For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
APPLICANT. A person or business entity owning a wrecker service and applying for inclusion on the rotation wrecker list.
CAR CARRIER or ROLLBACK. A vehicle designed to tow or carry vehicles damage-free. The truck chassis shall have a minimum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,500 pounds. The truck shall include: two lift cylinders with a minimum two and one-half-inch bore; individual power winch pulling capacity of not less than 8,000 pounds; a length of wire rope (cable) on a winch drum with a working load limit (WLL) that meets or exceeds the pulling capacity of the power winch utilized; and four tie-down hook safety chains. The carrier bed shall be a minimum of 16 feet in length and a minimum of 84 inches in width inside side rails. A cab protector, constructed of aluminum or steel, must extend a minimum of ten inches above the height of the bed. A ROLLBACK is not considered a small or large wrecker.
CHIEF OF POLICE. Chief of the Newport Police Department.
DEBRIS. Includes any parts of a vehicle or material that may be strewn upon the surface of the roadway or highway right-of-way as a result of an incident/collision, and which may reasonably be cleared or removed. For this definition, DEBRIS shall also include any mud, soil, antifreeze, transmission, brake or other liquids/fluids that have been deposited onto the surface of the roadway as a result of a vehicle collision. DEBRIS does not include cargo from property hauling vehicles or hazardous materials that are required to be handled by hazardous materials teams.
DEPARTMENT. The Newport, North Carolina, Police Department.
OFFICER. All sworn personnel of the Town Police Department who are charged with law enforcement duties.
ROTATION WRECKER LIST (sometimes also ROTATION LIST). A list of wrecker services which have applied and been approved by the Chief of Police to be placed on the rotation list for the purpose of towing vehicles at the direction of law enforcement or other emergency organizations. The Town Police Department shall utilize rotation wrecker list services in those instances in which the owner or person in control of a vehicle is unable or not permitted to determine the disposition or custody of the vehicle, or otherwise has no preference as to what wrecker service tows the vehicle.
STORAGE FACILITY. An off-street storage facility, located within 30 minutes of the Police Department, secured by a minimum six foot-high chain-link fence (or a fence of similar strength), a wall or building, or other barrier or fence of sufficient height or design to reasonably secure towed vehicles from unauthorized access or removal and to deter trespassing or vandalism, and where all entrances and exits are secure from public access. It is recommended, but not required, that STORAGE FACILITIES be properly lighted. Such facility shall include a parking area that shall be of sufficient size to accommodate all vehicles towed by the wrecker service for the Department.
WRECKER or TOW TRUCK. A truck chassis having:
(1) A minimum gross vehicle weight rating (minimum gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, consists of the unloaded/curb weight of the vehicle plus the maximum carrying capacity recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer) of 10,000 pounds, and a maximum GVWR that does not exceed 26,000 pounds;
(2) A boom assembly having a minimum lifting power of 8,000 pounds as rated by the manufacturer;
(3) An 8,000 pound-rated winch with a length of cable on a winch drum with a working load limit that meets or exceeds the pulling capacity of the power winch utilized;
(4) A belt-type tow plate or tow sling assembly;
(5) A wheel life with a retracted lifting capacity of no less than 3,500 pounds;
(6) Dual rear wheels; and
(7) Any additional safety equipment specified by this policy.
WRECKER SERVICE. A person or entity engaged in the business of, or offering the services of, or owning a wrecker service or towing service whereby motor vehicles are or may be towed or otherwise removed from one place to another by the use of a motor vehicle manufactured and designed for the primary purpose of removing and towing motor vehicles. A ROTATION WRECKER SERVICE is one on the rotation wrecker list.
(Ord. passed 2-2-2010)