Overview

Restricted towing zones are defined sections of provincial highways where only authorized towing companies can remove vehicles. Other towing companies are not allowed to offer towing in these areas.

The goals of the Tow Zone Program are to:

  • make sure tow operators have the training, experience and proper equipment to clear highways safely and efficiently
  • reduce traffic and delays by removing vehicles faster
  • ensure drivers get fair tow rates by using standard pricing and invoicing in restricted tow zones

In a restricted towing zone, you must use an authorized towing company.

Authorized towing companies are under contract for each restricted towing zone.

If you need assistance in a restricted towing zone:

  • call 911 if it is an emergency or if you are in a travelled lane and cannot move your vehicle to a safe place
  • call 511 if you are in a safe location and you need a tow (select the option for the Tow Zone Program)

Roadside assistance memberships

If you have a membership with an roadside assistance provider authorized by the Ministry of Transportation, you can call them directly instead of calling 511. This only applies when you are:

  • in a safe location on the right-hand shoulder in a restricted towing zone
  • driving a car, pick-up truck, SUV or minivan or other light vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or less

Both conditions must be met.

If you are driving a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating over 4,500 kgGVWR, including commercial trucks, do not call your roadside assistance provider for a tow. You must:

  • call 511 if you are safely on the shoulder
  • call 911 in an emergency

Restricted towing zone locations

The Tow Zone Program includes 15 restricted towing zones on sections of highways in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Each restricted towing zone location has been selected based on factors such as traffic volume and collision data.

You can view all the restricted towing zones on the Ontario 511 interactive map.

Table 1: Restricted towing zones

Restricted towing zoneZone descriptionContracted towing service provider
1AHighway 401 from Highway 400 to Highway 404Abrams Towing
1BHighway 401 from Highway 404 to Morningside AvenueBob’s Towing
1CHighway 404 from Highway 401 to Major Mackenzie DriveWilliam’s Towing Service
1DHighway 401 from Morningside to Highway 412Classic Towing & Storage Service
2AHighway 401 from Dixie Road to James Snow ParkwayA.Z. Towing
2BHighway 401 from James Snow Parkway to Highway 6 SouthAbrams Towing
2CHighway 410 from Highway 401 to Hurontario StreetCOMTOW
2DHighway 403 from QEW to Highway 401Lyon’s Towing
3AHighway 400 from Highway 401 to Highway 9Fellow’s Towing
3BHighway 401 from Dixie Road to Islington AvenuePacific Towing and Recovery
3C

Highway 401 from Islington Avenue to Highway 400;

Highway 409 from Highway 427 to Highway 401;

Highway 427 from Highway 409 to QEW

Bill & Son Towing
3DHighway 427 from Highway 409 to Major Mackenzie DriveJP Towing Service & Storage Ltd.
4AQEW from Highway 427 to Third LineABC Towing
4BQEW (Highway 403) from Third Line to Highway 403 at Highway 6 NorthJKM Towing Inc.
4CQEW from Highway 403/QEW split to Fifty RoadA Action Towing and Recovery Inc.

What to do if your vehicle stops working or you have a collision in a restricted towing zone

  • stay calm and take note of your vehicle's location
  • call 911 if it is an emergency or if you are in a travelled lane and cannot safely move your vehicle to a safe place
  • call 511 if you are in a safe location in a restricted towing zone and you need a tow (select the option for the Tow Zone Program)

If your vehicle is not operational:

  • turn on your hazard lights (4-way flashers)
  • use safety cones, warning triangles or flares to warn oncoming traffic – only if you have them and it is safe to do so

If your vehicle is operational and if it is safe, you can either:

  • take the next exit
  • move your vehicle to a shoulder location

While on the highway, it is preferred you stay inside your vehicle. Wait for responders to arrive and do not try to repair your vehicle or change a flat tire.

If you must get out of your vehicle, watch carefully for oncoming traffic. Never stand behind or directly in front of your vehicle, as you are at risk of being struck by oncoming traffic.

Rights of drivers in a restricted towing zone

Only authorized towing companies operating under contract with the Ministry of Transportation may provide towing services in a restricted towing zone.

You may choose the towing service and destination once your vehicle is outside the Tow Zone Program area (unless otherwise directed by the police).

Read more about towing and storage services.

Obligations of authorized towing companies

Authorized towing companies that are under contract for restricted towing zones must:

  • provide prompt, safe, courteous, and high-quality service that meets the standards set by the Ministry of Transportation
  • show their identification to customers upon request and provide the fee schedule and other information materials
  • get permission to tow the vehicle to the customer’s preferred destination once the vehicle is outside the Tow Zone Program area (unless otherwise directed by the police)
  • give customers an itemized invoice listing the services provided, the cost of each service and the total cost before asking for payment
  • allow customers access to their vehicle at no charge to get any personal items (unless otherwise directed by the police) during these times:
    • between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on all regular business days
    • between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
    • excluding statutory holidays
  • not solicit or recommend any services related to vehicle sales, repair shops, body shops, garages, legal or medical services

Rates and methods of payment

The rates for the Tow Zone Program are listed in a fee schedule provided to authorized towing companies operating under contract with the Ministry of Transportation.

Towing of breakdowns and impoundments is based on a flat rate. This rate  includes towing for a 10 km distance.

Towing and recovery of collisions is based on an hourly rate. Hourly billed items are based on one-hour minimum for the first hour and 30-minute increments thereafter.

The preferred modes of payment are:

  • credit card
  • debit card

Authorized towing companies

Only authorized companies can provide towing service in the restricted towing zones, and each company is assigned a specific zone within the program. Authorized towing companies may subcontract a portion of the towing services.

Authorized towing companies that are under contract for restricted towing zones must:

  • display a decal identifying the restricted towing zone and the name of the towing service provider
  • provide customers with the fee schedule and other information materials

Storage yard locations

Vehicles, trailers, or loads that require storage services will be towed to an approved Tow Zone Program storage yard. You can find the storage yards on Ontario 511.

Questions or comments

If you have a question, comment or complaint about the Tow Zone Program or your experience receiving towing services within any of the restricted towing zones, contact us: