Transportation, Motor Carrier

Rule R909-19

Safety Regulations for Tow Truck Operations - Tow Truck Requirements for Equipment, Operation and Certification

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 33131
Filed: 11/02/2009 04:24:11 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of this amendment is to increase the maximum non-consent non-police generated towing rates and the maximum administrative fee that may be charged for entry of towed vehicle data in a government database, as approved by the Motor Carriers Board, and to make various grammatical corrections and stylistic changes.

Summary of the rule or change:

The amendment would increase the maximum non-consent non-police generated towing rates to match the non-consent police generated towing rates, and increase the maximum administrative fee that may be charged for entry of towed vehicle data in a government database, and make various grammatical corrections and stylistic changes.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 72-9-301
• Section 72-9-701
• Section 63J-1-303
• Section 72-9-603
• Section 53-8-105
• Section 41-6a-1406
• Section 41-6a-1405
• Section 72-9-604
• Section 72-9-303
• Section 41-6a-1404
• Section 72-9-702
• Section 72-9-601
• Section 72-9-703
• Section 53-1-106
• Section 72-9-602

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

No cost or savings are anticipated with this rule amendment. No new requirements were created that would impact the state budget.

local governments:

No cost or savings are anticipated with this rule amendment. No new requirements were created that would impact the local government.

small businesses:

No cost is anticipated with this rule amendment for small business. Small tow truck motor carriers will be able to charge higher tow rates and a higher administrative fee.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

Vehicle owners whose vehicles are towed could be subject to a higher tow rate and a higher administrative fee.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

No cost is anticipated with this rule amendment for tow truck motor carriers. Vehicle owners whose vehicles are towed could be subject to a higher tow rate and a higher administrative fee.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This rule should have no negative fiscal impact on businesses. Tow truck motor carriers will be able to charge higher tow rates and a higher administrative fee.

John R. Njord, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Transportation
Motor Carrier
4501 S 2700 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84119-5998

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Maureen Short at the above address, by phone at 801-965-4026, by FAX at 801-965-4338, or by Internet E-mail at maureenshort@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

12/15/2009

This rule may become effective on:

12/22/2009

Authorized by:

John Njord, Executive Director

R909. Transportation, Motor Carrier.

R909-19. Safety Regulations for Tow Truck Operations - Tow Truck Requirements for Equipment, Operation and Certification.

R909-19-3. Definitions.

(1) "Consent Tow" means any tow truck service that is done at the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor owner's, or its legal operator, knowledge and/or approval.

(2) "Department" means the Utah Department of Transportation.

(3) "Division" means the Motor Carrier Division.

(4) "Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)" means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination (articulated) motor vehicle. In the absence of a value specified by the manufacturer, GVCR will be determined by adding the GVWR of the power unit and the total weight of the towed unit and any load thereon.

(5) "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)" means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single motor vehicle.

(6) "Non-Consent Police Generated Tow" means tow truck service that was ordered by a peace officer, or a person acting on behalf of a law enforcement agency, or a highway authority, as defined in Section 72-1-102.

(7) "Non-consent Non Police Generated Tow" means towing services performed without the prior consent of the owner of the vehicle or the person authorized by the owner to operate the vehicle from private property. The tow truck service must be from private property, at the request of the property landowner or agent for the landowner.

(8) "Personal Property" means articles associated with a person, such as property having a more or less intimate relation to a person , home or family, including clothing, medicine, tools, [home/family] etc. Items not considered as personal property are considered to be the original manufactured equipment, and/or attached property to the vehicle, including tires, rims, vehicle-stereos, speakers, or CD changers and will remain in the vehicle.

(9) "Recovery Operation" means a towing service that may require charges in addition to the normal one-truck/one-driver towing service requirements. The additional charges may include charges for manpower, extra equipment, traffic control, and special recovery equipment and supplies.

(10) "Tow Truck" means a motor vehicle constructed, designed, altered, or equipped primarily for the purpose of towing or removing damaged, disabled, abandoned, seized, repossessed or impounded vehicles from highway or other place by means of a crane, hoist, tow bar, tow line, dolly tilt bed, or other similar means of vehicle transfer without its own power or control.

(11) "Tow Truck Certification Program" means a program to authorize and approve tow truck motor carrier owners, operators, and vehicles is the process by which the Department, acting under Section 72-9-602, [Utah Code,] shall verify compliance with the State and Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations.

(12) "Tow Truck Motor Carrier" means any company that provides for-hire, private, salvage, or repo ssessiontowing services. It includes the company's agents, officers, and representatives as well as employees responsible for hiring, training, supervisory, assigning, or dispatching of drivers and employees concerned with the installation, inspection, and maintenance of equipment and/or accessories.

(13) "Tow Truck Service" means the functions and any ancillary operations associated with recovering, removing, and towing a vehicle and its load from a highway or other place by means of a tow truck.

