168 charges issued during compliance blitz targeting tow trucks on Ottawa roads

The sign outside Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (Aaron Reid/CTV News Ottawa)

More than 100 charges have been laid against several tow truck companies and drivers during a seven-week enforcement blitz in Ottawa.

The Ottawa Police Service says since Jan. 1, officers have been conducting checks to ensure operators, drivers and vehicle storage facilities are complying with the Towing and Safety Storage Enforcement Act, the Highway Traffic Act and the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.

A total of 168 charges have been laid against 29 companies and 47 drivers.

“The main goal of this operation was to keep the public safe and protect consumers by making sure tow truck operators and drivers followed the rules,” police said in a statement. “Key issues covered included showing information clearly, obtaining consent for services, and respecting inspection guidelines.”

The charges include providing services without consent to tow, failing to document consent to tow, failing to comply with a tow certificate, having an insecure load, defective brakes and having an inaccurate driver vehicle inspection report.

Police say 29 out of 62 companies checked were charged during the enforcement blitz.

“The towing enforcement team’s efforts demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding residents from unlawful towing activities,” Acting Insp. Dave Merkel said in a statement. “We will continue enforcing regulations that address public safety and accountability in the tow industry.”

Police said out of 16 yards checked, 13 were found non-compliant with the Towing and Safety Storage Enforcement Act, and four companies were charged in relation to what’s posted on their websites and social media feeds.

Police are reminding motorists to know their rights if they need a tow. According to the Ontario government’s website, your consent is required to tow your vehicle unless initiated by the police or authorized official and you can choose which company will tow your vehicle and where it will be towed.

As of Jan. 1, 2024, tow operators are required to have a certificate to operate in Ontario and show the name of the company and the certificate number on all their tow trucks, consent forms and invoices.

• Quebec tow truck driver charged with operating illegally in Ottawa, OPP says

Earlier this week, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said an Ottawa tow company and its owner were charged after officers discovered they were operating without a proper tow licence.

And on Monday, the OPP charged a Quebec tow truck driver for operating illegally in Ontario after stopping the vehicle on Hwy. 417 near Walkley Road.