Welcome to the fifth issue of Crash Towing Industry News.
Our regular newsletters will provide important updates about the crash towing industry reforms including legislative changes that may affect how you operate.
The Towing Services Act 2024 will create a safe, fair and efficient crash towing industry for Western Australia. One element is to empower Department of Transport (DoT) authorised officers to enforce existing road laws that have been replicated in the new towing legislation.
DoT authorised officers will impose penalties on any towing workers or towing service providers found in violation of the following road rules in a bid to reduce the road safety risk to the community when a tow truck is travelling to or is at a crash scene.
Emergency stopping lanes
Tow truck drivers cannot drive or stop in an emergency lane EXCEPT when avoiding a collision, stopping due to an emergency or breakdown or loading a vehicle onto a tow truck.
Driving in an emergency lane is dangerous and has been associated with serious crashes. Stopping in the emergency lane or on land beside a road contributes to traffic congestion and poses serious road safety risks.
Crossing median strips
Tow truck drivers must not drive a tow truck on or over a median strip, traffic island or painted island UNLESS it is to enter or leave the carriageway, avoid an obstruction, enter a turning lane that begins immediately after the painted island, or to keep a safe distance while overtaking
Stopping on carriageways
Tow truck drivers must not stop a tow truck on or near a carriageway in a manner that is prohibited under the Road Traffic Code 2000 Part 12, UNLESS the towing worker is:
- engaged in loading, or connecting to, a vehicle, and
- is unable to comply with the provision, and
- the tow truck is displaying a yellow flashing light; and
- the towing worker is acting safely.
If a tow truck driver violates any of these road rules, it will be an offence with a fine of up to $9,000.
Join us at an information session
As we develop the regulations, DoT will hold a series of industry information sessions and consultation forums. To express your interest in attending one of these sessions please complete the form below.
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.
Kind regards
Towing Governance & Regulation
Department of Transport
GPO Box R1290, Perth WA
6844
