Florida Regulations 15B-9.005: Wrecker Classification and Required Equipment
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(1) Each tow truck owned or maintained by a wrecker operator shall be commercially manufactured and shall conform to the requirements of this rule. The requirements for commercial manufacture of trucks and equipment are waived for those operators who have been on the division’s rotation list for one year prior to January 22, 1986. The wrecker and equipment shall be operable.
(2) The tow truck and equipment shall be inspected by the division’s local troop commander or his designee and approved by the troop commander before being placed on the rotation list. Thereafter, trucks and equipment shall be subject to periodic checks as necessary to ensure compliance with these rules.
(3) Sirens on wreckers are prohibited.
(4) The wrecker operator shall not represent or imply on any vehicle, building or correspondence an official relationship between the wrecker operator and the division or any other police agency.
(5) It is prohibited for a tow truck or the business establishment maintained by the wrecker operator to have any equipment capable of monitoring messages or signals or frequencies assigned to the division.
(6) All trucks operated pursuant to this rule shall be equipped with a business-type communication radio or mobile telephone or cellular telephone. There shall be one radio or phone for each truck. Such equipment shall be licensed and approved by the Federal Communications Commission. The mobile radio or telephone shall enable the wrecker operator to communicate with his area of operations from any point within the assigned zone. A citizens band radio does not meet the requirements of this section. The troop commander may waive this requirement for all wrecker operators within a zone upon a showing that due to the limited number of operators in a zone that the installation of such communication devices is unnecessary or cost prohibitive or that the service is not readily available.
(7) Specifications and required equipment shall be as follows:
(a) ALL wreckers (All Classifications) shall include the following:
1. A cradle, tow plate or tow sling to pick up vehicles. The cradle, tow plate or tow sling shall be equipped with safety chains and constructed in such a manner that it will not damage the vehicle to be towed.
2. Dual rear wheels.
3. Clearance and marker lights and all other equipment as required by Florida Statutes Chapter 316
4. A rotor beam or strobe-type light, amber in color, mounted on the wrecker in such a manner that it can be seen from the front, rear, and both sides.
5. The name, address and telephone number of the wrecker operator for the zone in which the operator is qualified must be painted or permanently affixed in a conspicuous place on both sides of the trucks as required by Florida Statutes § 713.78(6) A unit number shall be painted on both sides of the cab of each wrecker. The same unit number on two or more wreckers qualified to tow within a zone is prohibited. Multiple addresses and telephone numbers are prohibited.
a. The name must be in letters at least three (3) inches in height.
b. The zone address and telephone number must be at least one (1) inch in height.
c. The unit number must be at least three (3) inches in height and in contrasting color.
d. Magnetic or removal signs or placards will not meet these requirements.
6. At least one heavy duty push broom with a minimum width of twenty-four (24) inches.
7. One square shovel.
8. One ax.
9. One crowbar or prybar with a minimum length of thirty (30) inches.
10. Minimum of one (1) five pound CO2 or dry chemical fire extinguisher or equivalent. Must be approved type and have a current inspection tag attached.
11. One pair of bolt cutters with a minimum opening of 1/2 inch.
12. One set of jumper cables.
13. One four-way lug wrench.
14. One flashlight.
15. Five thirty minute fuses.
16. One snatch block for each winch with manufacturer’s rating to match winch.
17. Extra towing chain six to eight feet in length with hooks.
18. At least three (3) safety cones or triangle reflectors.
19. Fifty pounds of sand or equivalent.
(b) Class “”A”” Wreckers – For the removal of cars and light duty trucks and vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. Specifications and equipment in addition to requirements outlined in Fl. Admin. Code R. 15B-9.005(7)(a), shall be as follows:
1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of at least 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. A complete, commercially manufactured boom and winch(es) having a manufacturer’s combined rating of at least 4 tons must be mounted on the chassis. Hand crank winches do not satisfy these requirements and will not be approved.
2. A minimum of one hundred feet of 3/8-inch cable.
3. Dollies.
4. Flood lights on the hoist.
5. Vehicles which are equipped with wheel lifts or the equivalent may also qualify as Class A tow trucks so long as they are equipped with a boom and all other applicable requirements are met. Wheel lifts shall be rated at a minimum of 3,000 lbs. lift capacity and must utilize wheel safety straps when lifting vehicles by the wheels only.
6. Operators who wish to remove cars and light trucks may have, in addition, a roll-back or slide-back carrier truck/trailer with specifications and equipment as provided in subsection (c) of this rule.
7. HSMV Form 60308 shall be used by the Division for the inspection of Class “”A”” wreckers.
(c) Class “”A”” Roll-Back or Slide-Back Wreckers – For the removal of cars and light duty trucks and vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. Specifications and equipment for roll-back or slide-back carriers in addition to the requirements outlined in subparagraphs 15B-9.005(7)(a)2.-20., F.A.C., shall include the following:
1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of at least 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight with a minimum of a sixteen (16) foot bed, dual rear wheels and a winch with at least 8,000 pound capacity.
