Tow Trucks

​​​​Changes to the Towing and Storage Industry Coming January 1, 2024

Effective January 1, 2024, the City of Brampton will no longer oversee the towing and storage industry in Brampton. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) will assume this role and implement the new Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Towing and Storage Safety Enforcement Act (TSSEA) throughout the province.

The TSSEA has established a provincial framework for the towing and vehicle storage sector, replacing former municipal oversight.

As a result, the City will no longer regulate and issue licenses to tow operators, tow truck drivers, and vehicle storage operators beginning January 1, 2024.

The Act requires tow operators, tow truck drivers, and vehicle storage operators to have a provincial certificate to operate. Operators and tow truck drivers will only have to comply with the provincial governance.

Significant Timelines for Tow Truck Drivers, Tow Operators and Vehicle Storage Operators

As of July 2023:

• Tow operators, tow truck drivers, and vehicle storage operators can apply for a TSSEA certificate through an online portal.

As of January 1, 2024:

• The TSSEA comes into effect, and municipal oversight ends.

As of July 1, 2024:

• All tow drivers must have a TSSEA certificate to continue operating in the province.

To learn more about the TSSEA including eligibility and requirements, applying for a certificate, renewals, fees and more, click here.

Need to Submit a Complaint?​

Between January 1 and March 2024, residents and businesses must submit complaints regarding tow truck and storage violations to the Province of Ontario by emailing towing@ontario.ca. The Province will provide further details in March on an updated complaint process.

​Driver Application

How to Apply

A new online process for Driver/Operator licensing applications and renewals has been implemented. The online application process and form is now available. Requests for licences and renewals will only be accepted through the online application process.

Application Requirements

1. A valid Ontario Drivers Licence
   • Minimum Non Graduated, Non-Probationary Class G license (G1 or G2 not acceptable)
2. You must produce the following:
   • Canadian Birth Certificate
   • Canadian Citizenship
   • Landed Immigrant Status
   • Permanent Residence Card
   • Refugee Status (accompanied by a Work Visa)
3. Level 2 Criminal Record Search obtained from municipality of residence valid for 120 days from date its processed
4. Drivers Abstract from the Ministry of Transportation​ (Only valid for 30 days from date of processing)
5. Application Fee
   • Tow Truck Driver 1 year - $114.00
   • Tow Truck Driver 2 year - $229.00

Plate Application

How to Apply

A new online process for Plate licensing applications and renewals has been implemented. The online application process and form is now available. Requests for licences and renewals will only be accepted through the online application process. A kiosk is available, at 8850 McLaughlin Rd.S. Building 2, for those applicants who do not have access to a computer.

Application Requirements

1. Business Information
   • Articles of Incorporation
   • Business Registration (required in addition to Articles of Incorporation, if operating name differs from Corporation Name)
2. Rate Sheet Rate sheet signed by the owner.
   • Rate sheet must include the location of a licensed pound. A copy of the Licence for the pound.
3. Vehicle Ownership
   • Original ownership both sides. Plate portion must be in the name of the licence that will be issued (ex. Corporation/or Individual name).
4. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating must be greater that 4536kg (10,000 lbs) and the sticker must appear on the inside door frame.
5. Certificate of Insurance
   • Certificate of Insurance, on City of Brampton Insurance form, not less that 2 million dollar liability, 1 hundred thousand liability for damaged to towed vehicles, 50 thousand liability for damage to cargo in towed vehicle. (All serial numbers must be listed)
6. Annual Safety
   • Ministry of Transportation Annual Inspection Certificate
   • Ministry of Transportation Annual Inspection Sticker on the window of truck
7. Inspection
   • You can schedule your appointment once your paperwork has been submitted/approved and payment has been made.
   • Tow Truck Equipment Inspections Requirements​
   • Our office requires that all original documents be supplied. Photo copies will be made in our office and originals will be returned.
8. Application Fees
   • Tow Truck Plate - $421.00

Licence Renewal Information

1. Business information only needs to be provided if it has changed or expired
2. Vehicle Ownership (original) must be provided
3. Rate Sheet
4. Certificate of Insurance
   • Certificate of Insurance, on City of Brampton Insurance form, not less that 2 million dollar liability, 1 hundred thousand liability for damaged to towed vehicles, 50 thousand liability for damage to cargo in towed vehicle. (All serial numbers must be listed)
5. Annual Safety
   • Ministry of Transportation Annual Inspection Certificate
   • Ministry of Transportation Annual Inspection Sticker on the window of truck
6. Inspection
   • You can schedule your appointment once your paperwork has been submitted/approved and payment has been made.