Ontario Towing Laws 2026: Know Your Rights as a Driver
If you’ve ever been in an accident or breakdown in Ontario, you’ve probably wondered: who’s allowed to tow my car? Can they charge whatever they want? Do I have to use the tow truck that shows up first? The good news is that Ontario towing laws have changed dramatically since the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) came into force on January 1, 2024. This legislation replaced the old patchwork of municipal rules with province-wide regulations designed to protect drivers from predatory towing, price gouging, and fraud. This guide breaks down every right you have as a consumer under the TSSEA in 2026 — including consent rules, maximum rates, complaint procedures, and what to do if a tow operator violates the law.
⚡ Quick Answer — Your Core Rights Under the TSSEA
- You choose the tow company — unless directed by police
- You choose the destination — the driver cannot take your car somewhere you didn’t agree to
- Written consent required — before any towing begins
- Itemized invoice required — before payment is requested
- Maximum rates are regulated — operators cannot exceed their filed rates
- You can file a complaint — with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO)
Need a TSSEA-compliant tow? (289) 430-5168 — licensed, transparent, 24/7
What Is the TSSEA?
The Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021 (TSSEA) is Ontario’s provincial law governing all towing and vehicle storage services. It was introduced to replace the inconsistent patchwork of municipal bylaws that previously regulated the industry — bylaws that covered only about 20 municipalities and left the rest of the province essentially unregulated.
The legislation was driven by serious problems in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), where predatory towing had escalated to include turf wars, arson, and even shootings between competing operators. The province responded with a comprehensive framework that requires provincial licensing, criminal background checks, rate transparency, consumer consent, and a formal complaint process overseen by the Ministry of Transportation.
The TSSEA was rolled out in three phases:
Phase 1 — CVOR Requirements
All tow operators brought under Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR), same as over-the-road commercial vehicles.
Phase 2 — Certification Opens
Tow operators, storage operators, and drivers required to apply for provincial certificates. Criminal background checks (CRJMC) mandated.
Phase 3 — Full Consumer Protection
All consumer protection measures in effect: consent forms, itemized invoices, maximum rate schedules, code of conduct, complaint process. All tow and storage operators must be certified.
Driver Certification Deadline
All tow truck drivers must hold a valid provincial tow driver’s certificate. Drivers must carry and present their certificate upon request.
Regulatory Amendments
Updated rate structure, improved consent procedures, new record-keeping requirements. Updated Maximum Rate Schedules took effect November 2025. Certificate fees frozen until July 1, 2026.
Your Rights as a Consumer Under the TSSEA
Whether you’ve been in an accident, your car has broken down, or your vehicle was towed from private property, you have specific legal protections under Ontario towing laws. Here are the rights that matter most:
You decide who tows your vehicle and where it goes — unless law enforcement directs otherwise (such as in a restricted tow zone). No one at the scene can pressure you into using a specific operator. If a tow truck shows up uninvited at an accident scene, you have zero obligation to use them.
A tow truck driver must obtain your signed authorization on a “Consent to Tow” form before hooking up your vehicle. Without your written consent, they cannot legally tow your car and cannot charge you. Never sign a blank form — always read the document completely before signing. This consent requirement does not apply to membership-based roadside assistance services (like CAA).
You can request a free written estimate before any work begins. You must receive an itemized invoice before the operator asks for payment, and a proper receipt when you pay. Operators cannot charge more than their Maximum Rate Schedule filed with the MTO — you can verify these rates online through the Government of Ontario’s published rates portal.
Tow operators must accept multiple forms of payment — credit, debit, and contactless payment. They cannot insist on cash only. A cash-only demand is a red flag that the operator may not be properly licensed.
Every tow truck must display the operator’s legal name and TSSEA certificate number on the vehicle. Every driver must carry both the operator’s certificate and their personal driver certificate. You have the right to ask to see copies of both. If a truck has no visible operator number, that is a major red flag — the operator may be unlicensed.
