Car washing at home and stormwater: Auckland Council clarification

TL;DR
Auckland Council says it does not target households washing cars at home and has no record of such a fine being issued in recent history. The focus is on preventing significant environmental harm, typically in response to complaints.

Will you get fined for washing your car in your driveway?

Following recent news coverage, many people have asked whether they could be fined for washing their car at home, including claims that someone’s friend was fined. Below is a clear summary based directly on Auckland Council’s public statements.

Based on what Auckland Council has publicly said:

• Auckland Council has stated that it has no record of such a fine being issued in recent history

• The council has confirmed it does not target households washing their cars on their driveways

• While the Resource Management Act states that people cannot discharge contaminants into water without consent, the council has said it takes a pragmatic approach and does not go out seeking to fine people washing their cars at home

• If an infringement were ever considered, it would only be in response to a complaint and where the activity was believed to pose a significant environmental risk

• The council has also reminded people that anything entering the stormwater system eventually flows into streams, rivers, and the sea, where it can cause harm, and has thanked Aucklanders for being mindful of both the rules and the environment

Simple ways to help do the right thing

Being mindful when washing your car at home can help reduce runoff into stormwater drains. Here are a few easy, practical steps:

• Wash on grass or lawn where possible, so water can soak into the ground

• Block or divert water away from stormwater drains using a rolled-up old towel or sandbags

• If water is trapped or collected, it can be sucked up with a wet vacuum and poured onto the garden or lawn, or pushed into the garden or lawn with a broom

These small actions help keep runoff out of stormwater drains while keeping car washing simple and stress-free.

The key takeaway

Everyday car washing at home is not being targeted, and Auckland Council’s focus is on common sense and protecting waterways.

While the comments referenced above are from Auckland Council, the Resource Management Act applies nationwide, and councils across New Zealand generally take a practical, common-sense approach focused on preventing significant environmental harm. For anyone wanting extra clarity, local councils can provide guidance relevant to their area.

Frequently asked questions

Will I get fined for washing my car in my driveway?

Based on public statements from Auckland Council, households washing cars at home are not being targeted, and the council has stated it has no record of such a fine being issued in recent history. Any enforcement would generally only be considered in response to a complaint and where there is believed to be a significant environmental risk.

Why is stormwater runoff mentioned when washing cars?

Stormwater drains flow directly into streams, rivers, and the sea without treatment. This is why councils encourage people to be mindful about where wash water goes, to help protect waterways and the environment.

Does this apply outside Auckland?

The Resource Management Act applies nationwide across New Zealand. While the comments referenced in this article are from Auckland Council, councils generally take a practical, common-sense approach focused on preventing significant environmental harm. For area-specific guidance, your local council can provide information relevant to your region.

What are simple ways to reduce runoff when washing a car at home?

Common steps include washing on grass where possible, diverting water away from stormwater drains, and directing collected water into garden or lawn areas rather than into drains.