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 the required safety equipment is on the vehicle and properly functioning, when no critical violations are noted on the vehicle, and when all required data plates (or official documentation) are now available.
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
- Amber rotating lights - used to alert public of emergency situations; permanent fixtures; on top of towing vehicle cab; at least one 6" diameter light
- Portable Lights - Used to allow public to see flashing lights when permanent rotating lights are blocked
- Long Light Cord - Used to connect portable lights to two truck batteries
- 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 - Used to highlight the tow truck driver to the public.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
- Front of Truck - Operating head lamps, turn signals, four-way flashers, marker and ID lights, proper lamp color, mounting and visibility; windshield free of cracks, and check for operating wipers.
- Steering Axle - Steering system; front suspension; frame and frame assembly; front brakes.
- Brake Adjustment - Insure air pressure is between 90 and 100 psi. Make full brake application and measure push rods.
- 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.
- Low Air Pressure Warning Device - Check for audible and visual devices (if applicable).
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.
