Towing laws in Toronto have changed a lot over the past few years, and many drivers still don’t know what is legal, what isn’t, and what rights they actually have. If you’ve ever had your vehicle towed—or even worried about it—you know how stressful the situation can feel. A tow can cost money, disrupt plans, and leave you confused about whether the tow was even legal in the first place.
That’s why understanding towing laws in Toronto is so important. It protects you from unfair charges, illegal towing practices, and unlicensed operators who take advantage of drivers. With clear rules now in place under Ontario’s Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA), you have more protections than ever—but only if you know what they are.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about towing laws in Toronto, your rights as a consumer, how licensed tow truck operators work, what happens during an impound tow, and what steps you can take if something doesn’t feel right. The goal is simple: to give you the knowledge you need to stay protected and avoid unnecessary stress.
1. Legal Requirements for Tow Truck Operators in Toronto
Towing isn’t just about hooking a car and driving off. In Toronto—and across Ontario—tow truck operators must meet strict legal requirements before they can legally tow any vehicle. These rules protect the public from unsafe, untrained, or dishonest operators who may overcharge or even damage vehicles.
Licensing and Certification
Since the introduction of the TSSEA (Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act), every tow truck driver and towing business must be certified by the province of Ontario. This certification is not optional. To receive it, operators must complete background checks, carry proper insurance, and meet training and safety standards.
A legal tow truck must have:
- A valid provincial tow operator certificate
- Commercial insurance
- A properly licensed tow truck
- Tow company name and certificate number clearly displayed
- A “Consent to Tow” form ready to share with customers
If a tow truck can’t show these details, it should immediately raise a red flag.
What Tow Operators Need to Know
Tow operators must follow specific rules every time they respond to a call. These rules include:
- Getting written permission from the vehicle owner before towing (except in police-ordered or impound situations)
- Providing clear, upfront pricing
- Keeping a copy of the consent form on file
- Offering customers access to personal property inside a towed vehicle
- Giving an itemized invoice that breaks down every fee
These steps are designed to prevent surprise charges or unauthorized towing. A licensed operator knows exactly how to follow these rules and what paperwork must be completed before towing begins.
Regulatory Oversight in Toronto
Towing oversight in Toronto now falls under the provincial government. The City of Toronto still enforces parking bylaws and works with towing companies, but certification and safety standards are controlled by the province.
This shift makes things more consistent for drivers, as all towing in Ontario now follows the same laws.
2. Your Consumer Rights When It Comes to Towing
When your vehicle gets towed, you’re not powerless. Toronto drivers have strong legal protections that ensure fair treatment and transparent pricing. These rights were added to stop predatory towing and hidden fees—problems that used to be common across the city.
Your Right to Fair Pricing
One of the most important protections you have is the right to clear and fair prices. A licensed towing company must give you:
- A written estimate before the tow begins
- A breakdown of all services
- Clear disclosure of any extra charges
You also have the right to refuse the tow if the price doesn’t match the estimate.
This transparency is now mandatory under Ontario law. If a tow truck refuses to provide an estimate or tries to pressure you, you should not agree to the tow.
Your Right to Receive Information
After your tow, the company must give you:
- A detailed, itemized invoice
- Their certificate number
- The address of the storage location
- A copy of the consent-to-tow form
This paperwork protects you if you ever need to dispute a charge or report an issue.
Unlicensed Tow Trucks: A Hidden Danger
Unlicensed tow trucks still exist, and they often show up fast after an accident. These operators may:
- Overcharge
- Tow without consent
- Damage your vehicle
- Refuse to provide receipts
- Hold your car “hostage” until you pay inflated fees
Always confirm the operator’s certification before agreeing to anything.
3. What Happens During Impound Towing and How It Affects You
Impound towing is different from regular towing. These tows usually happen because of a violation or a safety issue, and the process can be stressful if you don’t know what to expect.
Legal Grounds for Impound Towing
Your vehicle may be impounded in Toronto for reasons such as:
- Parking in a no-parking zone
- Blocking fire routes or hydrants
- Parking without a permit
- Expired license plates
- Being abandoned
- Being involved in a police investigation
- Dangerous driving violations
In these cases, police or authorized officers can order the tow without your consent.
Consumer Protections for Impound Towing
Even if your car is impounded, you still have rights:
- You must receive information about where the vehicle was taken
- Fees must follow government-regulated maximums
- You have the right to access your personal belongings without paying the full towing fee
- You can challenge wrongful tows
Many drivers don’t know that fees for impound lots are regulated. Storage lots cannot charge random amounts or add hidden fees.
How to Retrieve Your Car from Impound
To get your car back, you’ll need:
- Government ID
- Proof of ownership
- Payment for towing and storage fees
Visit the impound lot during business hours and ask for an itemized invoice before paying. If the fee looks incorrect, you can dispute it with the city or provincial authorities.
4. Dispute Resolution: How Tow Truck Operators Handle Complaints
Sometimes a tow doesn’t go smoothly. You might feel the charges were unfair, the tow was unauthorized, or the operator didn’t follow the law. In these cases, you have clear steps you can follow.
