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Alberta.ca Account
Part of Fraud and consumer protection

Vehicle Towing and Storage Regulation

Requirements for companies that tow or store vehicles to better protect consumers.

Overview

Effective April 1, 2026, businesses providing vehicle towing or storage services are required to follow new requirements to ensure that Albertans are protected and have the information they need to make informed decisions.

The Vehicle Towing and Storage Regulation requires towing operators to obtain a consumer’s consent to have their vehicle towed and stored, and to provide information about the associated costs. Businesses must also advise vehicle owners about the location of the vehicle and provide the owners with access to the vehicle and their belongings.

How to comply

To comply with the new law, vehicle towing and storage companies must:

Consent

Obtain consent from the owner or their representative before towing begins, unless it is directed by law enforcement or a government authority. Towing operators must keep records of the consent obtained and all services provided, and this consent must be in a form that can be retained, such as a written, electronic or audio record.

Estimates

Provide a clear written estimate of all towing and storage costs before your vehicle is towed.

  • The estimate must be in a format that allows a copy to be kept (such as a printout, email or text message) and it must be provided before the towing operator takes the vehicle.

The estimate must include:

  • The cost of towing and any storage rates.
  • The name of the person who provided consent and one of their address, telephone number or email.
  • The name and address of the business providing towing services or storage services (if applicable).

Invoices

Provide an invoice prior to payment that includes:

  • the name of the person to whom the invoice is issued;
  • the business name, address, telephone number and email (if available);
  • vehicle details including make, model and licence plate;
  • the location where possession of the vehicle took place and details of the vehicle’s transfer from towing operator to storage operator, if applicable;
  • the date, times and locations where services were provided; and
  • an itemized list of all costs.

Transportation

  • If mileage is charged, the towing operator must use the most direct route unless otherwise directed or agreed to by the consumer and only tow the vehicle to locations the owner agrees to.
  • Notify the owner if the vehicle is moved to another location.

Access

Upon request, allow the consumer or their agent to retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle and have access to inspect its condition at no charge.

  • This access must be provided within a reasonable time, and without conditions, during business hours.

Records

  • Maintain records of all estimates, consents and invoices for at least 3 years.

Exemptions

If towing and/or storage is provided under direction from:

  • law enforcement,
  • a municipality or other government authority,
  • or the owner of private property on which a vehicle is located,

these requirements do not apply.

Other exemptions include:

  • seasonal and long-term storage where the vehicle owner is delivering the vehicle and,
  • situations where there are no charges, fees or costs for towing or storage.

Filing a Complaint

If, in the course of receiving vehicle towing and storage services, you believe you have been treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Investigations Unit.

Contact

Connect with the Consumer Contact Centre:

Toll free: 1-877-427-4088

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