What CAA Members Need to Know About the Tow Zone Pilot Program

Thornhill, ON (Dec. 9, 2021) – The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) is introducing a series of restricted towing zones along provincial highways beginning on Dec. 13, 2021. As part of the pilot program, four restricted tow zones will be in effect along sections of highways in the Greater Toronto Area.

These highways have been chosen based on factors such as traffic volume and collision data; and among the designated zones are stretches of highways 400, 401, 409, 427 and the QEW.

Here to help

CAA is reinforcing its commitment to ensure members are safe no matter the location. Getting stuck on the side of the road can be an intimidating situation. CAA's advice is first to assess your situation and if it's an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, Members are encouraged to press *222 to have CAA help coordinate a rescue - through either one of CAA’s tow truck providers or through the MTO (depending on the situation).

CAA has a commitment to road and consumer safety in Ontario. If an MTO tow zone provider needs to remove a CAA Member's vehicle, CAA will cover the cost of their tow, based on the limits of the Member's CAA Membership level*.

For more than a decade, CAA has been advocating for towing industry reforms and working towards greater consumer protection. In 2018, CAA created the Towing Bill of Rights, a glove box reference card, to help familiarize CAA Members and all motorists with what their legal rights are when in need of towing services.

*A receipt from the MTO tow operator is required for reimbursement. Some restrictions apply.

About CAA Niagara
Founded in 1911 as the St. Catharines Automobile Club with just 16 members, CAA Niagara has grown to more than 140,000 members with five Niagara locations; St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Thorold and Grimsby. A not-for-profit membership organization, CAA Niagara, provides emergency road services, travel, insurance and member rewards.

For further information, please contact:
Kaitlynn Furse
Director Corporate Communications
CAA South Central Ontario
Cell: 647-227-7559
Email: kfur@caasco.ca

Nadia Matos
Media & Public Relations Consultant
CAA South Central Ontario
Cell: 416-523-0663
Email: nm12@caasco.ca