§ 195-7. Minimum standards for tow truck/wreckers.

The following are the minimum standards for tow truck/wreckers for which permits are sought under this chapter:

A. 

A regular-duty tow truck/wrecker shall be able to tow or carry all makes of passenger cars and small trucks, including sport utility vehicles, pickup and small panel trucks, and must have or be equipped with the following:

(1) 

All tow truck/wreckers shall be a minimum of one ton registered gross weight according to the manufacturer's specifications and shall have dual rear wheels or the equivalent.

(2) 

A power take-off controlled winch with a minimum cable thickness of three-eighths-inch or the equivalent.

(3) 

Registered gross weight equal to the vehicles to be towed, with a minimum of 10,000 pounds registered gross vehicle weight.

(4) 

A three-eighths-inch safety chain. The life chain and the safety chain are not to be attached in any form or manner to the same part of the tow truck/wrecker.

(5) 

Front and rear flashing hazard lights.

(6) 

A three-hundred-sixty degree rotating amber beacon light mounted over the cab or an approved light bar.

(7) 

All lights shall be of such candlepower and intensity as to be visible one-fourth of a mile away.

(8) 

The company name, address and telephone number permanently affixed on both sides of the tow truck/wrecker. The letters and numbers shall be a minimum of three inches in height.

(9) 

A portable car dolly.

(10) 

Approved towing slings.

(11) 

Broom and shovel and sufficient equipment to clean up any debris on the roadway. The operator must clean away the debris at the scene.

(12) 

Commercial motor vehicle plates.

B. 

Heavy-duty tow trucks/wreckers.

(1) 

Heavy-duty tow truck/wreckers shall be used for the hauling of trucks, buses or vehicles over 10 tons. Heavy-duty tow truck/wreckers shall comply with Subsection A(7), (8), (10), (11) and (12) of this section pertaining to requirements for regular-duty tow truck/wreckers and shall also have or be equipped with the following:

(a) 

Dual rear wheels.

(b) 

Power take-off controlled winch with a minimum cable thickness of five-eighths inch.

(c) 

Four double-faced rear flashing amber lights mounted high enough to be seen over the vehicle.

(d) 

One-half-inch safety chain. The lift chain and safety chain are not to be attached in any form or manner to the same part of the tow truck/wrecker.

(e) 

Air brakes.

(f) 

Connecting air lines for connection with the air compressor and air brake lines of the towed vehicle.

(g) 

Detachable amber flashing bar lights to be attached to the rear of the towed vehicle.

(h) 

Two-speed rear axle and differential or dual transmission of five speed transmissions.

(2) 

The operator must clean away debris at the scene.