§ 16-246. Wrecker equipment.

(a)

Each wrecker shall be a truck chassis having a minimum gross vehicle weight of 6,500 pounds and boom assembly having a lift capacity of not less than 8,000 pounds as rated by the manufacturer and equipped with dollies on each tow truck.

(b)

A car carrier or rollback is defined as a vehicle designed to tow or carry vehicles damage free. The truck chassis shall have a minimum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,500 pounds. Two lift cylinders, minimum 2½-inch bore; individual power winch pulling capacity of not less than 10,000 pounds; 50 feet of 5/16 -inch cable on winch drum; and four tie-down hook safety chains. The carrier bed shall be a minimum of 18 feet in length and a minimum of 84 inches in width inside side rails. A cab protector constructed of aluminum or steel must extend a minimum of ten inches above the height of the bed.

(c)

The following equipment shall be on the wrecker, carrier or rollback:

(1)

Brakes (G.S. 20-124).

(2)

Glasses (G.S. 20-127, 20-135).

(3)

Horn (G.S. 20-125).

(4)

Lights (G.S. 20-129, 20-129.1, 20-130, 20-131).

(5)

Mirrors (G.S. 20-126, 20-117.1).

(6)

Mufflers (G.S. 20-128).

(7)

Reflectors (G.S. 20-129.1).

(8)

Turn signals (G.S. 20-125.1).

(9)

Windshield wipers (G.S. 20-127).

(10)

Tires (G.S. 20-122.1).

(d)

Each wrecker, carrier or rollback must be equipped with the following:

(1)

Ax.

(2)

Large broom.

(3)

Fire extinguisher; five-pound multi-purpose dry chemical.

(4)

Shovel.

(5)

Flares, eight or traffic cones, 28 inches in height.

(6)

Two snatch blocks.

(7)

Two scotch blocks.

(8)

Dollies (except rollback wreckers).

(9)

20 pounds of StayDry or similar type of absorbent material.

(10)

Cable; one spool having at least 100 feet and measuring three-eighths inches in diameter.

(11)

Bolt cutters.

(12)

Safety vest.

(e)

In general, an applicant must assure the town that they will have available equipment capable of towing any automobile or truck from the streets and other public or private places upon request by the police department or private property owner or lessee. All wreckers must be kept in good working condition and meet the minimum safety requirements, not only as specified above and elsewhere, but in all applicable sections of G.S. Ch. 20, motor vehicles. A safety vest will be worn at all times when out at the scene of a collision.

(Code 1986, § 9-146; Ord. No. 07-711, 10-9-2007; Ord. No. 10-826, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 16-1032 , 11-1-2016)