Perth’s Vehicle Towing Rules: What Drivers Often Get Wrong

Towing might seem straightforward. Your car breaks down, you call a truck, and off it goes. But in Perth, there are specific rules and common misunderstandings that can lead to fines, invalid insurance claims, or a whole lot of unnecessary stress.

Here’s what Perth drivers often get wrong about vehicle towing, and how to get it right.

You can’t drive an unregistered vehicle, even a short distance

Some people think it’s fine to “just take it around the corner” if the car isn’t registered. It’s not. In WA, it’s illegal to drive an unregistered vehicle, no matter the distance. This includes newly purchased cars or project cars that aren’t roadworthy yet.

If you’re buying, selling, or moving an unregistered vehicle, towing is the only legal option unless you have a temporary movement permit.

Not all tow trucks are legal to use

Tow trucks must be licensed and meet strict safety and registration standards. Using a mate’s trailer or an unlicensed operator could leave you liable if something goes wrong.

Choose a professional provider like United Tilt Tray to make sure your vehicle is transported legally, safely, and without hassle.

You are responsible for securing the vehicle (if towing it yourself)

If you’re using your own trailer, car carrier, or 4WD to tow a vehicle, you’re legally responsible for securing the load. That includes:

• Tie-downs rated for the weight of the vehicle.
• Wheel chocks or restraints.
• Ensuring the vehicle cannot move during transport.

If your load shifts or causes a hazard on the road, you could face heavy fines, or worse, cause an accident.

You can’t tow just any vehicle with your car

Towing capacity matters. If you tow a car that exceeds your vehicle’s rated towing limit, you risk mechanical damage, poor braking performance, and insurance refusal in the event of an incident.

Always check your vehicle’s GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) and tow ratings before attempting a tow.

Roadside towing isn’t always allowed without permits

Towing from public roads, especially after breakdowns or minor accidents, can come with restrictions. In some cases, you need a permit to recover a vehicle depending on where it’s located (e.g. main roads, highways, or busy intersections).

A professional towing provider understands these requirements and can manage permits or traffic management if needed.

Towing in emergency lanes can attract penalties

If you break down on the freeway and arrange a tow, ensure the vehicle is moved quickly and legally. Using an emergency lane for loading or leaving a car unattended can attract fines. Some areas also require Main Roads WA approval for recovery.

You don’t need to accept the first tow truck that shows up

After an incident, some drivers feel pressured to use the first tow truck that appears. But you’re legally allowed to choose your own towing provider. Avoid handing over your car to someone without checking credentials or confirming the destination.

Choosing a trusted local provider like UTT means no surprises, no hidden fees, and no confusion about where your vehicle ends up.

Hassle-free towing

Perth has clear rules about how vehicles can be towed, and getting it wrong can cost you. Whether it’s an unregistered car or a roadside breakdown, UTT delivers straightforward, legal towing you can count on.

Book your tow with UTT and get peace of mind that everything’s handled properly, start to finish.