2. A minimum of 50 feet of 3/8-inch cable.
3. A minimum of two safety tie-down chains of at least ten (10) feet each in length.
4. Two spot (flood) lights mounted on the rear of the carrier.
5. A roll-back or slide-back carrier trailer shall meet the following requirements:
a. A commercially manufactured carrier trailer with a rated capacity of at least 8,000 pounds gross vehicle weight with a minimum sixteen (16) foot bed. A winch with at least 8,000 pound capacity.
b. A minimum of 50 feet of 3/8 inch cable.
c. Brakes and trailer lights which meet the minimum statutory requirements of Florida law.
d. Safety chains.
e. Must be towed by and used in conjunction with an approved wrecker that meets or exceeds the class of the vehicle to be towed.
6. HSMV Form 60305 shall be used by the Division for the inspection of roll-back and slide-back carriers.
(d) Class “”B”” Wreckers – For removal of medium duty trucks or vehicles weighing 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. Specifications and equipment in addition to the requirements outlined in Fl. Admin. Code R. 15B-9.005(7)(a), shall be as follows:
1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of at least 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. A complete, twin-winch, commercially manufactured boom and winches having a manufacturer’s combined rating of at least ten (10) ton capacity mounted on the chassis. Class B wreckers that were previously approved at 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight may continue in use within this class, even if sold to another approved rotation operator.
2. A minimum of one hundred feet of at least 1/2-inch cable on each drum.
3. One set of scotch blocks for wheels or hydraulic rear-extendable scotch blocks.
4. Flood lights on the hoist.
5. HSMV Form 60307 shall be used by the Division for the inspection of Class “”B”” wreckers.
(e) Class “”C”” Wreckers – For the removal of heavy duty trucks, house trailers, buses, etc., weighing over 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Specifications and equipment in addition to the requirements outlined in Fl. Admin. Code R. 15B-9.005(7)(a), shall be as follows:
1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of at least 30,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and 50,000 pounds gross vehicle weight for tandem axle trucks. A complete, twin-winch, commercially manufactured boom and winches having a manufacturer’s combined rating of at least 25 ton capacity mounted on the chassis.
2. A minimum of two hundred feet of at least 5/8-inch cable on each drum.
3. Air brakes so constructed as to lock the rear wheels automatically upon failure.
4. External air hookup and hoses, to supply air to disabled vehicles.
5. One set of scotch blocks for wheels or hydraulic rear-extendable scotch blocks.
6. Flood lights on the hoist.
7. HSMV Form 60306 shall be used by the Division for the inspection of Class “”C”” wreckers.
Rulemaking Authority 321.051 FS. Law Implemented 321.051, 321.05(1) FS. History-New 1-22-86, Formerly 15B-9.05, Amended 10-15-92, 10-2-95.
(2) The tow truck and equipment shall be inspected by the division’s local troop commander or his designee and approved by the troop commander before being placed on the rotation list. Thereafter, trucks and equipment shall be subject to periodic checks as necessary to ensure compliance with these rules.
(3) Sirens on wreckers are prohibited.
(4) The wrecker operator shall not represent or imply on any vehicle, building or correspondence an official relationship between the wrecker operator and the division or any other police agency.
(5) It is prohibited for a tow truck or the business establishment maintained by the wrecker operator to have any equipment capable of monitoring messages or signals or frequencies assigned to the division.
(6) All trucks operated pursuant to this rule shall be equipped with a business-type communication radio or mobile telephone or cellular telephone. There shall be one radio or phone for each truck. Such equipment shall be licensed and approved by the Federal Communications Commission. The mobile radio or telephone shall enable the wrecker operator to communicate with his area of operations from any point within the assigned zone. A citizens band radio does not meet the requirements of this section. The troop commander may waive this requirement for all wrecker operators within a zone upon a showing that due to the limited number of operators in a zone that the installation of such communication devices is unnecessary or cost prohibitive or that the service is not readily available.
(7) Specifications and required equipment shall be as follows:
(a) ALL wreckers (All Classifications) shall include the following:
1. A cradle, tow plate or tow sling to pick up vehicles. The cradle, tow plate or tow sling shall be equipped with safety chains and constructed in such a manner that it will not damage the vehicle to be towed.
2. Dual rear wheels.
3. Clearance and marker lights and all other equipment as required by Florida Statutes Chapter 316
4. A rotor beam or strobe-type light, amber in color, mounted on the wrecker in such a manner that it can be seen from the front, rear, and both sides.
5. The name, address and telephone number of the wrecker operator for the zone in which the operator is qualified must be painted or permanently affixed in a conspicuous place on both sides of the trucks as required by Florida Statutes § 713.78(6) A unit number shall be painted on both sides of the cab of each wrecker. The same unit number on two or more wreckers qualified to tow within a zone is prohibited. Multiple addresses and telephone numbers are prohibited.
a. The name must be in letters at least three (3) inches in height.
b. The zone address and telephone number must be at least one (1) inch in height.
c. The unit number must be at least three (3) inches in height and in contrasting color.
d. Magnetic or removal signs or placards will not meet these requirements.
