You must have a valid driver's license (Class G1, G2 or G) or higher class of license to tow a trailer with a gross vehicle weight of up to 4,600 kilograms. The Towing Program will require trailer operators to submit an annual application in order to respond to towing calls made by officers. Seizure of vehicles due to impaired driving, acrobatic driving or testing). The program also applies to trailers ordered by OPP officers on behalf of members of the public who need a trailer, according to this report.
If you can drive your car after a fender bender, you don't need to have it towed. However, if you can't drive, you may need a trailer. The objectives of the tow pilot program are to ensure that trailer operators have the right training and equipment, as well as to reduce congestion and delays to clear roads more quickly. This can be useful later if the towing company tries to charge you for additional services that were not actually provided, such as the use of a dolly or winch.
The crane company often tries to convince the now-vulnerable driver to be towed to a body shop, even if it is unnecessary. In an interview conducted by CTV News, Mark Graves, president of the Ontario Provincial Towing Association (PTAO), said that the towing industry needs reform. Towing and Storage Service Operators (TSSO) “shall provide information related to ownership, registration, license, vehicle, equipment, insurance and other details in the application. There was a crane protest in June along Highway 401 with cranes showing their dissatisfaction with the pilot project.
The president of the PTAO also stated that he would like to see provincial licenses granted to crane operators to better protect the public, as well as ensure that crane operators have adequate training and equipment. The OPP Towing Program is a four-year pilot project that the government expects will address some of the issues facing the towing industry, including arson, shootings, violence and unfair treatment of customers. It is important that you participate in the towing process from start to finish, even if the tow truck driver tells you otherwise and that he will take care of everything. New towing rules have been established in the greater Toronto area to try to fix accidents faster and protect consumers from being overcharged if they need a tow truck.
Crane scams work when repair shops pay tow truck drivers (known as “hunters”) a referral fee for bringing in damaged vehicles. However, there have been many cases where motorists have ended up paying more than they should for basic towing services. This has been a controversial change, as crane companies claim that the rate is not high enough, yet the rate is in place to protect and help innocent people who need this essential service. Outside of your car insurance policy, you may also have coverage for a trailer through an alternative service or through your car dealer.
Most of the 1,200 towing and vehicle storage businesses in Ontario, and some 3,000 tow truck drivers are there to help and they already follow these rules, but like all professions, there are those who are not honest.
