If my car breaks down, am I legally required to have it towed immediately?

No. If your vehicle is parked safely off the road and is not a traffic hazard, you have a reasonable amount of time to arrange your own tow.

Who decides if my car is a 'traffic hazard'?

This is determined by WA Police or Main Roads WA, not the tow truck driver. A car on a quiet suburban street is not a hazard. A car in a live lane of the freeway is.

How long can I leave my car on the side of the road?

While there are limits, you are certainly allowed the short amount of time needed to call for assistance. Don't let an operator rush you by claiming you'll be fined instantly.

What should I do if a driver insists my safely-parked car must be moved?

Firmly state that the vehicle is not a hazard and that you will be making your own arrangements. This shows you know your rights and will not be pressured.

Why is taking my time so important?

Because rushing leads to bad decisions. Taking a few minutes to call a service like InstaTow allows you to get a fixed price and a vetted driver, avoiding all the common towing scams.

If You’re Not Blocking Traffic, You’re Not Obligated to Accept a Tow

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After a breakdown or a minor accident in Western Australia, one of the first lines a predatory tow operator will use is, “You can’t leave your car here, you have to move it now.” This is a pressure tactic. If your vehicle is safely off the road and not causing a hazard, you are under no immediate obligation to accept a tow from the first person who shows up.

You have time. Time to think, time to make a call, and time to choose.

The Difference Between a Hazard and an Inconvenience

This distinction is critical.

A Hazard: Your vehicle is in a live traffic lane, on a blind corner, or in a position that poses a genuine and immediate danger to other road users. In this scenario, WA Police or Main Roads can order its immediate removal.
An Inconvenience: Your vehicle is safely parked in an emergency lane, on the shoulder of a suburban road, or in a car park. It is not obstructing traffic or creating a danger.

In the second case, you are not legally required to move the vehicle instantly. An operator who tells you otherwise is manufacturing urgency to rush your decision.

You Have the Right to Wait

If your car is in a safe position, you have the right to take a reasonable amount of time to arrange your own assistance. This means you can:

Call your insurance company for advice.
Call a friend or family member.
Call multiple tow companies to compare prices.
Use an app like InstaTow to get a fixed price and a verified driver.

An operator who tries to take away your right to wait is not respecting your rights as a consumer.

How to Respond to the Pressure

If a tow driver is insisting you must move your safely-parked car immediately, you can say this:

“My vehicle is not a traffic hazard. I am safely off the road and I will be making my own arrangements in my own time.”

This communicates that you understand your rights and will not be pressured. If they claim the police require it, tell them you are happy to wait for an officer to attend and confirm this.

Use Your Time Wisely

The time you have while safely on the roadside is your most valuable asset. It allows you to avoid the scams that thrive on rushed decisions.

InstaTow is designed for this moment. It allows you to quickly and calmly arrange a legitimate, transparently-priced tow from a position of safety, without any face-to-face pressure.

Remember, if you’re not a hazard, you’re not in a hurry. The choice is yours.