Halton police offer tips about tow trucks to drivers in Milton, Oakville, Burlington

Every February, Halton police take the opportunity to remind drivers in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills about their rights regarding tow trucks.

“Towbruary is back,” tweeted the police’s official social media accout. “This is our annual Tow Education and Enforcement campaign. Been in a collision? You have the right to refuse the services of the first (or any) tow truck on scene & use a Halton Police pre-approved rotational tow instead.”

Police know being in a collision can be stressful and want to make sure you know your towing options and rights beforehand.

Halton officers respond to collisions when any involved vehicle requires a tow truck.

As the registered owner and/or driver of a vehicle involved in a motor vehicle collision, you:

• Have the right to have your vehicle towed by the towing company of your choice
• Have the right to have your vehicle towed to the location of your choice.

If you are involved in a MVC, you have several towing options.

If the response time of the towing company is reasonable, you can use the towing company of your choice. This includes agencies such as CAA that have their own authorized towing companies.

The HRPS has authorized a number of towing companies to tow vehicles involved in collisions, which can be requested through the officer on scene. These companies are assigned on a rotational basis and adhere to strict conditions set out by the HRPS.

If you are unable to determine the type of tow due to injury or arrest, your vehicle will be seized and towed to a secure compound by an authorized HRPS towing company. You will be issued a vehicle release slip to retrieve your vehicle at a later time.

If your motor vehicle was towed to an authorized tow company compound, including as a result of a bylaw infraction:

• Obtain the release slip from the police station in the District from which your vehicle was towed.
• Take the release slip to the tow company compound.
• Present the release slip and pay the towing charges and storage fees.
• Your car will be released to you.

The rates set for towing were part of a tendering process in conjunction with the Region of Halton. Check with your towing company for exact rates and costs.