Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: To update and clarify specific sections in chapter 204-91A WAC. The anticipated effect of the amendments are clarification of the procedures for screening employees of companies who tow on a rotational basis for Washington state patrol (WSP); streamline the disqualifiers of individuals wanting to tow for WSP, company personnel requirements; truck identification/markings; addition of informal settlement language; cleaning up spills/debris from collision sites; updating some equipment standards, and some language clean-up.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 204-91A-040, 204-91A-060, 204-91A-070, 204-91A-080, 204-91A-140, 204-91A-170, and 204-91A-180.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.115.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 06-21-029 on October 9, 2006.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: [No information supplied by agency.]

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 7, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Paul S. Beckley

Deputy Chief

for John R. Batiste

Chief

OTS-9237.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-20-021, filed 9/28/04, effective 10/29/04)

WAC 204-91A-040   Inspections.   Upon the request of a registered tow operator or applicant, the patrol shall conduct an inspection of the applicant's place of business, facilities, and equipment to determine if the applicant meets the requirements of chapter 46.55 RCW, or Titles 308 and/or 204 WAC. Verification must be shown to the inspector that the applicant complies with all applicable local laws and regulations as prescribed for the geographical area where the towing business will be established. If local zoning regulations are applicable, a copy of the certification of approval from the local zoning commission will be furnished to the inspector. This certification may be included in the department's application form for license. The certification will become a part of the permanent record maintained on each approved towing firm by the section.

     (1) Reinspections will be conducted at least once a year. Unscheduled inspections may be conducted without notice at the operator's place of business by an inspector to determine the fitness of tow trucks, facilities, and business records.

     (2) If reinspection of a previously-approved tow truck reveals equipment defects, one of the following procedures shall apply:

     (a) In the event of a safety-related defect which would render the tow truck a safety hazard upon the public highway, a red "out-of-service" sticker shall be affixed immediately by the inspector.

     (b) In the event of missing or defective equipment that does not constitute a safety hazard but is required, the inspector shall advise the operator of the defect. If after ten days the operator fails or refuses to repair the defect, the red out-of-service sticker shall be affixed.

     (c) Upon confirming the satisfactory repair of the defect or defects that caused the tow truck to be taken out of service, the inspector shall remove the red sticker. In the event that the original inspector is not available to reinspect the equipment, another patrol officer appointed by the appropriate supervisor may do so. The reinspection shall be completed as soon as possible after the operator advises the patrol that the defect has been repaired. Whenever practicable this shall be done within three days and may require the operator to bring the truck to the inspector.

     (d) Upon sale or other transfer of a tow truck from the business, the operator shall so advise the inspector who will request the issued cab card permit be forwarded to the inspector via U.S. mail or other arrangement agreed upon by the parties involved, within three days of any changes. The operator will remove any decals indicating truck class, district and/or zone. The inspector will notify the department and the section of any changes in vehicles.

     (e) Upon the purchase or acquisition of any additional or replacement tow truck(s) to be used pursuant to this chapter, the operator shall immediately notify the patrol and request an inspection of the new unit. The new unit shall not be used for public or private impound calls until satisfactory inspection is completed and a cab card permit and/or decals for the vehicle has been issued by the department and/or patrol.

     (3) On original inspection, and subsequent reinspection, the inspector shall confirm the identities and status of driving privilege of all persons that operate the tow trucks. The inspector shall notify the operator if any person does not meet the minimum license requirements.

     (a) In the event that an operator becomes aware that the driving privilege of an employee, or owner no longer meets the minimum requirements, the operator shall prohibit that person from operating any tow truck.

     (b) An operator shall, within three days of employing a new driver, advise the inspector in writing, on a form provided by the inspector, of the identity, including name, address and date of birth, of the new employee. The check performed by the inspector is not to be used as part of the operator's preemployment screening processes. The inspector shall notify the operator if the new employee does not meet the minimum license requirements in a timely manner.

     (c) An operator may not request a waiver for a new employee; the new employee must contact the inspector in writing to request a waiver.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005. 04-20-021, § 204-91A-040, filed 9/28/04, effective 10/29/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.050. 94-18-083, § 204-91A-040, filed 9/2/94, effective 10/3/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.35.005 [46.37.005]. 89-14-015 (Order 89-04-ESR), § 204-91A-040, filed 6/23/89.]

