Changes to QLD Tow truck laws effective 16th April 2018

In response to rising public concern about the towing of vehicles from private property parking areas, in 2017 the Queensland Government commissioned an independent investigation into the tow truck and vehicle removal industry.  All 22 recommendations made by the independent investigation were accepted and amendments made to the Tow Truck Act 1973 and Tow Truck Regulation 2009. From 16 April 2018 all private property towing in regulated areas of Queensland must be performed by accredited drivers and assistants using licensed tow trucks.  Drivers and assistants must be employed by licensed tow truck operators. 

The Act provides for the licensing/certification of:

• • Tow truck drivers (tow truck certificate holders) —authority to drive/operate a tow truck.
  • Tow truck assistants (assistant certificate holders)—authority to be employed on or in connection with a tow truck. The tow truck assistant is not authorised to drive a tow truck.
  • Tow truck licence holders—authority to operate a tow truck business.
  • Tow truck vehicle licences—licensed tow truck/s operating in regulated areas in accordance with scheme requirements.

The main purpose of licensing/certifying tow truck licence holders and drivers (including assistants) is to regulate and control the:

• • towing of damaged vehicles from the scene of an incident
  • towing of vehicles seized by police
  • towing of vehicles parked on private property
  • subsequent handling and storage of those vehicles
  • holding of property found in the vehicle, in safe custody, until it can be returned to the vehicle owner
  • maximum fees that may be charged.

The scheme does not regulate vehicle breakdown towing or trade towing.

Find out more information here.
Source – Queensland Government, Department of Transport and Main Roads

13 Apr 2018