid the stress (and cost) of retrieving your vehicle.
And if you ever do find yourself needing a tow — whether it’s for a breakdown, accident, or just moving an unwanted car — we’re here to help with fast, affordable towing across Melbourne.
If you are in Ferntree Gully, and looking to sell your car, below is the best way to visit us.
Contact us at
Unit 3/2 Lace St
Eumemmerring VIC 3177
(03) 9067 7578