Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

To protect consumers’ rights and interests in roadside assistance services, the Taipei City Government Department of Transportation has established the “Taipei City Guidelines for Towing and Rescue Operations of Roadside Assistance Vehicles (Automobiles and Motorcycles)”, which have been implemented with immediate effect.

All operators engaged in roadside assistance and towing services are required to comply with relevant regulations, including the Consumer Protection Act and the Taipei City Consumer Protection Ordinance.

The guidelines focus on three core principles:

1. Full transparency of consumer information
2. Establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering the stages before, during, and after towing services
3. Clear specification of potential criminal liabilities for illegal conduct

Operators are explicitly required to disclose pricing standards at their business premises or on their websites. They must inform consumers in advance of service items, provide quotations, and estimate total costs. Any additional services required on-site must receive prior consent, and charges not previously disclosed may not be collected.

In addition, operators must retain audio recordings or communication records for at least six months to safeguard the rights of both consumers and service providers. Operators are prohibited from arbitrarily increasing prices, making false charges, or collecting undisclosed fees, and such actions may not be used as justification for detaining vehicles. They are also prohibited from engaging in threatening, intimidating, abusive, deceptive, or destructive behavior that infringes upon the rights of vehicle owners, drivers, or their representatives.

The Taipei City Government reminds the public that in the event of roadside assistance or towing needs, they should remain calm and avoid panic. It is recommended to first contact towing service providers affiliated with insurance companies or credit card companies. Before accepting any towing service, consumers should clearly confirm all relevant pricing details with the service provider.

If consumers encounter unreasonable charges beyond prior agreements or situations such as vehicle detention, they are advised to report the matter to the police.

The Taipei City Government also urges operators to comply with the aforementioned guidelines and relevant consumer protection regulations. Operators who fail to make improvements within the specified period after being notified may be subject to fines ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$100,000, with penalties imposed per violation.

If operators unlawfully detain vehicles or demand excessive towing fees, and such actions involve suspected criminal offenses such as fraud, coercion, or extortion, the police will immediately initiate investigations and refer cases to the relevant competent authorities in accordance with the law. Operators are strongly advised not to violate the law.