Private property parking and towing

​

For more information: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road/parking

​

Having your vehicle towed when you leave it parked somewhere can be very inconvenient, especially when you return to it late at night.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads regulate tow truck operators who conduct private property towing under the tow truck licensing scheme. The scheme requires private property towing to be conducted by accredited tow truck drivers using licensed tow trucks. Tow truck drivers and assistants must be employed by tow truck licence holders.  

Tow truck drivers must take reasonable steps to locate a vehicle owner or driver before towing the vehicle. Reasonable steps includes, for example, asking other people (at the carpark or nearby shops) if they know where the driver went; looking around the immediate area to see if the driver is nearby or approaching the carpark; looking for contact or business name details on the vehicle.

Tow truck drivers must carry a Towing Consent which represents an arrangement between the property owner or occupier and the tow truck licence holder, authorising them to tow vehicles parked on the property. 

If you return to your car and it is in the process of being loaded onto a tow truck, the driver should release it to you at no charge. If the car is already loaded and secured ready for towing they should release the car if you pay them the on-site release fee. 

You are entitled to ask the driver to show you the Towing Consent.

If you think your vehicle has been towed from a private property parking area you should contact the towing operator using the details on the signs at the parking area, or contact the Queensland Police Service via PoliceLink on 131 444 to find out where your vehicle has been towed.

​

READ MORE

​

Private Property Towing Consent Form

​