Here’s what you need to know about Ontario's new towing rules

Tow truck industry changes CTV's Peter Szperling reports on the new tow truck industry changes coming into effect in 2024.

A car break-down on the road can be stressful enough, but thankfully there are new rules in Ontario to help protect drivers against fraudulent towing companies.

Starting this month, the province becomes responsible for certifying tow operators, drivers and vehicle storage operators.

As part of the certification, tow truck drivers will have to meet certain training, insurance and vehicle safety standards—as well as get a criminal record check. It also means that these individuals will be exempt from municipal business licensing by-laws.

"This is a consumer thing that we desperately need. I really hope it works, it’s a long time coming," said the CEO of CAA Jeff Walker.

New customer rights will also be introduced that include providing consent to tow, choosing where a vehicle is towed, and rules surrounding accessing and paying for a vehicle.

Tow truck drivers, towing companies and vehicle storage providers must abide by a code of conduct and be certified to offer services in Ontario.

Here are some of the new rules that will protect consumers

As a consumer, you have rights related to:

Getting a tow

Tow operators are now required by law to:

Additionally, tow truck drivers must present a copy of their tow driver certificate upon request.

Consent to tow

Unless initiated by the police or authorized official (for example, if you are parked illegally), you have the right to:

Tow truck drivers and towing companies must do the following before moving your vehicle:

If the tow truck driver or towing company did not get your consent, they cannot charge you for towing services.

Once you give consent, they are not allowed to make changes to the agreement.

Towing your vehicle

Tow drivers must take:

You are allowed access to your vehicle

You or the person acting on behalf of the owner should be allowed to access the vehicle unless police direct you not to access the vehicle.

Rates and payment

The rates for towing or vehicle storage services must be given to you before providing services. Operators must also post their rates:

The towing or storage operator cannot charge you more than their maximum listed rates.

When paying, you have the right to:

After receiving your vehicle, the storage operator must take steps to inform you or the owner of:

The vehicle storage operator is allowed to give written notice:

Getting your vehicle back

After you make a request to get your vehicle back, the storage provider must make reasonable efforts to organize:

When the storage facility is not open for business, a storage provider may charge additional fees to access your vehicle outside of prescribed hours.

In most cases, if the storage lot operator does not notify you within 15 days after the day it receives your vehicle, the amount you have to pay will be limited to the cost of towing and storing your vehicle for that period.

The storage lot operator has a legal right to ask you for payment before giving you your vehicle back because they have a lien against your vehicle.

You can report a concern or file a complaint with the Ministry of Transportation by emailing [e-mail] if you have an issue/