If your vehicle is at a storage facility, you have the right to access it and retrieve personal items during business hours or at a pre-arranged time, free of charge — unless police have directed otherwise.
The driver must tow your vehicle using the most direct route to the location you specified. If your vehicle is taken to a different location, you must be notified. Running up distance to inflate the bill is a violation of the TSSEA.
What Tow Operators Are Required to Do
The TSSEA imposes a detailed code of conduct on all tow operators, drivers, and vehicle storage operators. Understanding these obligations helps you recognize when an operator is — or isn’t — following the law:
Fully Licensed. Fully Transparent.
TSSEA certified · Written estimates on every call · No surprise fees · 24/7 dispatch
Restricted Tow Zones: When You Can’t Choose Your Operator
There is one important exception to your right to choose a tow company: restricted tow zones. These exist on certain 400-series highways in the GTA where police or the MTO may dispatch a specific authorized tow operator for safety and traffic flow reasons.
In a restricted zone, the assigned operator will move your vehicle to the nearest safe location. From there, you regain full control — you can choose your own tow company to take the vehicle to its final destination (home, body shop, storage, etc.). For 24-hour towing on the QEW, Highway 403, or Highway 407 near Oakville, call us and we’ll meet you at the drop location.
💡 Pro Tip: If police on a 400-series highway direct an operator to move your vehicle, you can call CAA at 511 or your preferred tow company to meet you at the secondary location. Keep a tow truck’s number saved in your phone — having (289) 430-5168 ready means you won’t be scrambling to find a trusted operator under stress.
How to Spot a TSSEA Violation
Knowing your rights is only useful if you can recognize when they’re being violated. Watch for these behaviours — each one is a violation of Ontario towing laws under the TSSEA:
🚩 Red Flags — All TSSEA Violations
- They arrive at the scene without being called — Chasing or soliciting at collision scenes is illegal under the TSSEA and the Highway Traffic Act.
- They hook up before you sign anything — Unauthorized hookup means they cannot legally charge you.
- They won’t show you a certificate — Both the operator and driver certificates must be available on request.
- No operator name or number on the truck — TSSEA requires visible identification. A blank truck is an unlicensed truck.
- They pressure you to use a specific body shop — Unsolicited referrals to repair shops are explicitly prohibited.
- They demand cash only — Multiple payment methods must be accepted.
- They won’t provide an itemized invoice — An invoice must be presented before payment is requested.
- They take your car somewhere you didn’t agree to — Unauthorized diversion is a violation. You must be notified if the destination changes.
- They refuse to let you access personal belongings — Storage operators must allow access during business hours at no charge.
For practical tips on choosing a reputable operator, read our guide to choosing the right tow truck company.
How to File a Complaint Against a Tow Operator
If you believe a tow operator or driver has violated the TSSEA, you can file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Transportation. Here’s how:
- Collect your evidence: Gather photos (truck, damage, scene), invoices, consent forms, dashcam footage, the operator’s name, CVOR number, certificate number, and any written correspondence.
- Check the operator’s rates online: Use the Government of Ontario’s published rates portal to compare what you were charged against the operator’s filed maximum rates.
- Submit your complaint: File through the MTO’s online complaint portal on the Ontario.ca website. You’ll need the operator’s identifying information and your supporting evidence.
- Follow up: The Director of Towing and Vehicle Storage Standards has the authority to investigate, issue warnings, impose conditions on a certificate, or suspend/cancel a certificate entirely.
TSSEA violations can be enforced by police, appointed TSSEA inspectors, and MTO enforcement officers. Penalties can include fines, licence conditions, suspension, or permanent cancellation of the operator’s or driver’s certificate.
MTO Contact for Towing Questions:
Ministry of Transportation — Commercial Safety and Compliance Branch
301 St. Paul Street, 3rd Floor, St. Catharines, ON
Visit: ontario.ca/page/towing-and-vehicle-storage-requirements
How the TSSEA Affects Your Insurance Claim
One of the most significant changes under the TSSEA is how it interacts with auto insurance. The new regulations allow your insurance representative to engage directly with towing and storage operators on your behalf. Specifically, your insurer can now consent to towing services, access your vehicle at a storage facility, and request its release — all without you needing to be physically present.
