Towing & roadside assistance in Vancouver

Your rights when you're towed in British Columbia

BC towing is regulated through commercial transport rules (CVSE) rather than a single consumer towing act. Private-property towing in Vancouver and most municipalities requires clear signage at lot entrances; if you're towed from a private lot, the operator must release your vehicle promptly on payment and provide a receipt. On provincial highways, police or the Ministry may direct removal of hazards. ICBC insurance typically covers accident towing to a repair facility.

Stuck on the highway?

Mountain routes like the Coquihalla demand full winter tires (Oct 1–Apr 30 on most highways) - you can be turned back or fined without them, and if you slide off without them, expect a recovery bill your insurer may question. Pull well clear on shoulders; on narrow canyon stretches, get to a pullout before stopping if at all possible.

Winter reality check

Winter tire routes are law on most BC highways October through April. DriveBC before any mountain travel - the Coquihalla, Highway 3 and Highway 1 through the canyon close regularly for avalanche control and multi-vehicle incidents.

Who to call in British Columbia

911
Any emergency or hazard to traffic

*5555
Report highway hazards to police from a cell in many BC regions

DriveBC (drivebc.ca)
Live road events, closures and mountain pass conditions - BC's equivalent of 511

What towing costs here

Around Vancouver, expect a typical hook-up fee of $95–$140 plus roughly $4.00–$5.00 per kilometre for a standard light-duty tow, before tax. Nights, storms, winching and heavy vehicles cost more; short in-town tows often land near the minimum. Always ask for the all-in price to your destination before the truck rolls - reputable operators quote it without hesitation. Roadside fixes (boosts, lockouts, tire changes) usually run a flat $45–$120 and are worth asking about first.