Blog

What to do when your car needs towing: South Africa’s laws and regulations

Breaking down can be a stressful experience. When it comes to having your vehicle towed, we’re here to help you avoid unnecessary costs and complications with our straightforward guide to South Africa’s road laws and regulations.

Important towing laws to remember

In South Africa, there are specific towing regulations. Failure to follow these may lead to fines and penalties, followed by legal issues. Let’s explore your rights and responsibilities and equip you with practical tips to keep you and your vehicle safe.

Towing time: Towing is generally restricted to daylight hours on public roads unless the tow truck is from a reputable service company and properly equipped with lights and reflectors. This ensures high visibility and the safety of all road users.
Visibility requirements: The vehicle being towed is legally required to have a red flag (or cloth) at the end of the tow rope or bar to ensure visibility for other drivers, who can then manoeuvre safely around it.

Choosing a reputable towing service

If you have car insurance, it’s advisable to contact your insurer as soon as possible, as they have agreements with preferred towing suppliers. Ensure you have your insurer's emergency contact details saved in your phone so you’re always prepared.

For those without insurance, it’s essential to find a trustworthy towing company and add them to your phone contacts in case you find yourself in a situation that requires this service. Here’s what to consider:

Customer service: A breakdown or accident can be extremely stressful, so it’s important to choose a professional service with well-maintained tow trucks and a speedy response time.
Online reputation and reviews: Look online for towing services with positive customer feedback and ratings. This will help you gauge their reliability and approach to emergency management.
Transparent pricing: To avoid surprises, be clear on the cost and additional fees upfront. This should be provided to you in writing at the scene.

Preparing your vehicle to be towed

Be proactive and take the following precautions to ensure a smooth towing experience:

Personal belongings: Remove all your belongings from your vehicle to avoid loss or damage.
Engage the parking brake: Put your car in neutral if it’s manual or in “park” if it's automatic.
Protect transmission: Check that the towing service follows best practices. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, the front wheels should be off the ground, and for rear-wheel drives, the rear wheels should be lifted to prevent damage.

Your rights and responsibilities

An awareness of your rights and responsibilities will save you from potentially costly mistakes. Here are a few to remember:

Choose your service: If you can, contact your insurer or select your own tow truck service. If not, due to an accident, emergency personnel will make that decision for you.
Confirm costs in writing: Towing fees vary based on distance, vehicle type, and tow method. In South Africa, towing costs can range from R800 to R4 000. Plus, if storage is required, establish the rate upfront to avoid unpleasant surprises later. Always ask about rates and additional fees before agreeing to a tow.
Document the service: Before handing over your vehicle, get the operator’s details, including company registration and contact information. It’s also a good idea to take a photo of your car with the tow truck.

Most importantly, never feel pressured to accept towing services you’re uncomfortable with. And remember, even without insurance, it’s your right to decline any towing arrangement.

Peace of mind

Having a trusted towing service or a company like Sell Your Damaged Car’s number saved will empower you in any breakdown. If possible, consider investing in a roadside assistance plan for extra support. When prepared, towing is a manageable part of car ownership and shouldn’t be a stressful experience.

Looking to sell your damaged car? Choose SYDC, the largest salvage auctioneer in South Africa, with a solid reputation for buying any car, regardless of breakdown or accident damage. We do all the towing for you!