Note:

An exception may be made if an operator desires a letter of appointment for class "C" tows only. In such situations, only a class "C" truck is required.

Upon request, the section shall advise the applicant of the contents of the department's regulations and of the standards established for the issuance of a letter of appointment.

     (2) An application for a letter of appointment to provide towing service for the patrol shall be filed by the applicant with the local state patrol district office on a form prescribed by the patrol. The state patrol may refuse to approve or may revoke a letter of appointment/contract if the applicant, partner, corporate officer involved in day-to-day operations, or any employee who operates a tow truck or assists in vehicle auctions has ((within the last ten years has misrepresented or concealed a fact in obtaining a letter of appointment, violated any state or federal statute or rule regulating the tow industry, or been convicted of any class "A" felony, or in the last ten years been convicted or found guilty of any lesser felony or misdemeanor involving assault, sexual abuse, theft, burglary, stealing, embezzlement, fraud, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drug(s), or any violent or sexual act toward a man, woman, or minor child,)) been found guilty of or convicted of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude regardless of type or class, or any individual who must register as or is a convicted sex offender, or within the last three years been convicted or found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drug(s), or within the last five years have been found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs two or more times as defined in the criminal code as they existed at the time of the violation, as they now exist or may later be amended in the state of Washington. In the case of a partnership, each partner shall apply on the form prescribed. In the case of a corporation, the patrol may require that each of the present and any subsequent officers, managers, and stockholders holding ten percent or more of the total issued and outstanding stock of the applicant corporation complete an application form. A signed "letter of contractual agreement" listing the maximum tow rates to be charged for services resulting from state patrol originated calls will be attached to the application.

     (3) Only one application per year to tow on the Washington state patrol rotational tow list will be accepted and considered for an applicant who has had their previous application denied or had their letter/contract of appointment revoked. The year shall run from the date of application denial or the date of the letter of appointment's revocation.

     (4) The district commander or designee shall complete tow zone portion of the form. He/she will enter "approved" or "disapproved" and will sign the form next to the zone designation. The application and "letter of contractual agreement" will be forwarded to the section.

     (5) The application form will be assigned a docket number, by the section, which shall be its permanent identification number for all matters relating to appointments, granted or denied, and any other correspondence with the section thereafter.

     (6) The filing of an application for a letter of appointment does not in itself authorize the operator to provide towing services pursuant to this chapter until a letter of appointment has been issued by the section. However, nothing herein shall prohibit the patrol from calling the towing business upon the specific request of a person responsible for a vehicle or his agent.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005. 04-20-021, § 204-91A-060, filed 9/28/04, effective 10/29/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005, 46.55.050, and 46.55.115. 02-07-056, § 204-91A-060, filed 3/15/02, effective 4/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.050. 97-08-021, § 204-91A-060, filed 3/25/97, effective 4/25/97; 94-18-083, § 204-91A-060, filed 9/2/94, effective 10/3/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.61.567. 89-21-044, § 204-91A-060, filed 10/13/89, effective 11/13/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.35.005 [46.37.005]. 89-14-015 (Order 89-04-ESR), § 204-91A-060, filed 6/23/89.]

     (2) The section commander shall have the authority to issue letters of appointment upon request after receiving certification from the inspector, an application for a letter of appointment endorsed by the district commander, and notice from the department that the requestor has been licensed as a registered tow truck operator.

     If the section shall find the requestor does not or will not meet all requirements and is not qualified for a waiver of the requirements, then such request shall be denied. The section shall notify the requestor of its decision in writing, stating the reasons. If the request is approved, the section commander will issue the letter of appointment and forward it to the tow operator. The tow company will be admitted to the patrol's call list for the appropriate tow zone on the effective date of the letter.

     If the district commander recommends denial of a request for a letter of appointment, the section commander shall notify the applicant and provide an opportunity for applicant to have a hearing as provided in chapter 34.05 RCW.

     (3) A letter of appointment will be valid for one business, in a single tow zone, assigned by the district commander. Requests for additional letters of appointment in the same or another zone must be based on a complete and separate place of business capable of independent operation within the appropriate zone.

