Getting Your Car Towed Legally Towed in NSW

If you need to towing in Newcastle, it's important to understand the laws and regulations in place around towing in NSW.

These regulations will vary depending on the area, but NSW, in particular, is quite strict about when it's safe and legal to tow a car.

This article outlines how you can ensure that you get your car legally towed in NSW, as well as what to look for to avoid breaking the law when getting your car towed in Newcastle.

 If you have been involved in an accident on the road or have broken down, the first port of call is usually contacting a towing company to get you and your car off the road safely.
However, it's important to understand the regulations in place for this, as different states across Australia will have their own guidelines in place.

New South Wales has a robust set of rules to keep you safe from shady towing companies following an accident on the road.
Make sure that the driver of the towing vehicle has the appropriate driver certificate, and if they offer any additional services other than towing, understand that this is illegal. They should only provide towing services in the event of an accident.

NSW sets maximum fees for towing a vehicle, so they can't charge above a certain rate. We have outlined the fees below:

• A total price not exceeding $238.
• Towing over 10km from the scene of the accident costs $5.17/km in Sydney and $4.26/km elsewhere in NSW.
• The maximum fee for holding your vehicle in a towing yard is $86.
• If your vehicle has not moved for over 30 minutes, you will be charged a maximum of $61 per hour until it can be towed.

Although you might think to call a towing company after an accident or breakdown, it is advisable to check your insurance before making the call.
Most insurance policies will not cover towing. Even if you are covered, it is recommended to call your insurer to see if they will provide a towing service for you, or if you have roadside assistance included with your insurance cover which may cover you for towing a short distance.

 The weight of a towed car can severely impact handling when driving a vehicle, so it's advised to let a professional company take care of it.

Tow weight limits are specific to the model of vehicle, and they highlight the upper weight load tolerance when towing. Not following manufacturer guidelines for tow weights is dangerous and illegal.

Another consideration is additional safety chains for vehicles exceeding 2,000kg, as it's a legal requirement to use extra cables or chains to securely tow a heavier vehicle.

The best way to stay legal is to trust a professional company. There are many unlicensed towing companies that are willing to skirt around the law to offer a cheaper price.

 In the long run, this can lead to a lot of trouble and legal issues, especially when things go wrong, so it is always advised to deal with your insurer and a trusted professional towing service, such as Trade & General Towing when organising to have your car towed in NSW.