More rules to curb predatory towing coming to Alberta on April 1

The Alberta government is out with new rules aiming to crack down on predatory tow trucks in the province.

Starting April 1, tow truck drivers will be required to clearly communicate all towing and storage costs and obtain consent before towing begins.

The province says those who break the new rules can face penalties ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, or up to two years in jail.

While consent is generally required, exceptions of the new rules will apply when towing is arranged at the direction of law enforcement, a property owners, or another government authority.

“Predatory towing practices are unacceptable. These new rules send a clear message that operators who take advantage of Albertans in their time of need will be held accountable,” said Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dally Nally said. “Alberta drivers deserve confidence that when their vehicle needs to be towed, they will be treated fairly, consistently and with full transparency.”

According to the province, these new rules will empower better Albertans with a better understanding of their rights before and after receiving towing services.

Confidence in the marketplace will also be increased through consistent towing practices, it adds.

These new rules built onto those introduced in August, which introduced 200-metre exclusion zones around crash sites and fines for those who violate them.

Other new rules that will begin in April will mandate the use of the most direct route for towing and require itemized invoices with detailed descriptions of services rendered.