Accidents happen – but that doesn’t mean you should be dealing with confusing or excessive towing charges. Getting a reliable tow truck and towing service should be simple, even during a breakdown.
As of January 10, 2025, the rules for crash towing in Western Australia have undergone significant changes, introducing stricter guidelines governing crash towing costs and conduct. For motorists in need of emergency roadside service, this means fewer unethical practices and a higher level of consumer protection.
The New Price Cap
The most significant benefit for drivers in WA is the introduction of a new price cap for vehicle crash towing. Under the Towing Regulations 2025 (WA), the cost of the first tow of a light vehicle or motorcycle from within a 2km radius of a crash site in Perth or Peel is limited to a maximum of $485 (including GST). This regulated price includes the first 50 km of travel to your destination, with an additional charge of $4.40 for every kilometre after. A one-off after-hours surcharge of $138 is also applicable in certain situations, including weekends, public holidays, and between 5 pm and 8 am on weekdays. This new cap ultimately aims to provide clarity and eliminate ambiguity in the event of a stressful accident or breakdown.
Authority to Tow
The Authority to Tow form is another crucial regulation introduced to enhance consumer protection. Before any vehicle can be towed by a tow truck, the towing service provider must provide an Authority to Tow form that reinforces the legal guarantee of transparency and disclosure of the maximum cost of the tow, including any regulated surcharges. The Authority to Tow form must always be signed by the relevant person for the vehicle, as well as the towing operator who obtains the authority to tow. It must also explicitly include the time and date when the authority to tow is signed, the place from which the vehicle is authorised to be towed, and the address of the place to which the vehicle is authorised to be towed.
Additionally, all tow truck vehicles must be fitted with dash cameras, providing an evident record of the service from start to finish. This mandatory paperwork and regulation ensure confidence and reliability from all parties involved in the towing or breakdown situation.
Our Commitment to You
At Northern Suburbs Towing, we take pride in our full compliance with regulations and professionalism in every tow service we provide. The implementation of the new Towing Regulations simply formalises the ethical standards and fair pricing that we have always aimed to give our customers.
A breakdown is already a high-stress situation. By choosing Northern Suburbs Towing, you are choosing a towing partner who is here for you 24 hours, 7 days a week. Our team is trained to handle your emergencies with efficiency and complete adherence to all legal requirements. If you’re in the Perth or Peel area and require a tow truck or towing service, contact us for a regulated and stress-free emergency roadside service that ensures you get the protection you deserve after a breakdown or crash.