NSW Towing Laws: What Every Driver Needs to Know in 2026

NSW towing laws set out strict rules for when and how vehicles can be towed on public roads. Whether you’ve broken down on the Princes Highway, been involved in an accident, or had your vehicle impounded, understanding NSW towing rules can protect you from unnecessary costs and ensure your vehicle is handled correctly.

This guide explains what drivers in Wollongong and across the Illawarra need to know about NSW road rules on towing — including the legal obligations of towing operators, your rights as a vehicle owner, and when you’re allowed to tow another vehicle yourself.

NSW Towing Laws: When Can a Vehicle Be Towed?

Under NSW towing laws, a vehicle can be legally towed in several circumstances:

• Breakdown or mechanical failure — when the vehicle is no longer driveable
• Accident recovery — following a collision where the vehicle cannot be driven away
• Impoundment — police or council-authorised removal for illegal parking, unregistered vehicles, or other traffic offences
• Vehicle owner request — when the owner arranges towing to a repairer or storage facility

NSW Road Rules for Towing Operators

In NSW, towing operators are regulated under the Tow Truck Industry Act 1998 and the Tow Truck Industry Regulation 2009. Key rules for licensed tow truck operators include:

• Towing operators must hold a current tow truck operator licence issued by Transport for NSW
• Tow truck drivers must hold a tow truck driver certificate
• Operators must not engage in “touting” — approaching accident or breakdown scenes uninvited to solicit work
• Operators must provide a written quote before towing (if the owner is present)
• Vehicles must be stored in a licensed holding yard if not delivered to the owner’s preferred destination

Express Towing is fully licensed and compliant with all NSW towing laws. Our operators carry their credentials at all times and follow industry-standard procedures on every job.

Your Rights Under NSW Towing Rules

As a vehicle owner in NSW, you have important rights when your vehicle is towed:

• Right to choose your towing operator — if your vehicle has broken down and you’re present, you can nominate the towing company you want. You don’t have to accept the first truck that arrives
• Right to a written quote — towing operators must provide a written quotation before commencing towing if you are present
• Right to access your vehicle — if your vehicle has been towed without your consent (e.g., by police or council), you have the right to collect it from the holding yard during business hours
• Right to complain — disputes about towing charges or conduct can be lodged with Transport for NSW or NSW Fair Trading

NSW Road Rules for Towing a Trailer or Another Vehicle

If you’re towing a trailer, caravan, or another vehicle, different NSW road rules apply to ensure road safety:

Speed Limits When Towing

Under NSW road rules, vehicles towing a trailer or another vehicle are subject to a maximum speed of 100km/h on all roads, regardless of the posted limit. This applies even on motorways where the limit may be 110km/h.

Weight and Load Limits

The load being towed must not exceed the towing vehicle’s maximum towing capacity (listed in the vehicle’s manual or compliance plate). Overloading a tow vehicle is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Safety Chains and Couplings

When towing a trailer in NSW, safety chains must be used in addition to the coupling to prevent the trailer from separating if the coupling fails. Chains must be crossed under the coupling.

Lights and Indicators

Trailers must have functioning rear lights, brake lights, and indicators. If towing another vehicle using a tow rope or rigid bar, both vehicles must have functioning hazard lights if the towed vehicle’s lights don’t operate.

Tow Rope and Bar Rules

When towing another vehicle with a rope or rigid bar in NSW:

• The distance between the two vehicles must not exceed 4 metres
• If using a rope, it must be clearly visible (often marked with a coloured flag or cloth)
• The towed vehicle must have a licensed driver at the wheel and functioning brakes
• Hazard lights must be activated on both vehicles

When Police Can Tow Your Vehicle in NSW

Under NSW towing laws, police have authority to direct the towing of a vehicle in several situations:

• The vehicle is causing an obstruction or safety hazard on a road
• The vehicle has been involved in a serious accident
• The vehicle is unregistered and left on a public road
• The vehicle is associated with a criminal investigation

If police tow your vehicle, you’ll typically be notified of the holding yard where it can be retrieved. Storage fees apply and increase the longer the vehicle remains uncollected.

Towing Costs and the Holding Yard System in NSW

If your vehicle is towed without your consent (e.g., by police or council), it will be taken to a licensed holding yard. NSW towing fees for council or police-directed towing are regulated, but can still be substantial — often several hundred dollars for the tow plus daily storage fees.

Choosing a private towing operator like Express Towing, where you’re involved in the process and can direct the vehicle to your preferred destination, avoids many of these complications.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Is Towed Without Notice

If you return to find your vehicle gone:

1. Contact local police to confirm whether the vehicle has been towed (and wasn’t stolen)
2. Ask which holding yard it was taken to
3. Contact the holding yard to arrange collection and confirm the fees payable
4. If you believe the towing was unlawful, contact NSW Fair Trading or seek legal advice

Need a Licensed Towing Operator in Wollongong?

Express Towing operates across the Illawarra and is fully compliant with all NSW towing laws. Whether you need emergency roadside towing, accident recovery, or vehicle transport across the region, our fully insured team operates 24/7 from Wollongong to Kiama, Shellharbour, Thirroul, Dapto, and beyond.

Call 0485 800 118 any time for fast, professional towing from a licensed NSW operator. For more information on towing regulations, visit Transport for NSW tow truck industry information. You can also report a towing dispute through NSW Fair Trading.