Sec. 11.07.03.07. Requirements for Permits — Experience and Equipment

A. A permittee shall comply with the following requirements in order to apply for and maintain a permit under these regulations.

B. A towing service company shall have at least 2 years experience in providing towing services and heavy recovery on a commercial basis.

C. Equipment.

(1) A permittee shall be required to have and provide proof of ownership or leasehold of the following equipment:

(a) Two heavy-duty tow trucks, one of which shall have a minimum 40-ton crane and one shall have a minimum 25-ton crane, and both trucks shall have a minimum heavy-duty hydraulic wheel lift with a lifting rating of 25,000 pounds, and be capable of towing 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. The tow trucks shall carry the following items:

(i) Mechanic's tools sufficient for performing minor repairs;

(ii) A 10-unit first-aid kit;

(iii) Lights, flares, flags, and reflectors suitable for placing on Authority property and on the truck to warn other motorists of the presence of a disabled or parked vehicle;

(iv) One dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than 10-pound capacity;

(v) A light bar mounted on the truck that is clearly visible to oncoming traffic;

(vi) A shovel and push broom;

(vii) An air compressor; and

(viii) Towing equipment necessary for the performance of towing services.

(b) One tow truck that has a manufacturer's gross vehicle rating of 14,000 pounds or more, with a crane and a hydraulic wheel lift capable of lifting at least 3,000 pounds, and capable of towing at least 7,500 pounds. This tow truck shall carry the following items:

(i) Mechanic's tools sufficient for performing minor repairs;

(ii) A 10-unit first-aid kit;

(iii) Lights, flares, flags, and reflectors suitable for placing on Authority property and on the truck to warn other motorists of the presence of a disabled or parked vehicle;

(iv) One dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than 10-pound capacity;

(v) A strobe light or LED light bar mounted on the truck that is clearly visible to oncoming traffic;

(vi) A shovel and push broom; and

(vii) Towing equipment necessary for the performance of towing services.

(c) One rollback truck that has a manufacturer's gross vehicle rating of 14,000 pounds or more, and is capable of carrying passenger vehicles. This truck shall carry the following items:

(i) Mechanic's tools sufficient for performing minor repairs;

(ii) A 10-unit first-aid kit;

(iii) Lights, flares, flags, and reflectors suitable for placing on Authority property and on the truck to warn other motorists of the presence of a disabled or parked vehicle;

(iv) One dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than 10-pound capacity;

(v) A strobe light or LED light bar mounted on the truck that is clearly visible to oncoming traffic; and

(vi) A shovel and push broom.

(2) If any of the permittee's equipment becomes disabled, out of service, or otherwise unavailable, the permittee shall promptly notify the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Detachment Commander within the Authority property or zone. A permittee shall use temporarily, for not more than 20 days, suitable equivalent equipment, owned or leased by the permittee, while the disabled or missing equipment is being repaired or replaced.

(3) A permittee shall have available and maintain, at the permittee's expense, a mode of communication capable of communicating with the Authority and the police.

(4) The type, design, and condition of the equipment required under this regulation shall be at all times in good operating condition so that the equipment will efficiently perform the work required. All equipment used by a permittee under these regulations shall be subject at any time to inspection by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Unit.

(5) A permittee shall have the ability to accept forms of payment in accordance with Regulation .16 of this chapter.

D. Registration. Each tow truck owned or leased by a permittee shall be properly registered with the Motor Vehicle Administration as a Class T vehicle, and at all times shall display the distinctive registration plate authorized by the Motor Vehicle Administration.