Following amendments to road traffic laws WA’s tow truck drivers will soon be required to declare the maximum fees that will be charged for the towing, salvage, and storage of a vehicle before the vehicle is towed.
The changes to the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 which come into force on Monday (7 November), have been adopted as part of continuing reforms in the tow truck industry, aimed at introducing consumer protections for vulnerable road users involved in an accident.
The amendments require that a maximum fee must be displayed on the written statement a tow truck driver provides to the person authorising the tow.
The amendments also prohibit the charging of any additional fees other than for the towing, salvage, or storage of a vehicle from the scene of an accident.
In a statement, the Department of Transport reminded drivers that they have the right to refuse a tow from the scene of an accident if the maximum fees to be charged have not been disclosed, or if they are asked to sign a statement that has not been completed in full by the tow truck driver.
“Tow truck technical standards have also been brought up to date to reflect current industry practices and contemporary vehicle standards,” the statement said.
“From Monday, tow trucks will be required to meet these updated technical standards before a vehicle licence can be granted.”
The Department said it would allow the industry time to ensure that currently licensed tow trucks could meet the updated technical standards.
“As a result, 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,” the statement said.
The Department said it was now in the process of developing a second tranche of tow truck industry reforms, which would further strengthen protections for consumers.
