An Ottawa tow company and two of its drivers are facing charges after allegedly towing a driver’s vehicle from a crash scene against the owner’s wishes. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say the company and its drivers have been charged under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act.
Police report that the company towed the vehicle to the Collision Reporting Centre at the Ottawa Detachment, damaging the car in the process. The tow operator falsely told the driver that the OPP had instructed them to tow the vehicle and claimed the company had a contract with the OPP, which was not true.
The company faces over $1,700 in fines, and both drivers face fines exceeding $1,300 each.
OPP Const. Michael Fathi reminded the public that motorists have the right to refuse tow services and choose which company to use. A “permission to tow” form must be signed before a vehicle is towed, and drivers should contact their insurance company for guidance on towing, repairs, and car rentals.
The OPP also emphasized that a towing company must provide an itemized invoice before receiving payment.