6. At least one heavy duty push broom with a minimum width of twenty-four (24) inches.
7. One square shovel.
8. One ax.
9. One crowbar or prybar with a minimum length of thirty (30) inches.
10. Minimum of one (1) five pound CO2 or dry chemical fire extinguisher or equivalent. Must be approved type and have a current inspection tag attached.
11. One pair of bolt cutters with a minimum opening of 1/2 inch.
12. One set of jumper cables.
13. One four-way lug wrench.
14. One flashlight.
15. Five thirty minute fuses.
16. One snatch block for each winch with manufacturer’s rating to match winch.
17. Extra towing chain six to eight feet in length with hooks.
18. At least three (3) safety cones or triangle reflectors.
19. Fifty pounds of sand or equivalent.
(b) Class “”A”” Wreckers – For the removal of cars and light duty trucks and vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. Specifications and equipment in addition to requirements outlined in Fl. Admin. Code R. 15B-9.005(7)(a), shall be as follows:
1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of at least 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. A complete, commercially manufactured boom and winch(es) having a manufacturer’s combined rating of at least 4 tons must be mounted on the chassis. Hand crank winches do not satisfy these requirements and will not be approved.
2. A minimum of one hundred feet of 3/8-inch cable.
3. Dollies.
4. Flood lights on the hoist.
5. Vehicles which are equipped with wheel lifts or the equivalent may also qualify as Class A tow trucks so long as they are equipped with a boom and all other applicable requirements are met. Wheel lifts shall be rated at a minimum of 3,000 lbs. lift capacity and must utilize wheel safety straps when lifting vehicles by the wheels only.
6. Operators who wish to remove cars and light trucks may have, in addition, a roll-back or slide-back carrier truck/trailer with specifications and equipment as provided in subsection (c) of this rule.
7. HSMV Form 60308 shall be used by the Division for the inspection of Class “”A”” wreckers.
(c) Class “”A”” Roll-Back or Slide-Back Wreckers – For the removal of cars and light duty trucks and vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. Specifications and equipment for roll-back or slide-back carriers in addition to the requirements outlined in subparagraphs 15B-9.005(7)(a)2.-20., F.A.C., shall include the following:
1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of at least 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight with a minimum of a sixteen (16) foot bed, dual rear wheels and a winch with at least 8,000 pound capacity.
2. A minimum of 50 feet of 3/8-inch cable.
3. A minimum of two safety tie-down chains of at least ten (10) feet each in length.
4. Two spot (flood) lights mounted on the rear of the carrier.
5. A roll-back or slide-back carrier trailer shall meet the following requirements:
a. A commercially manufactured carrier trailer with a rated capacity of at least 8,000 pounds gross vehicle weight with a minimum sixteen (16) foot bed. A winch with at least 8,000 pound capacity.
b. A minimum of 50 feet of 3/8 inch cable.
c. Brakes and trailer lights which meet the minimum statutory requirements of Florida law.
d. Safety chains.
e. Must be towed by and used in conjunction with an approved wrecker that meets or exceeds the class of the vehicle to be towed.
6. HSMV Form 60305 shall be used by the Division for the inspection of roll-back and slide-back carriers.
(d) Class “”B”” Wreckers – For removal of medium duty trucks or vehicles weighing 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. Specifications and equipment in addition to the requirements outlined in Fl. Admin. Code R. 15B-9.005(7)(a), shall be as follows:
1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of at least 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. A complete, twin-winch, commercially manufactured boom and winches having a manufacturer’s combined rating of at least ten (10) ton capacity mounted on the chassis. Class B wreckers that were previously approved at 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight may continue in use within this class, even if sold to another approved rotation operator.
2. A minimum of one hundred feet of at least 1/2-inch cable on each drum.
3. One set of scotch blocks for wheels or hydraulic rear-extendable scotch blocks.
4. Flood lights on the hoist.
5. HSMV Form 60307 shall be used by the Division for the inspection of Class “”B”” wreckers.
(e) Class “”C”” Wreckers – For the removal of heavy duty trucks, house trailers, buses, etc., weighing over 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Specifications and equipment in addition to the requirements outlined in Fl. Admin. Code R. 15B-9.005(7)(a), shall be as follows:
1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of at least 30,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and 50,000 pounds gross vehicle weight for tandem axle trucks. A complete, twin-winch, commercially manufactured boom and winches having a manufacturer’s combined rating of at least 25 ton capacity mounted on the chassis.
2. A minimum of two hundred feet of at least 5/8-inch cable on each drum.
3. Air brakes so constructed as to lock the rear wheels automatically upon failure.
4. External air hookup and hoses, to supply air to disabled vehicles.
5. One set of scotch blocks for wheels or hydraulic rear-extendable scotch blocks.
6. Flood lights on the hoist.
7. HSMV Form 60306 shall be used by the Division for the inspection of Class “”C”” wreckers.
Rulemaking Authority 321.051 FS. Law Implemented 321.051, 321.05(1) FS. History-New 1-22-86, Formerly 15B-9.05, Amended 10-15-92, 10-2-95.