     (a) Each business must be operated independently. One company cannot be dependent upon another for any required operation.

     (b) If an individual, partnership, corporation, or other business entity owns more than one business, each business must have a different identifiable name, address, and telephone number, which are answered at the business location during normal business hours. There may, however, be a central dispatch center for multiple companies. At a minimum, the different identifiable name, city of address (even if included in the name of the company), registered tow truck operator license number, and truck number as assigned by the department, must be located on both sides of the truck. All required information must be plainly seen and able to be read at all times. All other required markings must also be located where they can be plainly seen and able to be read at all times and be of the size outlined in WAC 308-61-115(1). Companies must comply by December 31, 2007.

Note:

A different identifiable name may include the parent company name but must also have an additional name to identify and separate that company. Example: Joe's Towing and Joe's Towing South. Joe's Towing I and Joe's Towing II ((will not be adequate for this purpose)).

     (c) There must be ((separate personnel for each company. Employees of that company must adequately staff each business office during normal business office hours to answer all incoming phone calls and to release impounded vehicles)) adequate staffing for each company with personnel present to answer all incoming calls and who are able to release impounded vehicles during normal business hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding state recognized holidays. Each business ((must)) shall be staffed by a sufficient number of drivers for twenty-four hour day operation. ((Employees and drivers cannot work for more than one company at a time during a designated shift - must work the entire shift from beginning to end for only one company and there must be a separate time card for each business for an individual working for more than one company.))

     (d) There must be adequate equipment for each company to operate independently. Tow trucks must only be used for the company for which they are registered and within the zone approved/assigned for use in, unless specifically requested by law enforcement. All trucks must be clearly marked with the company's identity as outlined in (b) of this subsection.

     (e) Separate businesses in the same tow zone may be housed in one building; however, there must be a solid wall from floor to ceiling physically separating each business. Each business must have its own outside entrance, or when the building has one main entrance, the offices must have doors clearly marking and separating each business (not acceptable to walk in the main door and be hit with a counter or one office for the multiple tow companies housed in the building), with a sign at the front door and a sign plainly visible from the street indicating the company's name, phone number, and office hours. Companies currently not meeting these standards will have twelve months from July 1, 2004, to comply.

     (f) Each business must maintain their own set of required records and books as outlined in RCW 46.55.150 including, but not limited to, a master log, vehicle transaction file, and billing invoices at its place of business. If there is a corporate accountant/bookkeeper for more than one company, all records and/or files for each company, other than those records, which are required to be maintained at the business location, must be maintained separately.

     (g) Impound/storage areas must meet the requirements of WAC 308-61-026(2) at all times, including proper segregation.

     All registered tow truck operators providing service to WSP must be in compliance with these requirements. Failure to comply will result in the cancellation of your letter of appointment to tow on the patrol's rotational tow list.

     (4) A tow operator (or a district commander) may petition the section in writing for a waiver of one or more requirements. The section may grant a waiver if it finds that:

     (a) The towing service available to the patrol without the waiver is inadequate to meet the needs of the public;

     (b) The request is otherwise reasonable; and

     (c) The request has the district commander's approval.

     In the event a qualified tow operator meeting all requirements and qualifications receives a letter of appointment in the same zone as a tow operator that had earlier been granted a waiver, the tow operator with a waiver will have the letter of appointment rescinded by the section and after notification will not be called for patrol-initiated tows.

     (5) Every letter of appointment shall be issued in the name of the applicant and the holder thereof shall not allow any other person or business to use the letter of appointment.

     (6) The letter of appointment will only be valid for the place of business named on the application and will not apply to any other place of business.

     (7) A letter of appointment shall be valid until suspended, superseded, or revoked by the section.

     (8) The holder of each letter of appointment must maintain at least one tow truck meeting the minimum class "A," "B," or "C" standards as listed in WAC 204-91A-170.

