Tow truck driver facing charges after operating illegally in Ontario
Posted Feb 18, 2025 12:05:34 PM.
Last Updated Feb 18, 2025 02:41:21 PM.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged a tow truck driver from Quebec, who was found to be operating illegally in Ontario.
The driver — stopped by police on Feb. 17 — is facing charges under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA), wrote OPP in an X post.
According to provincial police, both driver and the company from Quebec were not licensed to operate in Ontario.
The driver was pulled over by police on Monday, while travelling on Highway 417 near Walkley Road. It ended with the truck impounded for seven days, wrote OPP.
“The tow business has been growing exponentially in Ottawa over the last few years,” Constable Michael Fathi told CityNews in an email. “The OPP is committed to ensuring that all tow operators work within the boundaries set out in the TSSEA. Tow operators found to be in violation will be ticketed. Also, more officers are being trained on commercial motor vehicle inspections, which will add to our ability to enforce those laws.”
The driver was charged with fail to comply with prescribed requirements and standards, fail to display an inspection sticker or proof and fail to complete daily inspection report.
More truck drivers facing charges
Earlier this month, OPP officers from the Ottawa detachment laid 13 charges after stopping a tow truck for safety violations.
Police pulled over the tow truck on Feb. 7, and reported that the vehicle was not following safety equipment standards and the driver was operating illegally in Ontario.
These incidents took place after police announced a crack down on illegally operating or unsafe tow truck drivers and companies in the east region.
On Jan. 8, another OPP officer pulled over a tow truck — with Queensway Towing — related to “multiple violations” and several charges were laid following a traffic stop.
Additionally, Ottawa police conducted an enforcement blitz at the beginning of December, focusing efforts on tow truck drivers and companies following the law.
OPS issued over a dozen charges to five tow truck drivers and 10 companies after this enforcement initiative — and they continue to focus on ensuring tow truck operators and drivers comply with legal requirements.
