New Tow Truck Licensing By-law now in effect

Thu, 16 Jan 2020

Know the rules. Know your rights.

Effective January 1, 2020, tow trucks and motor vehicle storage yards require a license to operate in Oakville. You can check the back of the tow truck for a Town of Oakville Licence plate and current sticker to ensure the company is licensed to operate in Oakville.

The tow truck licensing by-law will help ensure consumer protection and promote safety within the industry. The by-law will also regulate the fees charged when a vehicle is towed from private property without the owner’s consent.

Owners of private lots have the right to remove unauthorized vehicles parked on their property.

Please check for signage and regulations when parking your vehicle.

What you should know

Towing from private parking lots without vehicle owner’s consent:

• The entrance and exit to parking lots that use towing to enforce parking must have signage that states that parking is restricted to customers, clients, visitors, and guests and if the vehicle operator leaves the property, the vehicle may be towed at any time 24/7 at the operator’s expense.
• Vehicles towed from private parking lots must be towed to a motor vehicle storage yard within the boundaries of the Town of Oakville.
• Tow truck drivers must advise the Halton Regional Police Service prior to towing a vehicle from a private parking lot.
• The tow truck driver must release the vehicle once it has been lifted if the motorist returns to the parking lot before the vehicle is towed. The lifting fee applies.

Towing rates from private parking lots without vehicle owner’s consent (as of January 1, 2020):

• Maximum $150 per vehicle
• $75 lifting fee

Fees for storage (as of January 1, 2020):

• $70 per day for each 24-hour period a vehicle (under 4,500 kg) is stored
• $100 for inside storage for each 24-hour period (under 4,500 kg)

Storage fees start after the first 24 hours of storage.