Know your rights
Tow trucks that offer themselves for hire to the public must follow the City’s Tow Truck Licensing By-law. The by-law sets out requirements for the equipment being carried on a tow truck, the behaviour of drivers at the scene of an accident and the rates they may charge for towing a passenger vehicle.
At the scene of an accident:
- You have the right to choose which tow truck provider you use
- You have the right to choose where you want your vehicle towed to, unless told otherwise by emergency personnel on scene. Tow truck drivers are not emergency personnel.
- The only document you should sign is the Permission to Tow a Vehicle form. This form does not commit you to having any work done on your vehicle other than having it towed.
- Tow truck drivers are required to accept multiple forms of payment, including cash, debit and credit
- The tow truck driver must provide you with an itemized bill of services before demanding payment
- The cost of a collision-related tow for a passenger vehicle is $400 plus HST or $750 plus HST if the trip requires a stop at a Collision Reporting Centre
- Additional fees can only be applied for towing outside of Mississauga
What to do at the scene of a collision
You should discuss what measures should be taken in the event of a collision with anyone who will be driving your vehicle.
- Take photos of any damage
- Read the Permission to Tow a Vehicle form before you sign. Don’t sign anything you haven’t read or don’t understand.
- Look for the City of Mississauga licence plate in the rear window of the tow truck
- Record all names and licence plate numbers
- Keep track of dates, times and locations
- Take your personal belongings with you
- Know beforehand which tow truck company you will use to tow your vehicle
For more information, contact us at mobile.licensing@mississauga.ca or call 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits).