Why Receipts Matter: A Tulum Tow Truck Dispute

Earlier this month, a driver in Tulum faced a significant bill from EconoGrúas for towing services, with nearly half of the charges attributed to 1.92 units of maneuvering. This incident highlights the importance of detailed receipts and understanding local towing tariffs for anyone navigating the roads of Tulum.

On a Saturday night, officers stopped the driver near CETLI on the Tulum-Cobá highway, citing an expired tarjeta de circulación (vehicle registration card) as the reason to impound the Jeep. The driver claims the vehicle was not damaged and provides evidence of its condition before towing. Despite receiving a receipt for 5,761.31 pesos, he questions the necessity of the charges, particularly the 2,566.52 pesos for maneuvering.

The state's mobility institute, Imoveqroo, acknowledged in May that tow companies can charge differently within the framework of the 2020 tariff. The receipt's breakdown shows that most charges are in line with the state tariff, but the maneuvering charge stands out, prompting scrutiny. If you find yourself needing towing services in Tulum, be sure to request a detailed receipt and ask for explanations for any unexpected charges.