All city-permitted tow trucks shall, in addition to the state’s tow truck regulations, meet the following minimum requirements:
(A) Have at least a minimum gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds GVWR as reflected on the manufacturer’s certificate. If the motor vehicle does not have a manufacturer’s certificate, then the gross vehicle weight shall be determined by a testing procedure approved by the Police Chief. All such motor vehicles shall be equipped with booster brakes or air brakes.
(B) Shall be in such condition that it can safely and reliably be used as a tow truck.
(C) Each permit holder shall own and have access to one dolly; provided, however, that any permit holder with more than one permit shall have one dolly for every two tow trucks on the permit holder list.
(D) Each tow truck shall have the following safety equipment:
(1) Five-sixteenths’ inch link steel safety chains for tow trucks with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, and three eighths’ inch link steel chains or their equivalent for tow trucks with GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds - these link sizes are minimums;
(2) A ten-pound BC fire extinguisher, or two five-pound BC fire extinguishers, labeled by a national testing laboratory, properly filled, operable, and located so as to be readily accessible for use;
(3) One crowbar or wrecking bar with a wedge head that is not less than 36 inches in length;
(4) One broom of a type designed for pushing with an 18-inch head, and a handle of not less than 36 inches;
(5) One flat-edge shovel at least nine inches wide, with a handle of not less than 36 inches;
(6) A box or bucket to carry glass or other debris removed from the accident scene;
(7) At least three gallons of sand or other absorbent material;
(8) Rope or wire suitable for securing doors, hoods, trunks, etc.;
(9) A functioning spotlight or flashlight;
(10) Outside rearview mirrors on both sides of the truck;
(11) Amber emergency lights, at least 48 inches in width, mounted as high as possible, visible in all directions when activated;
(12) Three portable red emergency triangle reflectors, or orange cones at least 18 inches tall, or flares;
(13) Auxiliary tow lights;
(14) A high mounted stop lamp on any tow truck with an overall width of less than 80 inches, or GVWR of 14,000 pounds or less, or manufactured on or after September 1, 1993; and
(15) Work lights, wired to a separate switch, that burn steadily and project light to the rear of the tow truck, that shall not be illuminated when the tow truck is in motion.
(Ord. 17-0822, passed 8-22-2017; Ord. 21-0921, passed 9-21-2021) Penalty, see § 91.99