Alberta will implement new province-wide rules for towing and vehicle storage operators effective April 1.

Under the new regulations, tow truck drivers must clearly disclose all towing and storage fees and obtain customer consent before a tow begins. Exceptions will apply when towing occurs at the direction of law enforcement, a property owner, or another government authority.

Violations can result in fines ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, or up to two years in jail.

This, according to the government, is aimed at combating predatory towing with stricter consumer protection standards and tougher penalties for non-compliance. Predatory towing practices include towing vehicles without consent, withholding critical information from vehicle owners, and targeting emotionally vulnerable individuals at collision scenes.

“Predatory towing practices are unacceptable. These new rules send a clear message that operators who take advantage of Albertans in their time of need will be held accountable,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, in a news release. “Alberta drivers deserve confidence that when their vehicle needs to be towed, they will be treated fairly, consistently and with full transparency.”

The changes build on measures introduced last year, and follow consultations with industry representatives, law enforcement and consumer advocates. Until April 2025, the province has not had specific penalties to address such predatory towing practices at the provincial level. 

The Vehicle Towing and Storage Regulation sets new requirements for towing and storage businesses, including obtaining consumer consent, providing written cost estimates in advance, issuing itemized invoices, allowing free access to vehicles and personal belongings, using the most direct towing route, notifying consumers if a vehicle is moved, and maintaining records of services performed and consent obtained.

Angela Kemp, superintendent, operational support division at the Edmonton Police Service, said tougher enforcement is a welcome development. “The EPS welcomes regulations that set clear provincewide rules to protect drivers and impose penalties on violators. As the EPS continues to focus on traffic safety, we agree with a process for towing that prioritizes fairness, consistency and safety on our roadways,” she said.