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Alberta Implements 200-Metre Exclusion Zone and Fines for Predatory Tow Trucks

Effective August 8, the measures seek to shield disoriented collision victims by enforcing a strict collision-scene buffer backed by $1,000 penalties.

Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen arrives at the United Conservative caucus to determine next steps after leader Jason Kenney announced he is stepping down, in Calgary, Thursday, May 19, 2022.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, pictured here last year, announced today $1,000 fines for predatory tow truck behaviour in the province.
Alberta tow truck driver owner Don Getschel is pictured in 2024, said new provincial fines for unscrupulous practices set by the province Wednesday could be higher.
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors at a press conference in Alberta at Heritage Park in Calgary on Monday, April 29, 2024.

Overview

  • Tow operators must stay at least 200 metres from accident sites unless called by police or those involved, with fines starting at $1,000 for breaches.
  • Edmonton police charged owners of ten towing companies in May with fraud for inflating fees and defrauding insurers of more than $200,000.
  • Calgary’s February bylaw introduced the same exclusion radius and set municipal fines up to $10,000, paving the way for the province-wide rule.
  • The Alberta Motor Association has tracked near-daily reports of predatory practices and supports the new regulations while urging motorists to be aware of their rights.
  • Officials describe the exclusion zone as a first step and are studying additional reforms such as a mandatory code of conduct and driver certification.