How to File a Complaint Against a Towing Company
If you believe something was wrong, start by collecting:
- The towing company’s name
- Certificate number
- Invoice
- Location and time of the tow
- Photos of the scene, if possible
You can then file a complaint with:
- The towing company itself
- Consumer Protection Ontario
- Ontario Vehicle Storage Operators
- The police (if the tow was illegal or predatory)
How Tow Truck Operators Must Handle Disputes
Licensed towing companies must follow rules when handling complaints. They must:
- Review customer concerns
- Offer clear explanations of charges
- Provide pricing breakdowns
- Share documentation upon request
Ignoring complaints or refusing to provide paperwork is a violation.
How the City of Toronto Handles Disputes
Although the province oversees towing certification, Toronto still handles disputes involving:
- Parking enforcement
- Wrongful impound towing
- Street-by-street towing rules
- Fire route violations
You can contact the city directly if you think a tow was carried out incorrectly under municipal bylaws.
5. Why Choose a Licensed Tow Truck Company in Toronto
Choosing a licensed towing service isn’t just a safety decision—it’s a legal one. A certified operator protects your vehicle, your money, and your rights.
Legal Compliance
Licensed tow companies must follow provincial towing laws, which means:
- No unauthorized towing
- No inflated fees
- No hidden charges
- No towing without consent
- Proper safety standards
- Professional conduct
When a tow company follows the law, you avoid unnecessary stress, surprise bills, or disputes.
Quality Assurance
A licensed towing company is accountable to the government. If they break the rules, they can lose their certification. This pushes them to provide:
- Better customer service
- Fair pricing
- Safe handling of vehicles
- Honest communication
At Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto, you get a team that follows the law and treats every vehicle with care. From roadside assistance to impound towing, everything is done with transparency and professionalism.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Choose a Trusted Tow Truck Service
Understanding towing laws in Toronto helps you avoid scams, reduce stress, and make better decisions when your vehicle needs help. With the right knowledge, you can protect yourself from unfair charges, unlicensed operators, and illegal towing practices.
When you know your rights—like the need for written consent, clear pricing, and proper documentation—you’re far less likely to deal with a bad situation. The best way to stay protected is to choose a licensed and legal towing company that follows Toronto and Ontario regulations.
For legal, licensed, and reliable towing services in Toronto, contact Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto today. We ensure full compliance with towing laws, offering you peace of mind in every situation.
FAQs: Towing Laws in Toronto
1. What are my rights if my car gets towed in Toronto?
You have the right to clear pricing, a written estimate, and a detailed invoice. Tow operators must show their provincial certification and provide a consent form unless the tow is police-ordered. You can also access personal items in your vehicle without paying full fees.
2. How do I know if a tow truck in Toronto is licensed?
A licensed tow truck will display the company name and provincial certificate number. The driver must carry valid identification and provide a consent-to-tow form. If they refuse to show documentation or rush you, do not agree to the tow.
3. Can a tow truck tow my vehicle without my permission?
Yes, but only in specific cases like parking violations, blocking fire routes, expired plates, abandoned vehicles, or police-ordered removals. For all other situations, the operator needs your written consent before towing your car anywhere in Toronto.
4. What should I do if I think the towing fee is too high?
Ask for an itemized invoice and written breakdown of charges. Compare the fee with Ontario’s regulated maximum rates. If something seems off, you can dispute it with the towing company, Consumer Protection Ontario, or contact city authorities for review.
5. How do I retrieve my car from a Toronto impound lot?
Bring government ID, proof of ownership, and payment for towing and storage fees. Ask for an itemized invoice before paying. You can access personal belongings even if you can’t afford the full release fee yet, as this is required by law.
6. What happens if a tow truck damages my vehicle?
Licensed operators must carry proper insurance. If your vehicle is damaged during the tow, file a claim directly with the towing company and request documentation. If they refuse, you can escalate the issue to Consumer Protection Ontario or take legal action if needed.
7. Are towing prices regulated in Toronto?
Yes. Ontario sets maximum allowable towing and storage rates. Tow companies must give written estimates, explain charges clearly, and follow provincial pricing rules. If a company ignores these rules or adds hidden fees, you can dispute the charges with authorities.
8. Can I choose where my car is towed?
Absolutely. Unless the tow is ordered by police or a parking officer, you have the right to choose the destination. You can select any repair shop, your home, or another address. The operator must follow your instructions unless safety regulations prevent it.
9. What should I check before agreeing to a tow?
Confirm the operator’s certification, ask for a written estimate, review the consent form, and make sure the destination is listed correctly. Take photos of your car before towing to protect yourself from disputes over damage. These steps keep you safe and informed.
10. How do I file a complaint about a tow truck in Toronto?
Gather the invoice, consent form, operator details, and photos if available. Start by contacting the towing company. If the issue isn’t resolved, submit a complaint to Consumer Protection Ontario or report the matter to the City of Toronto for further review.