Ottawa police continue cracking down on tow companies for safety violations
Between April and June, officers laid 76 charges against towing operators and businesses, citing missing signage, unsecured loads, and incomplete paperwork as common infractions.
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Ottawa Police Service inspections of towing yards between April 1 and June 30 resulted in 76 charges: 23 related to the Towing and Storage Safety Enforcement Act, 14 for vehicle storage issues, and 38 Highway Traffic Act offences.
A common problem was incomplete or missing signage at yards. Police said some operators had no signs posted at their main entrance as required by law. These signs protect customers by helping them locate their towed vehicles and find information on how to retrieve them.
Other violations included lack of required documents, unsecured loads, and failure to complete daily logs. The charges represent a slight decrease from the same period last year.
Southway Towing Inc. and one of its drivers are facing charges for the eighth time. To date, 30 charges have been laid against the company in two years. Most recently, a driver was charged for attempting to provide services without consent, failing to comply with requirements, and engaging in prohibited practices.
"The goal of our enforcement program is not simply to issue charges, but to ensure the towing industry operates safely, professionally, and in accordance with provincial legislation," said Constable Jason Killeen of Ottawa Police Service.
The facts
How many charges did Ottawa police lay against towing operators between April and June 2026?
Ottawa Police Service laid 76 charges against towing operators and businesses between April 1 and June 30, 2026, comprising 23 charges under the Towing and Storage Safety Enforcement Act, 14 for vehicle storage issues, and 38 Highway Traffic Act offences.
What were the most common violations found at Ottawa towing yards?
Common violations included incomplete or missing signage at yards, lack of required documents, unsecured loads, and failure to complete daily logs. Missing entrance signs prevented customers from locating their towed vehicles and accessing retrieval information.
How many times has Southway Towing Inc. faced charges?
Southway Towing Inc. and one of its drivers are facing charges for the eighth time, with 30 charges laid against the company over two years.