This change was designed to speed up the claims process and reduce the storage fees that accumulate while waiting for an adjuster. If you’re in an accident and your car needs to go to a body shop, call your insurer early — they can now work directly with the tow and storage operator to move your vehicle faster.
If your vehicle has been in a collision, visit our What to Do After a Car Accident in Oakville guide for a complete walkthrough, including insurance notification steps. For pricing information, see our 2026 Towing Cost Guide.
TSSEA-Compliant Towing Service Areas
Towing Oakville is fully licensed and certified under the TSSEA. We provide written estimates on every call, carry both operator and driver certificates, accept all payment methods, and comply with all Maximum Rate Schedule requirements. We serve the entire Halton Region and surrounding GTA:
View our full service area map or learn more about why Oakville drivers trust us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario Towing Laws
What is the TSSEA in Ontario?
The Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021 (TSSEA) is Ontario’s provincial law that regulates all towing and vehicle storage services. It replaced the old patchwork of municipal bylaws with uniform province-wide rules covering certification, consumer consent, rate transparency, and enforcement. It has been fully in effect since January 1, 2024.
Can I choose my own tow truck company after an accident?
Yes. Under the TSSEA, you have the legal right to choose which company tows your vehicle and where it goes — unless police direct otherwise (such as in a restricted tow zone on a 400-series highway). No one can pressure you into using a specific operator.
Is it legal for a tow truck to show up at an accident without being called?
No. Soliciting or chasing at or near collision scenes is illegal under both the TSSEA and the Highway Traffic Act. If a tow truck arrives at your accident without being called, you have no obligation to use them. Remain in your vehicle and call your own tow company.
Do tow truck operators have to give me a written estimate?
Yes. You have the right to a free estimate for towing and storage services. Additionally, operators must provide an itemized invoice before requesting payment and a receipt when you pay. They cannot charge more than their maximum rates filed with the MTO.
What are the maximum towing rates in Ontario?
Each tow operator files their Maximum Rate Schedule with the MTO, and rates were updated in November 2025. Operators cannot charge more than their filed maximum. You can verify any operator’s published rates through the Government of Ontario’s online portal before or after receiving service.
Can a tow truck driver recommend a body shop?
Not unless you ask. Under the TSSEA, tow operators and drivers are prohibited from offering unsolicited referrals to repair shops, medical services, or legal services. If you request a recommendation, they must disclose any financial interest they have in the business they refer you to.
How do I check if a tow company is licensed in Ontario?
Look for the operator’s name and TSSEA certificate number displayed on the tow truck. You can also ask the driver to show their personal driver certificate. To verify their status and rates, use the Government of Ontario’s online verification portal. An operator without visible identification is likely not licensed.
Can they tow my car without my permission?
In most cases, no. Written consent is required before towing. The exceptions are when police order the tow (e.g., vehicle is blocking traffic, involved in a crime, or impounded), when a municipality authorizes removal of an illegally parked vehicle, or when operating under a membership-based roadside assistance agreement.
What happens if the storage lot doesn’t notify me within 15 days?
If the storage lot operator does not notify you within 15 days of receiving your vehicle, the amount you owe may be limited to the cost of towing and storage for that 15-day period. This rule exists to prevent operators from quietly accumulating storage charges without your knowledge.
Where do I report a tow truck that violated my rights?
File a complaint with the Ministry of Transportation through the online complaint portal on the Ontario.ca website. Provide the operator’s name, certificate number, photos, invoices, and any other evidence. The MTO’s Director of Towing has the authority to investigate, suspend, or cancel certificates. You can also contact the MTO’s Commercial Safety and Compliance Branch directly.
TSSEA-Compliant Towing You Can Trust
Licensed · Certified · Written estimates · No surprise fees · 24/7
Serving Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Mississauga, Hamilton & surrounding GTA