Tow Truck Requirements

Tow Truck Operation Certifications

Any company who operates a vehicle as a tow truck as defined in 72-9-102(5) is required to obtain three certifications:

• Driver certification.
• Tow truck (vehicle) certification
• Company certification.
  

State law 72-9-602 requires that all three certifications must be obtained prior to operation and that these certifications are to be maintained.

Exception: This does not apply to a person who is towing a vehicle owned by that person in a noncommercial operation i.e. using a tow strap or other means to tow their own vehicle to home shop etc.

Note: The tow truck and tow truck motor carrier certifications are only valid for two years from date of issuance. Driver certifications are valid for the time specified by the certifying entity.

Tow Truck Driver Certification

Tow truck Motor Carriers are required to ensure that the driver of a tow truck is properly:

• Obtain and maintain a certification from one of the accepted certification courses
• Has a current valid license for the type of vehicle operated as per Title 53, Chapter 3, Uniform Drivers License Act
• Complies with the requirements under Sections 41-6a-1406 and 72-9-603
• Comply with the Parts 380 – 396 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
  

The Department of Transportation accepts the tow truck driver certification from the following entities:

• Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) Testing Program - www.towserver.net
• Wreckmaster Certification Program - www.wreckmast.com
• AAA Certification Program - www.aaa.com
• Utah Safety Council - www.utahsafetycouncil.org
  

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

The Utah Tow Truck Rules were updated in July 2014.

Tow Truck Certification Requirements

Inspections for tow truck certification may be obtained at one of the county or region inspection sites or by going to a Port of Entry. Click on the following link for a schedule of inspection sites and dates: www.udot.utah.gov/go/towtrucks.

Just select a location and complete the information. These inspection dates and locations are set up to assist companies in keeping their vehicle certifications current. If there is no scheduled appointment’s for on a particular date and location the regional inspection will be canceled.

A tow truck will be certified when all of the required safety equipment, vehicle maintenance, data plates for bed, boom and wheel lift is on the vehicle, and functioning properly.

REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT

A. Amber rotating/oscillating lights - used to alert public of emergency situations; permanent fixtures mounted on vehicle at the highest point/; at least one 6" diameter light.
B. Horn - Used as an audible warning device.
C. Portable lights - turn signals, brake lights, and emergency hazards when the rear lights on the tow vehicle are blocked. May also be wireless.

• Only required if tow vehicle is equipped with a wheel lift.

D. Fire extinguisher (min. 10BC) - used to put out small fires; must be readily available, secured, and charged.
E. Tie down chains or straps (min. 4) - used to ensure load remains secured.
F. Door and steering wheel ties - used to ensure doors remain closed while towing; also locks steering (and tires) in place.
G. Cones or triangles (min. 3) - used for traffic control; required as emergency equipment on commercial motor vehicle

H. Scoop shovel - used to clean up glass, etc. from roadway.

• Not required on tow vehicles used exclusively for repossessing of vehicles

I. Broom - used to clean up glass, etc. from roadway.

• Not required on tow vehicles used exclusively for repossessing of vehicles

J. Safety chains (min. grade 7) - used to lock towed vehicle to boom or bed; prevent excessive swaying and possible breaking away from boom or bed.
K. Oil absorbent - used to assist in absorbing spilled diesel fuel, anti-freeze, battery acid, and etc. from roadway.

• Not required on tow vehicles used exclusively for repossessing of vehicles

L. Debris container (5 gal) - used to contain glass, etc. swept from roadway.

• Not required on tow vehicles used exclusively for repossessing of vehicles

M. Chock blocks (2) or stiff legs - used to stabilize the recover vehicle when on ice or other slippery surfaces during recovery operations.
N. Safety vest (class 2) - used to highlight the tow truck driver to the public.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

• Front of truck - check head lamps, turn signals, four-way flashers, marker and ID lights; proper lamp color, mounting, and visibility; and wipers.
• Side of truck - check wheels, rims, and tires.
• Rear of truck - check tail lamps, stop lamps, turn signals, and 4-way flashers.
• Cargo area - ensure all equipment and other cargo is properly secured.
• Annual State Safety Inspection 

VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY

• Truck data plate - must be attached to vehicle (or official document available in vehicle); must state manufacture's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
• Boom or Bed data plate - must be attached to boom or bed (or official document available in vehicle); must state boom's (or bed's) maximum load capacity.
• Wheel Lift data plate - must be attached to wheel lift, boom, or bed (or official document available in vehicle); must state wheel lift's maximum load capacity.
  

Note: Some vehicles may only have one data plate that gives the information on the bed, boom wheel lift instead of having individual plates on each area.

Upon completion of the inspection of the vehicle and the vehicle passed the inspection a sticker will be placed in the rear window of the vehicle and a copy of the vehicle inspection report will be given to the Tow Truck company.  An inspection is valid for two years.

Tow Truck Motor Carrier Certification

For a Motor Carrier to become certified to operate as a tow truck motor carrier, they must ensure all the drivers have and maintain a current certification, all the vehicles used to tow are currently certified and these certifications are maintained. A tow truck motor carrier must submit an application listing all the drivers and vehicles used to tow along with certifying that they are in compliance with the following:

• Tow receipts have all the required information as per R909-19
• All fee’s including storage, towing, administrative and fuel surcharge fees are posted in an obvious location as per R909-19
• The carrier has in force the proper amount of insurance liability
• $750,000 liability for carriers performing police generated tows only.
• $1,000,000 if performing all types of tows.
• Along with the insurance level mentioned above the motor carrier must have an MCS-90 environmental restoration on file at their principal place of business.
• Motor Carrier must have updated their MCS-150 form every two years per FMCSA Part 390.19.
• All vehicles are marked with the proper company name as per FMCSA Part 390.21.
• The Unified Carrier Registration fee is paid for all years a carrier is registered with FMCSA as interstate.
• Comply with all the requirements in R909-19, 41-6a-1406 and 72-9-603.

The application may be obtained by clicking on the link or by contacting the Motor Carrier Division at (801) 965-4892.  

After the application is received a Motor Carrier Specialist will contact the tow truck motor carrier and schedule an appointment to conduct a compliance review as per 72-9-602. These compliance reviews must be done at least once every two years.