     (9) All storage areas, primary and secondary, for each place of business must be in the tow zone assigned to that place of business.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005. 04-20-021, § 204-91A-070, filed 9/28/04, effective 10/29/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.050. 94-18-083, § 204-91A-070, filed 9/2/94, effective 10/3/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.61.567. 89-21-044, § 204-91A-070, filed 10/13/89, effective 11/13/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.35.005 [46.37.005]. 89-14-015 (Order 89-04-ESR), § 204-91A-070, filed 6/23/89.]

     (a) Upon receiving notice of the action, the appointee may request a hearing on the denial, suspension or revocation of the letter of appointment. Such request must be made in writing within twenty days from the date of the notice. An adjudicative proceeding will be commenced within ninety days of the receipt of a hearing request. Failure to request a hearing, or failure to appear at a requested hearing, a prehearing conference, or any other stage of an adjudicative proceeding, shall constitute default and may result in the entry of a final order under RCW 34.05.440.

     (b) Upon receiving a hearing request, the section may, at the request of the appointee, or on its own initiative, schedule an informal settlement conference which shall be without prejudice to the rights of the parties. The informal settlement conference will be held in the district where the company resides at a mutually agreed upon time and may result in a settlement agreement. If no agreement is reached, a hearing will be scheduled as outlined in chapter 34.05 RCW.

     (c) The holder of a letter of appointment may voluntarily relinquish the letter. The section and the district commander will be advised in writing of this voluntary relinquishment. After receiving written notice, the district commander will cause the inspector to physically obtain the original letter of appointment and forward it to the section.

     (2) The section may summarily suspend a letter of appointment without prior notification if it finds that there is danger to the public health, safety, or welfare which requires immediate action. In every summary suspension of a letter of appointment, the section shall enter an order, signed by the chief, which is in compliance with the provisions of RCW 34.05.479. Administrative proceedings consistent with chapter 34.05 RCW for revocation or other action shall be promptly instituted and determined. The section shall give notice as is practicable to the appointee.

     (3) A tow company may be immediately removed from the state patrol's rotational tow list for the following - revocation or cancellation of their registered tow truck operator license by the department or cancellation of the tow company's insurance certificate or bond.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005. 04-20-021, § 204-91A-080, filed 9/28/04, effective 10/29/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.050. 94-18-083, § 204-91A-080, filed 9/2/94, effective 10/3/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.35.005 [46.37.005]. 89-14-015 (Order 89-04-ESR), § 204-91A-080, filed 6/23/89.]

     (2) The chief of the state patrol shall, prior to October 15 of each year, establish maximum hourly towing rates for each class of tow truck and maximum daily storage rates that tow operators may charge for services performed as a result of state patrol calls. The maximum rates shall be determined after consulting with members of the towing industry, review of current private towing rates, and such other economic factors as the chief may deem appropriate.

     When signed by the chief (or his/her designee) and the tow operator, a contractual agreement to charge no more than the maximum rates shall become part of the operator's letter of appointment. The tow operator may, however, adopt a rate schedule charging less than the maximum rates established by the chief.

     The hourly rate shall:

     (a) Be the only basis used to compute total charges for towing services.

     (b) Apply when the call is made by the state patrol, ((for whatever reason,)) including, but not limited to ((accidents, incidents, disableds)), collisions and impound requests.

     (c) Include all ancillary activities such as, but not limited to, removal of glass and debris from the roadway and any other area referred to as the "scene or incident," necessary winching, dolly service, drive line removal, installing chains on the tow truck, installation of portable lights, vehicle hookup for towing or transporting, tire replacement (on vehicle to be towed) and standby time. Tow companies must advise the department of transportation and/or the local road department of all fluid spills before leaving the scene that they will not clean up. Tow companies must document and file information in the vehicle transaction file.

     (d) Be considered to include one person per truck. When responding with a class "C" or a S-1 rotator truck to major collisions and incidents, a second person is allowed at the hourly labor rate per contract for an extra RTO employee. Any charges for additional labor and/or ancillary vehicles (trailers, pickups, etc.), for removing debris, cargo, etc., must have prior authorization from the legal or registered owner/agent, or a member of the patrol at the scene.

     (e) Be computed from the actual time the truck departs in response to a call until the truck returns to its normal area/zone, responds to another call, or the tow yard. The hourly rate shall be applied to the resulting net time and, after the first hour, shall be rounded to the nearest fifteen minutes. The operator may charge the hourly rate for the first hour or any portion thereof. After the first hour, no more than one-quarter of the hourly rate may be charged for each fifteen minutes of tow or service work performed.

