Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen arrives at the United Conservative caucus to determine next steps after leader Jason Kenney announced he is stepping down, in Calgary, Thursday, May 19, 2022.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh JMC

By Canadian Press

Alberta creates accident exclusion zone, fines to curb predatory tow trucks

Aug 6, 2025 | 1:43 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta’s government is creating fines and rules meant to curb predatory tow truck drivers.

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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