For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CONSENT TOW. Any tow conducted with the permission of, or at the direction of, the towed vehicles legal or registered owner or the owner’s authorized representative. Except as set forth in the definition of “non-consent tow”, a tow will be considered a CONSENT TOW where the owner is able to give consent.
NON-CONSENT TOW. Any tow conducted without permission of or not at the direction of the towed vehicles legal or registered owner or the owner’s authorized representative. Regardless of this definition, city police officers may control the scene of an accident in the manner they deem appropriate and order a NON-CONSENT TOW.
OPERATE. To drive or cause to be driven a tow truck on a public roadway.
OPERATOR. Any person operating a tow truck on a public roadway of the state.
OWNER. A person owning, leasing or otherwise using either directly or indirectly a tow truck on a public roadway of the state.
PERSON. An individual, corporation, organization, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association or the other legal entity.
PUBLIC ROADWAY. A public street, alley, road, right-of-way or other public way, including paved and unpaved portions of the right-of-way.
VEHICLE. A motor vehicle subject to registration under Tex. Transportation Code Ch. 501 or any other device designed to be self propelled or transported on a public street.
VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITY. A garage, parking lot or any other type of facility owned by a person other than a governmental entity for storing or parking ten or more vehicles a year.
WRECKER. A motor vehicle, equipped with a mechanical device used to tow, wench or otherwise move another motor vehicle.
WRECKER SERVICE. An individual, corporation, partnership or other association engaged in the business of towing vehicles on a highway for compensation or with the expectation of compensation for the towing or storage of the vehicles and includes the owner, operator, employee or agent of a towing company, but does not include a political subdivision of the state.
(Ord. passed - -2000)