New rules make it tougher to tow vehicles in Oakville, Ontario [Video]

The Town of Oakville is making it more difficult for vehicles to be taken away by tow truck operators.

A series of moves by the town will probit the towing of vehicles without the vehicle owner’s consent from both public and private land in Oakville, including parking lots, unless the towing follows the rules of local bylaws or the Province of Ontario’s Trespass to Property Act.

The new rules will come into effect on Feb. 28, 2025.

Under the new bylaw, only Town of Oakville enforcement staff, municipal law enforcement officers (MLEO) appointed by the town, or police officers may arrange for the towing or impounding of a vehicle without the consent of the vehicle’s owner.

Before a tow can be performed, a penalty notice must first be issued, followed by a mandatory half-hour waiting period. The waiting period is intended to discourage predatory and/or fraudulent towing practices.

Private parking …