Melbourne’s Graffiti Laws Are No Joke—$700 for a Spray Can?
After living in Melbourne for the past five years, I understand how complex Melbourne laws can be—especially when it comes to graffiti regulations. From the tools you’re allowed to carry to where you can paint and the cost of fines, the rules can be quite strict and sometimes confusing.
At the same time Melbourne’s graffiti laws are really strict (except for Hosier Lane and other areas); because in fact, Melbourne pays nearly $1 million annually for the removal of around 80,000 square meters of graffiti. So people who possess tools used for the purpose of graffiti face the risk of fines reaching $700.
In this article you will learn all about the legal maze surrounding graffiti and we’ll answer you all this questions about graffiti laws in Melbourne.
Melbourne’s Graffiti Laws Explained
The worldwide recognition of Melbourne´s street art requires that people know the legal boundaries governing this form of artistic expression. People must understand the difference between graffiti and street art, because this distinction determines which activities are legal and which ones actually violate the law.
The Graffiti Prevention Act 2007 (Vic) (updated April 2020) functions as the main legislation controlling graffiti activities in Melbourne. According to this law:
´graffiti means write, draw, mark, scratch or otherwise deface property by any means so that the defacement is not readily removable by wiping with a dry cloth;´ and this defacement occurs without the owner´s permission.
Offensive graffiti, which might offend an average person, remains illegal even if the owner grants permission. The city supports authorised artistic interventions that take place in areas like Hosier Lane. The fundamental requirements consist of authorisation together with property respect.
The following table provides a clear distinction between these factors.
| Illegal Graffiti | Legal Street Art | |
| Definition | Non-removable mark without permission | Authorised artistic work |
| Consent | No consent from the property owner | Consent from the property owner or municipal authorisation |
| Location | Public or private property without authorisation | Designated areas or property with permission |
| Examples | Tags, scratches, unauthorised murals | Commissioned murals, e.g., works in Hosier Lane |
| Consequences | Fines, arrest, criminal record | None |
| Key Legislation | Graffiti Prevention Act 2007 (Vic) (2020 update in force) | Varies depending on authorisation (e.g. municipal permits) |
So, What Tools Are Illegal?
Thinking about adding some colour to Melbourne’s streets? Be careful. Carrying spray cans, markers, or other graffiti tools without a valid reason could cost you $700—even if you haven’t painted a single wall! Melbourne’s strict laws don’t just penalise graffiti artists in action; they target anyone caught with graffiti tools without proper authorisation.
What exactly are these risky tools? The list includes, (but is not limited to:)
- Spray paint: People commonly use spray paint, yet it remains illegal unless they possess the required permit.
- Etching tools: Any damage-causing tool including burins (steel engraving tools) and acids falls under the category of etching tools.
- Oversized markers: Those thick markers designed for quick and notorious tags.
- Markers with indelible ink: Marking tools which use indelible ink have special features for writing on challenging surfaces.
- Stencils: While not illegal per se, their possession along with other graffiti materials may be considered evidence of intent to commit a graffiti crime.
- Sandpaper and wire brushes: The combination of sandpaper and wire brushes helps graffiti artists in both surface preparation and clearing away old paint layers before starting their new work.
- Acids and corrosive chemicals: Acids and corrosive chemicals represent substances which cause permanent damage to glass and metal materials.
A person does not need to be involved in actually ´doing´ graffiti to face a fine, the charge can be based solely on possession of tools without adequate legal explanation. The law allows professional muralists with permits, and artists with authorised projects, to use spray paint during their assignments.
Check the legal status before taking your art equipment outside, as this will determine your compliance with the law.
Fines and Arrests for Illegal Graffiti in Melbourne
Melbourne citizens and visitors need to understand the practical implications of these graffiti regulations. There are many documented cases of people being fined and even arrested for possessing illegal graffiti tools. These incidents demonstrate that the authorities take the enforcement of these regulations very seriously. Better be prepared!
Although the police actively investigate and prosecute vandals, their actions remain mostly undisclosed to the general public. You can check on the actions of the police through available news sources and court documentation. The police regularly impose fines of up to $700 for graffiti offences, and severe offences may even lead to criminal prosecution resulting in a criminal record.
In this article where we analyze the history of Thomas Varga—arguably the most famous graffiti artist of the last decade—and how he was finally caught by the Melbourne police. Now, he faces years in prison.
What is the impact of illegal graffiti in Melbourne?
Illegal graffiti produces visible defacement that leads to physical destruction of commercial and public properties. Substantial damage occurs to both commercial districts and their urban environments. This negative impact affects how the city looks and has financial implications.
