If you’re running a tow truck business, you may be impacted by new industry regulations, which will come into effect from 7 November 2022.
New requirements for tow truck businesses
There are three key requirements that will need to be met:
- Tow truck drivers must disclose the maximum fees that will be charged for the towing or storage of a vehicle from the scene of an accident.
- Tow truck drivers cannot charge additional fees that were not disclosed.
- New technical standards and inspection requirements for tow trucks must be met.
New technical standards
From 7 November 2022, tow trucks will need to meet updated technical standards before a vehicle licence can be granted. These standards are focused on improving the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles.
Visit the Department of Transport website to find out more about the new technical standards.
To allow the industry time to ensure that currently licensed tow trucks can meet the updated technical standards, the requirement for tow trucks to be inspected annually will not commence until 7 November 2023. After this date, all tow trucks will require an inspection before a licence can be renewed, and annually thereafter.
Consumers’ rights around refusing a tow
Drivers at the scene of an accident have the right to refuse tow truck services if:
- the maximum fees to be charged have not been disclosed on the tow truck driver's statement
- they are asked to sign a statement that has not been completed in full by the tow truck driver
The State Government is also developing a second round of tow truck industry reforms, which will further strengthen protections for consumers.
Visit the Consumer Protection website for more information on consumer rights for vehicle towing.
Why are these changes taking place?
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety conducted a review of the tow truck industry which looked at problems in the industry and the options for introducing regulations. The reformed introduced are in response to the findings of their consultation with stakeholders.
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