Maribyrnong Mayor Cr Pradeep Tiwari has stepped aside from his duties as mayor and councillor, after being charged with traffic offences, including dangerous driving.
The allegations relate to an incident last June before he was elected to council.
The Council said the mayor had stood down in accordance with Local Government Act requirements and while a legal process was underway.
It said it was a personal matter for Cr Tiwari and it would make no further comment at this time.
Cr Tiwari told the Star Weekly that he expected the matter to be resolved within weeks, not months, and that he hoped to return to his role before the end of his mayoral term in November.
Deputy Mayor Cr Bernadette Thomas will take on the role of Acting Mayor in the interim.