Can a Tow Truck Move an Unregistered Vehicle?

Yes, a tow truck can move an unregistered vehicle. In fact, hiring a professional tow truck—specifically a flatbed tilt-tray—is the standard, fully legal method to transport a car, ute, or project vehicle that does not have current registration or Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance.

However, the legal requirements depend entirely on how the vehicle is moved and whether its wheels contact the tarmac.

• Flatbed Transport vs. Wheel-Lift Towing

The distinction between transporting a vehicle as cargo versus towing it on public roads is critical under traffic law:

• Flatbed (Tilt-Tray) Towing — No Rego or Permit Needed: When an unregistered vehicle is winched entirely onto the deck of a flatbed truck, it is legally classified as freight/cargo, not a vehicle operating on a public road. Because none of its wheels touch the ground, you do not need registration, plates, or a temporary transit permit. The tow truck's own commercial registration and carrier insurance cover the journey.
• Wheel-Lift / Dolly Towing — Requires a Temporary Permit: If any of the unregistered vehicle's wheels touch the public road surface (trailing behind the tow truck on a stinger boom or A-frame), road authorities classify it as operating on a public roadway. In places like the Northern Territory (NT), moving a car this way requires an official temporary licence/permit to drive or tow an unregistered vehicle from the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR).

• Common Scenarios for Moving Unregistered Cars

Hiring a tilt-tray tow truck is the most common solution for:

• Transporting Project & Classic Cars: Moving unfinished restorations, bare rolling chassis, or barn finds between storage sheds and fabrication shops.
• Vehicle Inspection & Re-Registration: Delivering an unregistered vehicle to an authorized vehicle inspection station (such as an MVR inspection facility or certified mechanic) for roadworthy certification.
• Moving Scrap or De-registered Cars: Relocating non-runners to auto dismantlers, metal recyclers, or salvage auctions.
• Interstate Purchases: Hauling cars bought from interstate auctions before NT registration plates have been issued.

• What Information Tow Drivers Need for Unregistered Moves

Because towing operators must ensure they are not moving stolen property, they will typically ask for:

• Proof of Ownership: A bill of sale, auction invoice, previous registration papers, or a written transfer receipt matching your ID.
• Vehicle VIN and Chassis Number: To verify the vehicle identity on their transport consignment sheet.
• Rolling Condition: Whether the vehicle steers, rolls freely, or has seized brakes/missing wheels (which determines if the driver needs recovery winches, wheel skates, or dollies).
• Site Access: Clear access to the property or storage yard where the vehicle is parked.