A Truck Crash On Hwy 402 At Centre Rd. Sept 30/16 (Photo Courtesy of OPP)A Truck Crash On Hwy 402 At Centre Rd. Sept 30/16 (Photo Courtesy of OPP)
Sarnia

CAA Launches Towing Bill Of Rights

Those in need of tow truck services may not always be aware of their rights.

As a result, the Canadian Automobile Association has introduced a new "Towing Bill of Rights", which includes eight things motorists need to remember.

Spokesperson Teresa Di Felice says you have the right to decide who tows your vehicle and to what location, unless otherwise directed by police.

A tow company must provide an itemized invoice before receiving payment, and the final bill can't be more than 10% above the quoted price.

She says the bill of rights is based on rules and regulations set by the Ontario government.

"Sometimes, it isn't just one tow truck company that shows up on the scene, it can be three or four," says Di Felice. "So, this just gives the driver a moment to say 'ok, where do I have the power in this situation, I don't know what's going on, how to handle this or who to take', always take the one that's going to abide by the law."

Di Felice says a tow operator must tell you where your vehicle is being taken, and you have the right to access personal items during business hours.

A permission tow form must be signed before towing starts, and a company has to let you know if there's a financial incentive for them transporting your vehicle to a particular garage.

She says a glove box card with all of the information is available at CAA stores, or online at www.towrights.ca.

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