Welcome to Issue 33 of Crash Towing Industry News.

This week’s newsletter highlights the following topics:

• Applying for a DoTDirect business account
• Feedback to industry towing business authorisation questions

Applying for a DoTDirect business account:

To apply for towing business authorisation, you must have a DoTDirect account. The good news is you can get ready now for your towing business authorisation application by setting up your DoTDirect account.

The required account type depends on your business structure:

• Company or incorporated body: You must already have a DoTDirect personal account and then register for a DoTDirect organisation account.
• Sole trader, partnership or trusts: These types of businesses must also have a DoTDirect organisation account, but this is managed under different processes. Details for this process will be provided in the next edition of the Crash Towing Industry News.

You will be able to access the towing business authorisation application in DoTDirect from 1 July 2026. Please note that the application will not be visible in DoTDirect until 1 July 2026. 

More information on setting up an individual DoTDirect account is available. Should you need further assistance with DoTDirect, please contact DTMI’s Customer Contact Centre on 13 11 56 (not to be contacted for information on towing business authorisations).

Feedback to industry towing business authorisation questions:

1. Why do I need a storage yard to be an authorised towing business?

The requirement for a storage yard provides several important benefits:

• It establishes a consistent, industry-wide standard for the safe and secure storage of customer vehicles. This helps ensure the community can have confidence that authorised towing business will store their vehicle appropriately.
• It prevents the use of unregulated or unsuitable locations for vehicle storage, ensuring that vehicles involved in crashes are stored in appropriate, approved facilities.
• It improves visibility and accountability of towing businesses. Previously, vehicles were often towed to unknown locations and customers were unable to locate or contact the towing provider. Having an approved storage yard as a fixed place of business ensures the towing operator is identifiable, accessible, and contactable.
• It supports effective regulation by the Towing Governance and Regulation (TG&R) team. A fixed location allows for the proper storage and inspection of records, verification of stored vehicles, and checks to ensure tow trucks and operations comply with the Towing Services Act 2024 (the Act).

2. What kind of insurance can I get for my storage yard?

Motor trades policies (e.g. mechanics) typically provide liability cover for damage to or loss of vehicles and personal effects while in the policyholder’s custody on their premises. DTMI understands that a range of authorised insurers in Western Australia offer these policies, and that they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual policyholders.

3. Can I share a yard with another business?

A storage yard must remain under the exclusive possession and control of the authorised towing business. Shared yards may be approved only if the towing business area is fully separated, with compliant fencing and controlled access points, in line with the Regulations and the Storage Yard Authorisation Details form.

If a shared entry allows unrestricted access by non-employees, the yard cannot be approved. However, a shared general entry may be acceptable where the storage yard itself has a separate, secure access point (e.g. an internal gate) and meets all other required standards.

4. I have CCTV but it is owned by the landlord, can I use this CCTV for a storage yard approval?

There are no provisions in the Act and the Regulations which require a CCTV system to be owned by an authorised towing business. However, an authorised business must demonstrate:

• That any CCTV covering the storage yard must be accessible to the authorised towing business without restriction from the landlord.
• The storage yard must remain solely in the possession and control of the authorised towing business, and not the landlord.

5. Do I need to remain contactable for 30 minutes after delivering a crashed vehicle to a storage yard?

The Regulations require that an individual be contactable at all times when the vehicle is being towed and for at least 30 minutes after the vehicle arrives at the place to which it is authorised to be towed. This is to allow the customer to seek updated details concerning their vehicle.

Responsibility for responding can be assigned to any staff member with access to the relevant information, including the towing worker. Each towing business should determine the most appropriate way to meet this requirement based on its operating model.

6. Can I use a solar-powered or standalone CCTV system?

The Act and Regulations do not prohibit temporary or solar-powered CCTV. However, the system should be secured from easy removal and provide effective and continuous security. Approval will be based on whether the system meets the required security standard, rather than whether it is a permanent installation.

7. What should I do with electric vehicle (EV) storage?

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises that damaged EVs should be stored at least 15 metres away from other vehicles and buildings, due to the risk of thermal runaway (battery fires). As the subject matter experts, DFES is the appropriate agency to contact for further guidance.

There are no provisions in the Act or the Regulations to allow towing operators to charge higher fees for the towing or storage of EVs. DTMI will continue to monitor this evolving technology in line with expert advice from DFES.

Where do I find more information to prepare for towing business authorisations?

The ‘Preparing for Towing Business Authorisation’ guide provides detailed information on how to get ready to apply and is available on the Transport WA website.

Contact us

If you are unable to locate the information you require on our website, please submit your enquiry below or contact us on (08) 9320 4111 between 8 am to 4.30 pm weekdays.