Alberta creates accident exclusion zone, fines to curb predatory tow trucks
Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen says concerns have been raised about tow truck drivers showing up at car accidents and pressuring those involved to unnecessarily accept their services.
Dreeshen says in some cases tow truck drivers charge excessive fees and don't provide necessary information to those whose vehicles are towed.
Starting Friday, the province is implementing a 200-metre exclusion zone around accident scenes, and tow trucks must stay back unless police or drivers involved say otherwise.
Dreeshen says if tow truck drivers don't respect the exclusion zone, they can be fined $1,000.
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The rules are nearly identical to a bylaw passed earlier this year by Calgary city council, and Dreeshen says all Albertans will now have the same protection.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025.
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