Ontario Towing Laws: Your Rights Under the TSSEA

The Law That Governs Towing in Ontario

Towing in Ontario is governed by the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021 (TSSEA). It was introduced through Bill 282, the Moving Ontarians More Safely Act, 2021, and its customer protections took effect on January 1, 2024.

The TSSEA and its regulations set out certificate requirements, operator obligations and customer protections that apply to tow and vehicle storage operators across the province.

Certificates Are Mandatory

You need a certificate from the province to provide towing or vehicle storage services in Ontario. There are three types: a tow operator certificate, a tow truck driver certificate and a vehicle storage operator certificate.

Tow operators must display their legal name, operating name, email address, telephone number and a copy of their certificate in any premises open to the public and on any website or social media they maintain. You can also look up an operator and its maximum rates on the Ministry of Transportation's operator lookup.

Your Right to Choose — and the Tow Zone Exception

Outside the restricted highway tow zones, you have the right to:

Restricted tow zones are the exception. Sections of Highways 400, 401, 403, 404, 409, 410 and 427 and the QEW are in Ontario's Tow Zone Program, where only the ministry's contracted operator can tow vehicles off the highway. Once your vehicle is outside the zone, you can choose the next tow company and destination unless police direct otherwise.

Rates, Invoices and Payment

Tow operators submit their maximum rates to the Ministry of Transportation and must make them available to customers. Under the province's rules:

Disclosure of Interest

An operator cannot refer you to a repair shop, storage facility or other business without telling you whether they have an interest in it. Ask directly: "Do you have an interest in the shop you're recommending?"

Red Flags

How to Protect Yourself

1. Save a tow company's number before you need one

2. Ask for the maximum rate schedule before the tow begins

3. Never sign a blank or unread form

4. Ask whether the operator has an interest in the shop or storage yard they recommend

5. Check the certificate on the truck and on the operator's website

Official Sources

Rules and procedures change. Check the current guidance directly:

This article is general information about Ontario's towing rules, not legal advice.

Questions about a tow? Call Pixel Towing at 647-673-9755.