(a) Tow Truck Service, with regards to authorized towing fees, is determined by the type and size of the towed vehicle, not the type and size of the tow truck performing the service.

(b) Tow ed Vehicle Classifications will be used when determining authorized fees. Information regarding the [(]GVWR[)] to determine classification category of towed vehicle can be found on the identification plate on the vehicle driver side doorframe. Towed vehicle classifications are as follows:

[(1)] (i) "Light Duty" means any towed vehicle with a [(]GVWR[)] 10,000 pounds or less;

[(2)] (ii) "Medium Duty" means any towed vehicle with a [(]GVWR[)] between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds;

[(3)] (iii) "Heavy Duty" means any towed vehicle with a [(]GVWR[)] or [(]GCWR[)] 26,001 pounds and greater.

(14) "Tow Truck Motor Carrier Steering Committee" means a committee established by the Motor Carrier Division and will include enforcement personnel, industry representatives and other persons as deemed necessary.

 

R909-19-5. Insurance.

(1) Non-consent police generated tows are required to maintain at least $750,000 of liability insurance[minimum liability].

(2) Tow Truck Motor Carriers performing non-consent non-police generated tows and consent tows are required to maintain at least $1,000,000 of liability insurance [minimum liability] plus the MCS-90 endorsement for environmental restoration as required in 49 CFR Part 387 - Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers.

(3) Evidence of required insurance will be maintained at the principal place of business and made available to the Department and/or Investigator upon request and prior to the Tow Truck Motor Carrier certification.

 

R909-19-8. Requirement for Tow Truck Motor Carriers to input required information for Government and Public Notification.

(1) All non-consent police generated and non-consent non-police generated tows conducted by Tow Truck Motor Carriers must input required information in electronic form on the Division of Motor Vehicles Utah State Tax Commission's website, at "https://secure.utah.gov/ivs/ivs" as required by 41-6a-1406(11).

(2) Tow Truck Motor Carriers may charge an administrative fee up to but not exceeding $[5] 30.00 per vehicle notification for reporting non-consent tows to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

 

R909-19-9. Certification.

There are three (3) [required] certification s [requirements] required by the Department[,] .[they are as follows:]

(1) Tow Truck Driver Certification:

(a) Effective July 1, 2004 all tow truck drivers will be tested and certified in accordance with National Driver Certification Procedure (NDCP) standards. These standards of conduct and proficiency may be tested and certified through:

(i) Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) Testing Program;

(ii) Wreckmaster Certification Program;

(iii) AAA Certification Program ; or

(iv) Other driver testing certification programs [may be] approved by the Department to meet certification requirements however; the Tow Truck Motor Carrier must obtain prior approval in writing from the Motor Carrier Division Administrator or Division representative by calling (801) 965-4892.

(b) Information on the above mentioned certification programs may be obtained by contacting the Motor Carrier Division at (801) 965-4559.

(c) Tow Truck Motor Carriers shall ensure that all driver[']s are:

(i) Properly trained to operate tow truck equipment;

(ii) Licensed, as required under [UCA] Sections 53-3-101, [et al.] through 53-3-909 Uniform Driver License Act; and

(iii) Proper[t] ly certified.

(2) Tow Truck Vehicle Certification:

(a) All tow trucks shall be inspected and certified biannually;

(b) All tow trucks must be equipped with required safety equipment. Safety Equipment List can be found at http://www.udot.utah.gov/index.php/m=c/tid=396 or by calling 801-965-[3871]4559.

(c) Upon vehicle certification, [of vehicle] a UDOT safety sticker will be issued and shall be affixed on the driver's side rear window.

(d) Documentation of UDOT tow truck vehicle inspection certification shall be kept in the vehicle file and be available upon request by Department personnel.

(3) Tow Truck Motor Carrier Certification:

(a) Tow Truck Motor Carriers shall be certified biannually to ensure compliance as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Utah Code Annotated, and local laws where applicable.

 

R909-19-11. Information Required on Towing Receipt.

Charges for services provided must be clearly reflected on a company receipt and a copy shall be provided to the customer. The receipt must include the following information:

(a) company name;

(b) address;

(c) phone number;

(d) transportation and storage fees charged;

(e) name of company driver;

(f) unit number;

(g) license plate of the towed vehicle;

(h) make, model, Vehicle Identification Number, and year of the towed [unit,] vehicle, and;

(i) start and end time for services provided.

 

R909-19-12. Maximum Towing Rates. Non-Consent Police Generated Tows.

(1) $145 per hour, per unit, when towing a "Light Duty" vehicle;

(a) An additional 15% per hour may be charged if the towed vehicle is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR Part 172, subpart F.

(2) $240 per hour, per unit, when towing a "Medium Duty" vehicle;

(a) An additional 15% per hour may be charged if the towed vehicle is used in the transport transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR Part 172, subpart F.

(3) $300 per hour, per unit, when towing a "Heavy Duty" vehicle;

(a) An additional 15% per hour may be charged if the towed vehicle is used in the transport transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR Part 172, subpart F.

