Understanding the rules around vehicle towing is essential whether you’re a driver, a tow truck operator or a business arranging transport. Each Australian state and territory has its own legal framework governing things like tow-truck licensing, charges, safety standards and consumer protections. Knowing the relevant regulations in your area can help you avoid fines, make informed choices when selecting a towing service and ensure your vehicle is handled safely and lawfully.

Queensland (QLD)

In Queensland the key regulations include the Tow Truck Act 2023 and Tow Truck Regulation 2024, which cover accreditation of tow truck operators, drivers and equipment used for crash-related and private-property towing. 

The state’s road-safety page also outlines rules for towing trailers, caravans or boats that emphasise correct vehicle/trailer combinations, couplings and load masses. 

For drivers in Queensland the responsibilities include ensuring the towing vehicle, its trailer and its load meet the legal limits, are roadworthy and properly coupled. 

In crash-towing scenarios the state has regulation of authorised tow-truck attendance at accident sites to reduce risk to other road users.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW regulates the tow-truck industry via the Tow Truck Industry Act 1998 and the Tow Truck Industry Regulation 2020. These rules require a tow truck operator licence (issued by NSW Fair Trading), driver certificates, approved hold yards, particular number plates (TT plates) and published charging details. 

They also govern conduct at accident scenes, record-keeping, prohibited extra fees and the classification of tow trucks.

Victoria (VIC)

In Victoria, accident tow-truck operations are regulated under the Accident Towing Services Act 2007 and Accident Towing Services Regulations 2019. Tow-truck operators must hold accreditation, drivers must be certified and depots approved. 

Towing charge caps and regulated storage fees apply in certain controlled areas. Also, new rules coming into effect require motorists to slow to 40 km/h when passing stationary incident response vehicles which includes tow trucks at roadside.

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia’s restructuring of tow-truck laws has resulted in the Towing Services Act 2024 and the Towing Services Regulations 2025 which came into force 10 January 2025. 

These regulations set out obligations for licensed tow trucks, authorised towing work, disclosure of towing charges, storage fees, and business conduct in the towing industry. 

Important changes include maximum charges for light vehicle towing from crash scenes in the Perth and Peel regions.

Other states and territories

While the focus here is on QLD, NSW, VIC and WA, each other state and territory also has its own relevant laws. For example, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and South Australia each regulate tow-truck licensing, driver certification, trailer/towing loads and fees in their road-transport legislation. 

Operators and motorists should confirm the local rules when crossing into different jurisdictions.

National considerations

Despite the variations, there are common regulatory themes across Australia:

• Tow-truck operators typically must be licensed, and drivers certified.
• Towing work from crash scenes or private property is often strictly regulated.
• Fees and storage charges may be capped or regulated in certain regions.
• Safety standards apply: tow trucks must be properly equipped, vehicle loads must comply with legal limits and driver behaviour is subject to rules.
• Consumer protections exist to guard against unfair or predatory towing practices.

How Nationwide can help 

If you need towing services or you operate a towing business, ensure your provider is fully compliant with the state laws listed above. For the most up-to-date information, check your local transport authority or consult with a legitimate towing company that operates under the correct licence and certification. Non-compliant towing can cost you more than just money. It can cost your vehicle, your rights or your safety.

For expert, certified towing you can rely on, call 134 869 today.