Ontario towing and vehicle storage rules tightened: broader disqualifications, stricter truck markings, and new staffing obligations

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

A series of amendments (taking effect July 1, 2026) strengthen Ontario's towing and vehicle storage licensing framework in several practical ways. The list of criminal convictions that automatically disqualify a person from holding a certificate is expanded to include organized crime offences and, on a two-year lookback, offences for obstructing justice or influencing a witness. Tow operators must now ensure they do not employ or engage anyone whose certificate has been refused, suspended or cancelled — not just people who broke the rules themselves. Tow truck marking rules become more specific: the operator's name must appear as close as possible to the centre of each front door in a contrasting colour, and the certificate number must appear on both sides and, for pick-up trucks with a tailgate, on the tailgate in block numerals at least 7.5 cm tall. Applicants and certificate holders will be disqualified if they were ever refused a certificate or had one suspended or cancelled — not only if the certificate was actually suspended or cancelled after issuance. Drivers taking photographs at tow scenes will be exempt from that obligation if a police officer directs them not to take, or to stop taking, photographs, and run sheets must note any such direction.

Who this affects: tow operators · tow truck drivers · vehicle storage operators · certificate applicants and renewers · corporate officers and directors of towing or storage businesses