(4) If a tow truck apparatus is mechanically connected to a vehicle, the tow truck will [therefore] be considered in possession of the vehicle.

(a) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of a motor vehicle, [which is in question,] is attempting to retrieve said vehicle before the tow truck is mechanically connected, no fee(s) will be charged to the vehicle owner.

(b) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of the vehicle, [which is in question,] is attempting to retrieve said vehicle before the vehicle is removed from the property or scene, the maximum fee shall not exceed 50% of the posted rate schedule.

(5) As fuel increases .50 per gallon from the base rate of $3.00, a surcharge shall be allowed of 10% of the base rate. Conversely, if prices drop, they will decrease by the same amount.

(a) To determine the average daily per gallon diesel cost , [please] refer to "http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/wohdp/diesel.asp" .

(6) Charges for [R] recovery operations[charges], as defined by R909-19-3, shall be coordinated with the towed vehicle owner prior to initiating the additional charges relating to the recovery operation. Coordination with the towed vehicle owner should result in an agreement between the tow vehicle owner and Tow Truck Motor Carrier.

(7) Pursuant to Utah Code Ann. Section 72-9-603 it is illegal for a Tow Truck Motor Carrier to require the owner of an impounded vehicle to pay any money other than the appropriate amount listed in this rule. Any tow truck service charging more than the maximum approved rates may be assessed civil penalties determined by the Department, as authorized under Section 72-9-303.

(8) Tow Truck Motor Carriers shall obey all local city and county laws, when applicable, pertaining to placement of signs, notification, and other towing related ordinances.[ Tow Truck Lighting 41-6a-161.] Strobe lights are not allowed on Tow Trucks. The acceptable [light] color[s] for tow truck lights is amber[are orange and yellow].

 

R909-19-13. Maximum Non-Consent Non Police Generated Towing Rate.

(1) The maximum rate for a "Light Duty" vehicle is $[121] 145 per tow.

(2) The maximum rate for a "Medium Duty" vehicles is $[200] 240 per tow.

(3) The maximum rate for a "Heavy Duty" vehicle is $[250] 300 per tow.

(4) If a tow truck apparatus is mechanically connected to a vehicle, the tow truck will [therefore] be considered in possession of the vehicle.

(a) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of a motor vehicle, [which is in question,] is attempting to retrieve said vehicle before the tow truck is mechanically connected, no fee(s) will be charged to the vehicle owner.

(b) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of the vehicle, [which is in question,] is attempting to retrieve said vehicle before the vehicle is removed from the property or scene, the maximum fee shall not exceed 50% of the posted rate schedule.

(5) Pursuant to [Utah Code Ann.] Section 72-9-603, it is illegal for a Tow Truck Motor Carrier to require the owner of an impounded vehicle to pay any money other than the appropriate amount listed in this rule. Any tow truck service charging more than the maximum approved rates may be assessed civil penalties determined by the Department, as authorized under Section 72-9-303.

(6) Tow Truck Motor Carriers shall obey all local city and county laws, when applicable, pertaining to placement of signs, notification, and other towing related ordinances.

 

R909-19-14. Maximum Storage Rates. Non-Consent Tows.

(1) $25 Maximum per day, per unit, for outside storage of "Light Duty" vehicles;

(2) $30 Maximum per day, per unit may be charged for inside storage of "Light Duty" vehicles only at the owner's request, or at the order of a law enforcement agency or highway authority.

(3) $45 Maximum per day, per unit for outside storage of "Medium/Heavy Duty" vehicles;

(4) $70 Maximum per day, per unit may be charged for inside storage of "Medium/Heavy Duty" vehicles only at the owner's request, or at the order of a law enforcement agency or highway authority.

(5) $100 Maximum per day, per unit for outside storage of vehicles used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR Part 172, subpart F.

(6) $150 Maximum per day, per unit may be charged for inside storage of vehicles used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR Part 172, subpart F, only at the owner's request, or at the order of a law enforcement agency or highway authority.

(7) Pursuant to [Utah Code Ann.] Section 72-9-603, it is illegal for a Tow Truck Motor Carrier to require the owner of an impounded vehicle to pay any money other than the appropriate amount listed in this rule. Any tow truck service charging more than the maximum approved rates may be assessed civil penalties determined by the Department, as authorized under Section 72-9-303.

(8) For the purpose of calculating storage rates, if the first six (6) hours of storage for a vehicle includes more than one day, the authorized storage fee is only the charge for one day.

 

KEY: safety regulations, trucks, towing, certifications

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [October 15], 2009

Notice of Continuation: September 25, 2006

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 41-6a-1404; 41-6a-1405; 41-6a -1406 [104]; 53-1-106; 53-8-105; 63J-1-303; 72-9-601; 72-9-602; 72-9-603; 72-9-604; 72-9-301; 72-9-303; 72-9-701; 72-9-702; 72-9-703