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Towing Industry Reforms
Access information about towing for consumers and industry, including towing industry reforms, how to licence tow trucks, technical standards, the Authority to Tow declaration, towing from private parking and consumer advice for drivers.
Spotter Fees have been banned.
In 2022, the Ministers for Transport and Commerce announced the Government’s intention to reform the towing industry to protect people involved in traffic accidents and combat bad behaviour and price gouging.
On 8 August 2024, the Towing Services Bill 2024 was introduced into State Parliament, and on 22 October 2024, the Western Australian Parliament passed the Bill to give effect to the Government’s commitment to reform the WA crash towing industry.
The Towing Services Act 2024 will commence in stages to introduce the following key elements:
- The banning of advertising, payment or receipt of spotter fees across the State.
- Price regulation to establish maximum charges for the towing and storage of light vehicles involved in a crash in the Perth and Peel regions. Reasonable charges for crash towing and storage will be required elsewhere in the State and for all vehicle types.
- Safety standards for towing workers and towing service providers who provide crash towing services across the State.
- Occupational authorisations for towing workers and towing service providers who provide crash towing services, including fit and proper character provisions across the State.
- Establishment of penalties and legal sanctions, including enforcement capabilities and powers for DoT.
These elements will be introduced in stages with the banning of advertising, payment or receipt of spotter fees, commencing first.
Regulations are currently being drafted to support Stage 1 which will see the introduction of:
- maximum charges for the towing and storage of light vehicles involved in a crash in the Perth and Peel regions, including requirements that charges for crash towing and storage elsewhere in the State and for all vehicle types must be reasonable;
- changes to the conduct and obligations of towing workers when seeking the authority to tow a crashed vehicle, including adherence to safety standards, and set maximum charges;
- associated administrative and enforcement powers will also commence in Stage 1; and
- Personal protection equipment for towing workers standards.
Stage 2 and 3, will introduce occupational authorisations for towing workers and towing service providers who provide crash towing services. It is anticipated that Stages 2 and 3 will commence in 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 respectively, dependant on the development of supporting systems.
If you would like further information on the reforms or updates as they progress, please sign up using the form below.