Towing Industry Reforms

First stage of new Regulations commenced on 10 January 2025.

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 Perth and Peel. 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 the Department of Transport.

The banning of advertising, payment or receipt of spotter fees commenced immediately upon the passing of the Bill in October 2024. 

Regulations to support Stage 1 commenced on 10 January 2025. It is now an offence for towing service providers to:

• charge more than the prescribed maximum amount when towing or storing a light vehicle involved in a crash in the Perth and Peel regions;
• charge an amount that is unreasonable when towing or storing any vehicle involved in a crash outside of the Perth and Peel regions; 
• charge an amount that is unreasonable when towing or storing a heavy vehicle anywhere in the State;
• charge more than is reasonable for recovery towing.

The Regulations also introduced:   

• changes to the conduct, behaviour and obligations of towing workers when seeking the authority to tow a crashed vehicle, 
• safety standards, including personal protective equipment required by towing workers, 
• a ban on the display of logos or names of a public entity (such as Main Roads Western Australia), an insurance company, a roadside assistance provider or a vehicle repair service or vehicle hire service on a tow truck that is used for crash towing, and
• associated administrative and enforcement powers.

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, contingent 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.

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