Property Value
We´ve all had that sinking feeling on approaching a business or home covered in graffiti. The regular appearance of illegal graffiti tends to substantially reduce property value. The presence of graffiti discourages interested potential homebuyers (and renters) because they see it as a clear indicator of inadequate care and/or security measures. The presence of graffiti causes businesses to lose their reputation, driving away their customer base. Businesses that display graffiti across their facades have an unprofessional, unwelcoming appearance, stirring feelings of insecurity in customers.
Direct and Indirect Costs
Property owners, together with municipal councils (and public taxpayers), bear substantial financial burden to eliminate graffiti from their properties and public facilities. The cleanup and maintenance of properties requires owners to spend (repeatedly), which is proving to be a costly ongoing commitment. The annual expense for municipal councils to clean public areas including parks, streets and government buildings, reaches substantial amounts.
The public funds used for graffiti removal could be redirected to fundamental public services like education, health and transport. Graffiti damage results in two types of important secondary and indirect expenses: tourism attraction, and local investment.
Legal Options for Artists
Melbourne holds the title of: ´Street Art Capital of Australia´ providing multiple legal locations for artists to showcase their work, while enriching the urban cultural atmosphere of the city.
Graffiti in Hosier Lane is considered illegal (by law), though authorities choose to overlook the offence, which gives artists freedom to work without risk of penalties. Hosier Lane has become a city district that embraces graffiti art with an open attitude and specific locations lack any empty spots for new ´tags´.
Melbourne Artists seeking lawful mural creation can accomplish this through the Melbourne Planning Scheme by obtaining consent from property owners. Street art in the city has experienced significant transformations in the terms and volume of artistic production due to these new regulations.
The following table contains essential resources for artists who want to produce legal street art in Melbourne:
| Description | Link/Contact | |
| Melbourne Planning Scheme | Provides information on regulations and permits required to create legal street art on private property. | Melbourne Planning Scheme |
| City of Melbourne—Public Art | You can obtain information about public art opportunities at this location | City of Melbourne – Public Art |
| Hosier Lane | Although technically notlegal, it is a tolerated space where artists can practice their art (note that your work may be covered quickly!). | Located opposite Federation Square |
| Street Art Festivals | Participate in street art festivals to connect with other artists and create legal works in designated spaces. | Look for local events on Melbourne art and culture websites |
| Community Art Organisations | Join community art organisations to find opportunities for collaboration and learn about legal art projects. | Search for local organisations in Melbourne |
Business owners and property managers who encounter illegal graffiti, please note you do not need to tackle this issue on your own. GraffitiGoneNow is dedicated to assisting customers in restoring their property’s aesthetic value through our expert graffiti removal solutions.
GraffitiGoneNow: Your Ally Against Graffiti
Street art is a vital part of cultural life existing throughout Melbourne. The creative exercise of graffiti needs to exist alongside both legal respect and proper reverence for the possessions of others.
The key to legal graffiti practice in Melbourne requires a full understanding of both illegitimate materials and their related penalties. Artists need to know these facts to avoid fines or any legal problems and business owners and property managers who encounter illegal graffiti, please note you do not need to tackle this issue on your own:
GraffitiGoneNow stands as the total solution for Melbourne; we are central in the fight against illegal graffiti. The company provides quick and expert graffiti removal services that help property owners and municipal councils maintain clean, attractive buildings and public areas.
Our team uses specialised products together with cutting edge techniques to eliminate graffiti while protecting the original surfaces to obtain lasting outcomes. Call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Graffiti Illegal in Australia?
Generally, yes. Graffiti is considered illegal in most Australian cities, including Melbourne, if it is done without the permission of the property owner.
What is considered an ´illegal graffiti tool´ in Melbourne?
Spray paint, oversized markers, etching tools, and any other object that can be used to mark or damage a surface, without permission.
Is owning graffiti tools enough to result in a fine when I am not actively engaged in creating graffiti?
The law in Melbourne allows authorities to impose fines for possessing graffiti tools without establishing a valid reason, regardless of whether someone has or hasn’t committed acts of graffiti.
What areas of Melbourne allow graffiti activities within the law?
The authorities show tolerance toward Hosier Lane yet this space remains officially illegal. The process of obtaining permits enables you to create murals on both private property and street art festivals.
What steps should I take when my property becomes a target of graffiti?
Contact GraffitiGoneNow to obtain professional, efficient and affordable graffiti removal services. Professional services from GraffitiGoneNow will assist you in recovering the beauty and market value of your property.