Tow Truck Industry Updates

Recent activities by regulatory bodies underscore the importance of the tow truck industry operating safely, lawfully, and with integrity. For our members operating in or alongside the tow truck industry, this serves as a valuable reminder of compliance requirements and the importance of adhering to established standards.

Insights from Recent Compliance Operations

NSW Fair Trading's tow truck compliance team recently collaborated with the NSW Police Force and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) in Operation HAUL, conducted in Botany. This joint initiative involved intercepting 14 tow trucks and escorting them for detailed inspections at the NHVR Depot.

These inspections identified various areas for improvement, including:
- Missing essential equipment
- Lack of appropriate driver protective clothing
- Incomplete towing authorisation
- Mechanical issues identified through issued defects.

These proactive checks highlight key areas where operators can review their practices to ensure full compliance.

$159,480 Fine Issued for Non-Compliance with Licensing

A recent prosecution by NSW Fair Trading highlighted the critical importance of holding a valid tow truck licence. An individual was found guilty of 174 offences, resulting in a substantial financial penalty of $159,480 for operating a towing business without the necessary licence, despite having been deemed by NSW Fair Trading as not a fit and proper person to hold one.

This outcome represents the highest financial penalty a magistrate has ever issued for unlicensed towing.

What You Can Do to Help Ensure Compliance

We encourage all members involved with or contracting tow truck services to review and confirm:
- Current practices
- All necessary equipment is on board
- Drivers are appropriately equipped
- All towing authorisations are complete and accurate.
- Any tow truck operators you engage are properly licensed.