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Ontario's towing laws: What you need to know as a CAA Member

Do you know your rights when getting your vehicle towed? Be aware of the risks associated with allowing non-CAA tow truck operators to provide you with roadside assistance. Get familiar with your rights as a motorist and remember: the best way to protect yourself is with your CAA Membership!

Why is the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) important?

The towing industry has been marred by disreputable actors attempting to take advantage of consumers in vulnerable places during times of stress.  

Oftentimes, they have taken vehicles hostage when drivers have broken down on the highway, used inappropriate tactics to take them, misrepresented themselves as CAA contract drivers, or demanded inflated fees to release vehicles. 

Important information for CAA Members about the TSSEA 

For more than a decade, CAA clubs in Ontario have been actively engaging with stakeholders and government officials to work toward provincial regulation of the towing industry. 

As of January 1, 2024, Ontario has new new TSSEA rules. CAA is operating in compliance with the new rules, and you will still receive the same services you have come to know and trust.

What you can expect under the new rules regulating towing and storage in Ontario:

  • You have the right to decide who can tow your vehicle and to what location unless otherwise directed by police. 
  • Every tow truck operator and vehicle storage operator (company owner) must have a Certificate to offer services in the province of Ontario. Every tow truck must clearly display their name and TSSEA certificate number on the truck. You have the right to see a copy of the certificate, either a physical or digital copy.  
  • Tow truck drivers must obtain written consent before they tow your vehicle. Without a signed agreement, (Consent to Tow form), the tow operator cannot charge for towing services. (NOTE: Exemption from towing consent for membership-type or roadside assistance contract).  
  • You must be provided with an itemized invoice before requesting payment and a proper receipt upon payment. (NOTE: Exemption from invoicing for services covered under membership-type or roadside assistance contract). The same is true for vehicle storage. 
  • Rates cannot exceed the maximum rates published with the Ministry of Transportation.  
  • Referrals to a business, facility, or person can only be given if requested. Tow truck drivers and operators must disclose any benefit they receive for providing referrals to a person, business, or facility.  
  • Multiple payment methods (cash, cheque, credit card, debit) must be accepted. 
  • Towed vehicles must be transported along the most direct route. The vehicle owner must be notified by the tow operator or tow truck driver if taken to a different location from the one the vehicle owner specified. 
  • The customer must be allowed to retrieve personal property from towed vehicles at no charge. Storage operators must allow authorized persons access to retrieve personal items from vehicles during business hours or prearranged times at no charge. 
  • Tow operators must ensure every driver employed obeys the TSSEA regulations and the Highway Traffic Act and its regulations. 
  • Consumers will be able to register complaints with MTO’s towing office through an online portal, which will be posted on the Ontario.ca website. The Director of Towing will have the authority to issue, suspend, or cancel a tow truck operator and vehicle storage operator certificate, including conditions to a certificate. Offenses can be enforced by police, appointed TSSEA Inspectors, and MTO Enforcement Officers. 

For more detailed information, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/21t26