Newsroom

Restricted TOW ZONE Program ON SECTIONS OF GREATER TORONTO and hamilton AREA HIGHWAYS

The Ministry of Transportation has restricted tow zones on sections of provincial highways in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas. 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 safely move your vehicle to a safe location
  • Call 511 if you are in a safe location and you need a tow (select the option for the Tow Zone)
  • Only call 511 if you are in a restricted towing zone on a provincial highway (see map below). 
Visit Ontario.ca/restrictedtowingzones for more information.
 

ONTARIO 511 APP

The Ontario 511 app is available to all drivers and includes additional features:

• Track my snow plow which will allow drivers to track the location of snow plows and salt trucks on provincial highways in Ontario
• Winter road condition information so drivers can see which roads are clear or covered in snow
• Weather warnings from Environment Canada to alert drivers of upcoming storms
• Up-to-date information on rest areas across the province

The app also provides images from over 900 cameras and includes up-to-date traffic information on construction, collisions and road closures. The Ontario 511 app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.
 

TOWING AND VEHICLE STORAGE PROVINCIAL OVERSIGHT

In recent years, the towing industry has seen high levels of violence, corruption, and criminal activity. Based on findings and recommendations from the province’s 2021 towing task force, the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) was created, and a provincial oversight program was implemented.

The TSSEA took effect January 1, 2024 and replaces all municipal oversight regimes with a provincial oversight program. All tow drivers, tow operators, and vehicle storage operators are now required to hold a provincial certificate in Ontario. The TSSEA establishes stronger certification and safety requirements and sets out provisions for improved customer protections.

Learn more about your rights as a customer.
View an operator’s rates and certificate status online.