A Perth towing company has become the first convicted under the WA Government’s newly introduced towing reforms.
The new laws were brought in to ensure proper regulation of crash towing in Western Australia, in a bid to improve industry accountability and better protect WA drivers.
Towlife Enterprises Pty Ltd was convicted in the Perth Magistrates court on Friday for breaching Regulation 17 (4) of the Towing Services Regulations 2025. The company was fined $10,000 and ordered to pay legal costs.
The prosecution is among the first brought under the WA Government’s reforms, which were introduced to create a safer, fairer, more transparent and efficient industry.
The court found the company failed to provide requested material, such as paperwork and other records, needed to investigate potential breaches of the towing laws.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of $60,000.
“The Cook Labor Government is making the towing industry fairer and safer by cracking down on unscrupulous behaviour, protecting motorists and operators doing the right thing,” said Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Jessica Stojkovski.
“Western Australians deserve confidence that tow truck operators are acting lawfully and transparently, particularly at what can be a stressful and vulnerable time following a crash.
“This conviction sends a clear message that towing operators who fail to comply with the law will be held to account.
“It comes as we introduce our next phase of reform to protect ethical towing operators, and I encourage all operators to make sure they understand the requirements to become authorised and continue operating.”
The next phase of reforms comes into effect on 1 July 2026, requiring towing businesses to be authorised and meet fit and proper person requirements, as well as prescribed storage yard standards.
Businesses that operate without the required authorisation face penalties of up to $200,000, while individuals can be fined up to $40,000.
The Towing Services Act 2024 was passed in October 2024, immediately introducing a ban on advertising or payment of spotter fees.
In January 2025, the Towing Services Regulations 2025 introduced maximum charges for towing and storage of crashed light vehicles in the Perth and Peel regions, as well as increased penalties for authority to tow breaches.