     (3) The basic storage fee: (Vehicles shall be measured bumper to bumper; trailers shall be measured tongue to bumper.)

     (a) Shall be calculated on a twenty-four-hour basis clock and shall be charged to the nearest half day from the time the vehicle arrived at the secure storage area. Vehicles stored over twelve hours on any given day within the twenty-four-hour clock shall constitute a full day's storage. Vehicles stored for less than twelve hours on any give day, shall be charged for twelve hours of storage; and

     (b) Shall be the same for all three and four-wheel vehicles ((less than)) twenty feet or less in length; and

     (c) ((For)) Vehicles or combinations exceeding twenty feet, the storage fee shall be computed by multiplying each twenty feet of vehicle length, or any portion thereof, by the basic storage fee;

     (d) ((For)) Two-wheel motorcycles shall be one-half the basic storage fee for three and four-wheel vehicles.

     (4) After hours release fee. If an operator or employee is already present, for other reasons, at the storage facility after business hours when a customer arrives, the vehicle and/or property shall be released as if it were during business hours. No "after hours fee" may be assessed. If the operator or employee is called to the place of business specifically for the purpose of releasing the vehicle and/or property, an "after hours fee," equivalent to one-half of the maximum Class "A" hourly rate, may be assessed.

     (5) Any tow operator who charges the general public (i.e., private citizens) rates lower than those identified in the contractual agreement for services listed below shall charge the same lower rate for similar services performed as a result of state patrol originated calls.

     (a) Roadside mechanical service, including fuel transfer, tire and belt changes, etc.;

     (b) Disabled vehicle tow/transportation;

     (c) Storage;

     (d) After hours release fees.

     Any such price requirement shall not be imposed for unoccupied vehicle situations in which the owner/operator has had no prior contact with either the state patrol or the tow operator.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005. 04-20-021, § 204-91A-140, filed 9/28/04, effective 10/29/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005, 46.55.050, and 46.55.115. 02-07-056, § 204-91A-140, filed 3/15/02, effective 4/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.050. 97-08-021, § 204-91A-140, filed 3/25/97, effective 4/25/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.61.567. 89-21-044, § 204-91A-140, filed 10/13/89, effective 11/13/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.35.005 [46.37.005]. 89-14-015 (Order 89-04-ESR), § 204-91A-140, filed 6/23/89.]

Note:

Equipment standards will be effective one year from the date of adoption.

     (1) Minimum standards:

     (a) All equipment used in conjunction with the tow truck winching system shall have a working load limit at least twenty-five percent more than the working load limit of the wire rope or equivalent material being used. All equipment shall comply with the Washington safety and health administration (WSHA) regulation if applicable.

Note:

Industry standards set the working load limit of wire rope or equivalent material at 1/5 of its nominal or breaking strength.

     (b) Each wire rope or equivalent material shall be capable of being fully extended from and fully wound onto its drum. Each wire rope or equivalent material shall meet the industry standards for specified type of use with equipment.

Note:

OSHA (1410.179 (h)(2iiia)) requires no less than two wraps of rope remain on drum when rope is "fully extended." This is to ensure the full load never bears on the rope to drum connection.

     (c) All wire rope or equivalent material meeting industry standards for specified type of use with equipment shall be 6 X 19 or 6 X 37 classification graded "extra improved plow steel" (XIP).

Notes:

Documentation from the supplier must be kept on file showing the type of wire rope installed and the date of installation for each truck. 6 X 19 wire rope classification includes wire ropes with six strands having wire combinations from fifteen through twenty-six wires per strand but not more than twelve outer wires in each strand. 6 X 37 wire rope classification includes wire ropes with six strands having wire combinations from twenty-seven through forty-nine wires per strand but not more than eighteen outer wires in each strand.

     (d) All wire rope shall be in good working order. The following industry standards for out-of-service criteria shall apply:

     (i) No more than six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or more than three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.

     (ii) Excessive abrasion causing the loss of more than one-third the original diameter of an outside individual wire.

