Yes, a licensed tow truck can legally tow an unregistered car in Queensland. In most cases you don’t need an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) if a professional tow truck moves the vehicle on public roads. If you plan to drive the car yourself or tow it behind another vehicle with its wheels on the road, a UVP (Unregistered Vehicle Permit) and CTP insurance may apply.
Quick Reference (Unregistered Vehicle Towing)
Short answer: Yes, a tow truck can legally move an unregistered car in QLD. UVP and CTP are usually not needed when we tow it.
Permit needed?
No for a professional tow truck, yes if you plan to drive it or tow it behind another car for an inspection or registration task, UVP and CTP conditions apply.
Tow Strap/Rope?
Possible under strict rules, risky and paperwork heavy, a flatbed is simpler and safer.
Where can it go?
Home, workshop, inspection station, storage yard, or buyer’s address, your choice.
After-hours
Use the workshop’s key drop, or we can store it overnight and deliver first thing.
Tell us if…
It is in a basement or you have no keys, we will bring the right gear. Read more: Towing Without Keys.
Is It Legal to Tow an Unregistered Car in QLd?
Yes, a licensed tow truck may tow an unregistered vehicle on public roads in Queensland. Tow operators work under the Tow Truck Act 2023 and Tow Truck Regulation 2024, which set the rules for things like towing authorities (after crashes), fees and conduct. The truck displays the correct identifiers and manages the required paperwork so your vehicle can be moved lawfully and safely.
If you’re thinking of moving the car yourself, the rules are very different. Driving an unregistered vehicle, or towing it behind another car with its wheels on the road, is typically restricted to registration‑related purposes and may require a UVP and CTP cover.
For most people, booking a tow truck is the quickest, simplest and safest path.
When a UVP Applies (Drive or DIY Tow)
A UVP (Unregistered Vehicle Permit) is a short‑term permit for moving an unregistered vehicle for specific purposes (for example, to a roadworthy inspection, registration point or repair appointment). The permit is time‑/journey‑limited and paired with Class 22 CTP for the period of movement.
If WeTow is towing your unregistered car on a flatbed, you usually won’t need to obtain a UVP. If you plan to drive it on the road or tow it behind another vehicle, check the Unregistered Vehicle Permit guidelines and apply online if needed.
Always read the permit conditions and carry the permit when travelling.
Unregistered Vehicle in Brisbane, Professional Tow Truck vs DIY
| Topic | Professional Tow Truck | DIY Drive or Tow |
|---|---|---|
| Permit needed | No UVP required when a licensed operator tows the vehicle. | Often UVP required for inspection, registration or repairs. |
| CTP cover | Managed under the tow-truck framework by the operator. | Class 22 CTP applies for the permit period, carry proof. |
| Legal scope | Operator complies with the Tow Truck Act 2023 and Tow Truck Regulation 2024, paperwork handled for you. | Strict conditions with journey and time limits, you must carry the permit and meet equipment and visibility rules. |
| Where it can go | Home, workshop, inspection station, storage yard, buyer’s address. | Usually limited to inspection stations, registration points or pre-booked repairs, use the most direct route. |
| After-hours and access | Key drop options and secure overnight storage, underground carparks and low clearance supported. | Depends on your equipment and permit conditions, basements and low clearance are difficult without a flatbed. |
| Effort and risk | Low effort, professional loading, predictable cost and timing. | Admin heavy with permit fees, higher compliance and damage risk. |
| Helpful links | Brisbane Towing Services Contact WeTow | Unregistered Vehicle Permit overview Apply for a UVP |
Moving from Private Property or After a Crash
There are two common scenarios with unregistered cars:
Private property/non‑crash: If the vehicle is on private land (home, apartment, business), we’ll confirm the owner/occupier’s authority before removal and plan the safest route off the property.
Crash towing: Normal crash‑tow rules apply (you’ll sign a towing authority, and standard storage arrangements may apply). If the vehicle is also unregistered or defected, a tow truck can still legally move it. Our team manages the process and keeps you informed.
If you need more detail on the tow‑truck framework in Queensland, see the Tow Truck Act 2023 and Tow Truck Regulation 2024 on the official legislation website.
- Tow Truck Act 2023 (Queensland Legislation)
- Tow Truck Regulation 2024 (current in‑force version)
- Tow truck licensing scheme (TMR overview)
How WeTow Moves an Unregistered Vehicle (Step‑by‑Step)
Moving an unregistered car is straightforward and stress‑free. For a professional towing operator, it’s really no different to any other tow. Here’s how it works with WeTow from the first phone call to drop‑off.
Book your tow. Call or use our contact form with pickup, destination and access notes (gates, basement heights).
Confirm destination & authority. Tell us if the car is heading to a workshop, inspection station, buyer or home. For private property removals, we’ll confirm the owner’s authority.
Safe loading. We use a flatbed and EV/AWD‑friendly techniques where relevant, protecting bumpers and underbody.
Transport. Smooth driving, clear communication and ETA updates.
Handover. We follow the destination’s process (key drop, job envelope) and send a quick delivery confirmation.
Need help choosing the drop‑off point? A nearby workshop or inspection station will usually minimise kilometres and reduce cost.
Costs & How to Keep Them Down
Pricing depends on distance, access (e.g., underground carparks), vehicle size and time of day. We provide a clear quote before dispatch so you know where you stand.
Cost‑saving tips: choose a nearby destination, have keys ready, share an accurate map pin, and clear access where you can. If the car’s in a basement or has low clearance, let us know so we can send the right truck and ramps. , Get a quote: Brisbane Towing Services
FAQs: Unregistered Vehicle Towing in Brisbane
In most cases you will need an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) when you intent to drive or tow an unregistered vehicle behind another car on public roads.
This does not apply when using a licensed tow truck service.
The short answer is “sometimes”, but in reality it’s often not worth the risk. Rules are strict and complicated, and you may need a UVP + CTP and to meet equipment/visibility conditions.
A flatbed tow truck (or at least a car trailer) avoids the complexity and potential penalties.
Generally you can, provided you have the right equipment, conditions, permit and insurance to do so.
If you’re using a professional towing operator like WeTow, you call us and we get the job done. It’s much easier that way and can cost as little as $99!
We handle tight‑access and basement jobs daily. See our guide: Underground Car Park Towing
Yes , it can easily be done with the right equipment (positioning dollies, winch control). Read more: Towing Without Keys
Towing costs start as low as $99 and will depend on a few factors. For example, urgency, time of day and distance all go toward determining the total cost.
The best thing to do is give us a quick call on 1300 368 616 and our friendly team can give you an immediate quote on the phone.
Bottom Line
Yes , unregistered cars can be towed in Queensland, and a tow truck is the easiest legal way to move them. It keeps you compliant, avoids the UVP paperwork, and gets the car where it needs to go safely. If you’re ready to move your vehicle, get in touch with our team and we’ll handle the rest.