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Show Tow Truck Regulations Given by State Agency The Utah Transportation Commission has taken tentative action to regulate the design and operation of tow trucks and wreckers in Utah. The commission has filed intended regulations with the state archivist which classify the trucks as to what size of vehicle they may tow, and establish minimum equipment and safety standards. Utahns will have until October 20 to submit written comments or requests for a hearing on the proposed regulations before they come up for final consideration by the Commission. Statements should be addressed to the Utah Transportation Commission, Room 612 D, State Office Building, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114. The proposed regulations classify tow trucks into four "A-B-C-D" categories, depending on the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight ratings. They require all tow trucks to carry minimum towing equipment, such as push brooms, ropes, cables, chains, steel pry bars, wrenches, cutters, jumber cables, jack stands, jacks and other tools. They also require the trucks to have minimum safety equipment such as cones, flares, fire extinguishers, yellow warning lights, and portable tail, stop and turn lights. Detailed specifications and standards are outlined for tow trucks in each category, ranginf rom those which are allowed to handle only automobiles and small trucks, to those which can move heavy motor transport equipment. The regulations further provide that the tow truck operator who removes a damaged vehicle from the scene of an accident is responsible for the cleanup of all vehicle and cargo debris. Utah Department of Transportation maintenance officials estimate this provision will save their department thousands of dollars each year in cleanup costs. |