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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.
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.
The Towing Services Bill 2024 (the Bill) was introduced into State Parliament on 8 August 2024, to give effect to the Government’s commitment to provide a safe, fair and efficient towing industry for WA by regulating towing workers and towing businesses that provide crash towing services.
The Bill, once passed, will reform the crash towing industry by introducing the following elements:
- Price regulation to establish maximum charges for the towing and storage of light vehicles involved in a crash in the Perth and Peel regions, with the ability to expand to other regions or forms of towing if required.
- Safety standards for towing workers and towing service providers who provide crash towing services across the State.
- The banning of advertising, or payment of spotter’s fees across the State.
- Occupational authorisation 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 the Department of Transport.
The regulation of the crash towing industry will commence in stages, with the banning of spotting fees commencing as soon as the Bill receives Royal Assent.
Stage 1, which is anticipated to commence before the end of 2024, will see the introduction of price regulation to set the maximum towing and storage charges that can be imposed when a light vehicle is towed from a crash in the Perth and Peel regions, along with changes to the conduct and obligations of a towing worker 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.
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 complete the form here.