Chapter 28
Tow Truck Regulations & Permit Requirements
The Utah Tow Truck Rules were updated in December 2009.
Click here for the Utah Administrative Code Rule R909-19.
Safety Regulations for Tow Truck Operations - Tow Truck Requirements for Equipment, Operation and Certification.
Tow Truck Certification Requirements
A tow truck will be certified when all of the required safety equipment, vehicle maintenance, data plates for bed, boom and wheel lift are on the vehicle, and functioning properly.
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
- 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.
- Horn - Used as an audible warning device.
- Portable lights - turn signals, brake lights, and emergency hazards when the rear lights on the tow vehicle are blocked.
- Long light cord - used to connect portable lights to the truck. May also be wireless.
- Fire extinguisher (min. 10BC) - used to put out small fires; must be readily available, secured, and charged.
- Tie down chains or straps (min. 4) - used to ensure load remains secured.
- Door and steering wheel ties - used to ensure doors remain closed while towing; also locks steering (and tires) in place.
- Cones or triangles (min. 3) - used for traffic control; required as emergency equipment on commercial motor vehicles.
- Scoop shovel - used to clean up glass, etc. from roadway.
- Broom - used to clean up glass, etc. from roadway.
- 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.
- Oil absorbent - used to assist in absorbing spilled diesel fuel, anti-freeze, battery acid, and etc. from roadway.
- Debris container (5 gal) - used to contain glass, etc. swept from roadway.
- Chock blocks (2) or stiff legs - used to stabilize the recover vehicle when on ice or other slippery surfaces during recovery operations.
- 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 or Current CVSA Inspection Sticker
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.
