Understanding Melbourne’s Towing Laws: A Simple Guide for Drivers
Getting your car towed can feel scary and confusing—especially if you don’t know your rights or the rules. Many Melbourne drivers only think about towing laws after something goes wrong. By then, stress levels are high, and mistakes can happen.
The good news? Melbourne’s towing laws exist to protect drivers, not confuse them.
This guide will explain Melbourne’s towing laws in a simple, easy-to-understand way. You’ll learn:
When your car can legally be towed
Who is allowed to tow your vehicle
What your rights are as a driver
What to do after an accident or breakdown
How to avoid illegal or unfair towing
Whether you’re a daily commuter, a new driver, or just want peace of mind, this article will help you feel confident and prepared.
Why Towing Laws Matter in Melbourne?
Melbourne has busy roads, strict traffic rules, and millions of vehicles. Without towing laws, roads would quickly become unsafe.
Towing laws help:
Keep traffic moving
Clear accident scenes quickly
Protect drivers from unfair charges
Prevent unsafe or illegal towing
Make sure towing companies act professionally
These rules are especially important during:
Accidents
Breakdowns
Illegal parking
Emergency situations
Understanding the laws helps you avoid stress, fines, and scams.
Who Controls Towing Laws in Melbourne?
Towing laws in Melbourne fall under Victoria state laws. They are enforced by:
Victoria Police
Local councils
Transport authorities
Consumer protection agencies
Towing companies must follow strict rules about:
Licensing
Pricing transparency
Driver conduct
Vehicle safety
Only authorised towing operators are legally allowed to tow vehicles in many situations.
When Can Your Car Be Legally Towed in Melbourne?
Your vehicle can only be towed under specific circumstances. Let’s look at the most common ones.
1. After a Road Accident
If your car is damaged and blocking traffic, it may need to be towed for safety.
Important rules:
You usually have the right to choose your towing company
Police may arrange towing if the scene is dangerous
Tow trucks cannot force you to use their service
If you are conscious and able to decide, no one should pressure you into accepting a tow you don’t want.
2. Breakdown on Public Roads
If your car breaks down and creates a hazard:
Police or road authorities may arrange towing
You can often call your own towing company if it’s safe to do so
If the vehicle is abandoned, it may be towed later
Breakdowns on busy Melbourne roads like freeways or major intersections are taken seriously for safety reasons.
3. Illegal Parking
Your car can be towed if it is:
Blocking traffic
Parked in a clearway during restricted times
Blocking a driveway
Parked in a no-standing or no-parking zone
Parked dangerously or illegally
Local councils manage parking enforcement and towing in these cases.
4. Emergency Situations
Cars may be towed without notice during:
Fires
Floods
Road works
Major events
Emergency evacuations
These tows are done to protect public safety.
Your Rights as a Driver in Melbourne
Knowing your rights is just as important as knowing the rules.
1. You Have the Right to Choose Your Towing Company
After an accident or breakdown:
You can choose your towing provider
You don’t have to accept the first tow truck that arrives
You cannot be forced into a tow (unless police direct it for safety)
If someone pressures you, that’s a red flag.
2. You Have the Right to Know the Cost
A towing company must:
Clearly explain the cost before towing
Tell you about extra fees (distance, storage, after-hours)
Provide a receipt
Hidden fees are not acceptable.
3. You Have the Right to Your Vehicle’s Location
After towing, you must be told:
Where your car is being taken
How to retrieve it
Who to contact
Your vehicle cannot be hidden or withheld unfairly.
4. You Have the Right to Fair Treatment
Tow truck drivers must:
Act professionally
Avoid aggressive behavior
Follow safety procedures
Respect your decisions
Abusive or misleading behavior is not allowed.
Who Is Allowed to Tow Vehicles in Melbourne?
Not everyone with a tow truck can legally tow vehicles.
Legal towing operators must:
Be licensed
Follow Victorian towing regulations
Use approved equipment
Carry insurance
Unlicensed towing is illegal and risky for drivers.
A professional company like OZI Towing Service Company in Melbourne follows all legal and safety requirements.
Understanding Police-Requested Tows
Sometimes police will arrange towing, especially when:
A vehicle is blocking traffic
There’s a serious accident
A driver is injured or unavailable
In these cases:
Police choose the tow operator
The tow is done for safety reasons
You’ll still be informed where your car goes
These situations are about public safety, not convenience.
Storage Fees and Vehicle Release Rules
After your car is towed, it may be taken to:
A holding yard
A repair shop
A storage facility
Important things to know:
Storage fees may apply after a certain time
Fees should be clearly explained
You have the right to collect your car once requirements are met
Always ask for a receipt and keep all paperwork.
Common Towing Scams to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, some people take advantage of stressed drivers. Be alert for these warning signs:
Being pressured to tow immediatelyNo clear pricing givenRefusal to provide ID or paperworkAggressive behaviorBeing told you “must” use a specific tow
If something feels wrong, pause and call a trusted towing company.
What To Do If You Think a Tow Was Unfair?
If you believe your car was towed unfairly:
Stay calm
Collect all documents and receipts
Write down details of the incident
Contact consumer protection services
Seek legal advice if needed
Most legitimate towing companies will explain everything clearly.
How to Avoid Towing Problems in Melbourne?
Here are simple steps to avoid trouble:
Park legally and read signs carefully
Maintain your vehicle to avoid breakdowns
Keep emergency numbers saved
Know your rights before something happens
Use reputable towing services only
Being prepared saves time, money, and stress.
Why Choosing a Reputable Towing Company Matters?
A trustworthy towing company:
Follows Melbourne towing laws
Provides clear pricing
Treats you with respect
Protects your vehicle
Responds quickly and safely
This is why many drivers across Melbourne rely on professional services like OZI Towing.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Melbourne’s towing laws gives you confidence and control during stressful situations. Whether you’re dealing with a breakdown, accident, or parking issue, knowing your rights and responsibilities helps you make the right decisions.
Towing should never feel confusing or unfair. With the right knowledge and a reliable towing company, you can stay safe, calm, and protected on Melbourne’s roads.
Need a Towing Service you can Trust?
OZI Towing Service Company in Melbourne provides legal, safe, and professional towing across Melbourne. We follow all Victorian towing laws, offer clear pricing, and are available 24/7. When you need reliable help without stress, OZI Towing is just a call away.
FAQs About Melbourne Towing Laws
1. Can I choose my towing company after an accident in Melbourne?
Yes, in most cases you have the right to choose your towing service.
2. Can my car be towed without notice?
Yes, but only in specific situations like illegal parking, emergencies, or safety risks.
3. Are towing companies required to explain fees?
Yes, they must clearly explain costs before towing.
4. What should I do if a tow driver pressures me?
You can refuse and contact a trusted towing company or authorities.
5. Is OZI Towing licensed in Melbourne?
Yes, OZI Towing follows all legal and safety requirements in Victoria.
