New measures are coming to protect Albertans and penalize bad actors in the tow truck industry who use high-pressure tactics to coerce drivers at collision scenes.
Alberta’s government has introduced new rules to crack down on predatory tow trucking practices. Previously, the province had no specific penalties to address this behaviour, such as towing vehicles without consent, not providing necessary information to vehicle owners and exploiting emotionally vulnerable individuals who have been involved in a collision. These changes will immediately target this dishonest behaviour by establishing a clear, provincewide standard for all tow truck drivers, ensuring better protection for Albertans.
Effective Aug. 8, these changes will establish a 200-metre exclusion radius around a collision scene prohibiting tow truck drivers or anyone directing tow trucks from pitching their services. Anyone who enters the exclusion zone without being invited to do so by select personnel will be subject to a $1,000 fine.
“The last thing someone needs after a collision is to be taken advantage of by aggressive tow truck operators charging excessive fees. These new rules will protect Albertans from unethical behaviour, give drivers more control in a stressful moment, and help reduce insurance costs caused by inflated towing bills.”
The new rules will empower drivers to understand their right to request information before choosing whether to accept or refuse towing services. By establishing a consistent, provincial response to predatory tow trucking driver behaviour, these changes will help mitigate rising insurance premiums resulting from excessive towing fees. While tow truck operators are now restricted from approaching collision scenes uninvited, drivers, police and emergency services personnel can still request towing services when needed.
“AMA strongly supports these new rules, which protect Albertans from being exploited during already stressful situations. Alberta’s towing industry has a long-standing reputation for trustworthiness and professionalism, and these clear regulations send a strong message that predatory practices have no place here. We look forward to continuing our work with government to help eliminate unethical behaviour in the industry.”
“Albertans have the right to select the towing company of their choice following a collision and should not feel pressured to immediately accept services offered at the scene. The EPS has made several arrests related to this predatory practice and are supportive of rules that offer those involved in collisions the space required to navigate an already taxing situation.”
Alberta’s government remains committed to working with industry partners to identify further solutions to prevent predatory tow trucking practices and protect drivers across the province.
Key Facts
- Drivers have reported being charged up to $2,500 for unrequested vehicle towing services.
- The cities of Edmonton and Calgary have previously introduced measures to address this behaviour.