24-Hour Towing in Perth: Costs, Safety Tips and Where Your Car Can Go
If you need 24-hour towing in Perth, expect a slightly higher rate outside business hours. For crash tows in Perth and Peel, the after-hours surcharge is capped by law at a one-off $149.
However, the bigger question at night is often where your car will go once it is loaded onto the truck, especially when your mechanic is closed until morning.
Here is how after-hours towing works in Perth and how to make a late-night breakdown easier to manage.
When Does After-Hours Towing Start in Perth?
Western Australia's towing regulations define after-hours periods for crash towing as:
- Monday to Friday: 5 pm to 8 am
- Weekends: 5 pm Friday to 8 am Monday
- Public holidays: Midnight to midnight
During these periods, an authorised operator can charge a one-off after-hours surcharge of up to $149 for a crashed light vehicle in Perth and Peel.
The base tow is capped at $523, including the first 50 km. These figures are based on the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure's capped fees, updated on 1 July 2026.
Breakdown towing is different. These services are not subject to the same capped fees, so operators provide individual quotes. Always ask for the full price, including any after-hours charges, before agreeing to the service.
Where Can Your Car Go After a Night-Time Tow?
When your car breaks down at night, you may have several options depending on your circumstances.
1. Your Home
Having your vehicle towed to your driveway is often the simplest option. You can arrange repairs the following day without worrying about workshop opening hours.
2. Your Mechanic's Workshop
Some Perth workshops have after-hours key-drop facilities. Your towing operator may be able to park the vehicle in a designated customer area and leave the keys securely for the mechanic.
This can save you from arranging another tow the following morning.
3. Secure Vehicle Storage
If you are unsure where to take your vehicle, secure storage may be a practical alternative.
In Perth and Peel, storage of a crashed vehicle is capped at $27 per day, plus a one-off $95 administration fee.
TowX Group provides all three options. Operating across Perth since 1996, the company can transport vehicles to homes and workshops or hold them at its CCTV-monitored depot until business hours.
Should You Call Roadside Assistance or a Tow Truck?
The right choice depends on what has happened to your vehicle.
Roadside assistance through your insurer or motoring club may be suitable for common problems such as:
- A flat battery
- A flat tyre, if you have a usable spare
- Running out of fuel
However, a mechanical problem may require professional towing rather than a roadside fix.
If your vehicle has overheated, developed an engine or gearbox fault, or been filled with the wrong fuel, arrange appropriate assistance and avoid driving it if doing so could cause further damage.
For accidents and breakdowns that require vehicle transport, a 24-hour towing operator can help move your vehicle to a suitable destination.
How to Stay Safe While Waiting for a Tow Truck
Waiting beside a road at night can be stressful. These precautions can help you stay safer while assistance is on its way.
- Make your vehicle visible: Turn on your hazard lights and, where appropriate, the interior light.
- Stay away from moving traffic: On a freeway, exit from the passenger side if it is safe to do so and move behind the safety barrier.
- Choose a safe waiting position: On a well-lit suburban street, remaining inside the vehicle with the doors locked may be appropriate if the location is safe.
- Keep your phone available: The towing driver may call when approaching your location.
- Confirm the operator's details: Check that the arriving truck and driver match the information provided when you booked the service.
Always prioritise your safety and follow instructions from emergency services or road authorities where applicable.
What Information Should You Provide When Booking a Tow?
Providing accurate details helps the dispatcher arrange the right vehicle and give you a more reliable quote.
Before calling, prepare these four details:
- Your exact location: Provide a street address, nearby intersection or freeway exit.
- Your vehicle details: Include the make and model.
- The problem: Explain whether you have experienced a breakdown, accident or another issue.
- Your destination: Specify whether you want the vehicle taken home, to a workshop or to secure storage.
If your vehicle requires specialised equipment, such as tilt tray towing, mention this when booking.
Need 24-Hour Towing in Perth?
TowX Group provides 24-hour towing services across Perth and regional Western Australia. Its services include accident recovery, breakdown towing and vehicle transport, with options for home delivery, workshop drop-off and secure storage.
The company is listed as Authorised Towing Business No. 834 with the WA Government. Typical metro arrival times are 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and location.
For assistance, call 1300 997 888 or visit TowX Group to learn more about its towing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24-hour towing in Perth more expensive?
It can be. For crashed light vehicles in Perth and Peel, the after-hours surcharge is capped at a one-off $149. Breakdown towing is quoted individually, so confirm the total cost before booking.
Do public holidays count as after hours?
Yes. Under Western Australia's crash-towing rules, public holidays count as after-hours periods from midnight to midnight.
Can I ride in the tow truck at night?
This depends on the vehicle, available seating and safety requirements. Ask the operator when booking rather than assuming a passenger can travel with the driver.
Should I call roadside assistance or a tow truck at night?
Roadside assistance may be suitable for a flat battery, a tyre problem or running out of fuel. If your vehicle has suffered a serious mechanical failure or been involved in an accident, towing may be necessary.
How long does a tow truck take to arrive in Perth?
Arrival times depend on your location, traffic and the operator's availability. TowX Group reports typical metro arrival times of 30 to 60 minutes, although this is not guaranteed.
