For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACCIDENT. Any occurrence that renders a vehicle wrecked or disabled.
CHIEF OF POLICE. The Chief of Police of the city, or his/her designated representative.
CONSENT TOW. The towing of a vehicle at the request of the owner or operator.
DISABLED VEHICLE. A motor vehicle that has been rendered unsafe to be driven as the result of some occurrence, including, but not limited to mechanical failure or breakdown, fire or vandalism, or a motor vehicle that is in a safe driving condition but whose owner or operator is not present, able or permitted to drive so as to reasonably necessitate that the vehicle be removed by a wrecker.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle which is self-propelled.
NONCONSENT TOW. The towing of a vehicle without the prearranged knowledge and consent of the owner or operator of the vehicle. Examples include, but are not limited to vehicles towed when the driver is incapacitated following an accident, vehicles towed when the driver has been arrested, vehicles removed from public or private property without prenotification to the vehicle owner, repossessions and seizures.
NONRESIDENT WRECKER OR TOW TRUCK OPERATOR. A wrecker or tow truck operator registered with the state who does not maintain a place of business within the corporate limits of the city.
VEHICLE. Every mechanical device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
WRECKED VEHICLE. A discarded, abandoned, junked, wrecked or worn out motor vehicle that is not in a condition to be lawfully operated on a public road.
WRECKER. A vehicle designed to be used primarily for removing wrecked or disabled vehicles.
WRECKER or TOW TRUCK OPERATOR. A person engaged in the business of using a wrecker to tow, winch or otherwise move a motor vehicle.
('78 Code, § 18-22) (Ord. 1108, passed 1-22-96)