ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions twice per week in a segment called “Ask Trooper Steve.”
Trooper Steve on Thursday was asked about tow trucks that show up after a crash.
Picture this: You’ve just been in a crash. You’re on the shoulder, rattled, waiting for help. Then a tow truck suddenly pulls up, offering to haul your car away.
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Many drivers assume that’s just part of the process, but in Florida, it’s actually illegal unless you or law enforcement requested the tow.
Florida law takes this seriously.
Under Florida Statute 713.78 and traffic crash procedures outlined in 316.061, only the vehicle’s owner, operator or law enforcement officer can authorize a tow from the scene of a crash.
Tow truck drivers are prohibited from soliciting business by showing up uninvited, something often called “wreck-chasing.”
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Why does the rule exist? Because it protects drivers.
Unsolicited tow trucks can create confusion at crash scenes, delay emergency responders and, in some cases, lead to predatory towing practices, like sky-high storage fees, your car being taken miles away without consent and limited recourse to get it back.
Instead, most Florida law enforcement agencies maintain an official rotation list of licensed tow companies. When an officer calls for a tow, it’s from that list, ensuring accountability, fair pricing and safe removal of your vehicle.
The tow companies on the rotation list go through annual inspections from the law enforcement agency to ensure accountability.
So the next time you’re involved in a crash, remember you are in control of who handles your car.
If a tow truck you didn’t call suddenly shows up, you are not required to use it and by law, the truck shouldn’t be there in the first place.