     (iii) Evidence of rope deterioration from corrosion.

     (iv) Kinking, crushing, or other damage that results in detrimental distortion of the rope structure.

     (v) Any evidence of heat damage.

     (vi) Any marked reduction in diameter either along the entire main length or in one section.

     (vii) Unlaying or opening up of a tucked splice.

     (viii) Core protrusion along the entire length.

     (ix) End attachments that are cracked, deformed, worn, or loosened.

Note:

Hooks must be replaced if the throat opening has increased beyond manufacturer recommendations, the load bearing point has been worn by ten percent, or the hook is twisted by more than ten degrees.

     (x) Any indication of strand or wire slippage in end attachments.

     (xi) More than one broken wire in the vicinity of fittings.

     (e) Wire rope end connections shall be swaged or, if clamped, shall have a minimum of three forged clamps spaced a minimum of six rope diameters apart and attached with the base or saddle of the clamp against the longer or "live" end of the cable. The "U" bolt will be placed over the short or "dead" end of the rope and will be of the proper size for the cable being clamped.

Note:

Wire rope clamps must be installed and torqued per manufacturer specifications.

     (f) All wire rope related equipment, sheaves, etc., must conform to the diameter of the wire rope being used or to the original tow truck equipment manufacturer specifications.

     (g) All winching equipment, booms, snatch blocks, etc., shall have permanently affixed durable factory identification, stating working load limit (WLL). If this identification has been removed or is no longer readable, it is criteria for placing the item out-of-service. Equipment may be reinspected by a recognized recertification company. If the equipment is acceptable, it may be reidentified with a working load limit (WLL) and a recertification company identifier.

     (h) All block and tackle equipment used in the winching system which shows signs of permanent deformation, significant wear or damage is criteria for placing the item out-of-service.

     (i) All "J" hook chain assemblies must be grade "7" chain or better.

     (j) Safety chains must only be used for the securing of vehicles to the truck. Must be minimum grade "4" chain or meet the original manufacturer's recommendations.

     (k) Comply with legal lighting, equipment, and license requirements.

     (l) Portable tail, stop, and turn signal lights for vehicles being towed.

     (m) Have department of licensing registration and truck numbers painted or permanently affixed to both sides of the truck. Have firm's name, city of address, and phone number permanently affixed to both sides of the vehicle. Letters must be a minimum of three inches high with one-half inch strokes.

     (n) Have a revolving/intermittent red light with three hundred sixty degrees visibility. May also be equipped with flashing amber and/or white lights which may be used in conjunction with the red lamps. Must also be equipped with a warning light visible from the driver seat which is energized when the red revolving light or flashing amber lights are activated.

     (o) Have a broom, minimum twelve inches wide, handle four feet long.

     (p) Have a scoop type shovel, minimum seven inches wide, overall length minimum three feet long and a minimum of a three-gallon ((bucket for debris)) hard/solid sided receptacle (trash bags of any type will not meet this requirement) able to contain debris typically found at collision scenes without breaking.

     (q) Be maintained in a reasonably clean condition.

     (r) Have two tempered steel pinch bars or equivalent devices, one tapered and one flattened; one at least three feet long and one at least four feet long, with a minimum diameter of three-quarters of an inch.

     (s) Have a two-way radio or mobile telephone system capable of communicating with a base station. A citizen band radio does not suffice. A mobile telephone system is acceptable if:

     (i) The equipment is of a recognized and established manufacture and is properly installed.

     (ii) The equipment is in proper working order and functions correctly throughout the assigned tow areas.

     (iii) The equipment does not utilize a siren to signal incoming calls.

     (iv) The equipment is used in a correct and lawful manner.

     (t) Have one 20 BC rated or two 10 BC rated fire extinguishers.

     (u) Axle weight must comply with the requirements of RCW 46.37.351.

     (2) Class "A" tow trucks: Trucks that are capable of towing and recovery of passenger cars, pickup trucks, small trailers, or equivalent vehicles. Class "A" tow trucks shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) A ten thousand minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating.

     (b) Dual tires on the rear axle.

     (c) A minimum of one hundred feet of three-eighths inch continuous length XIP wire rope on each drum, measured from the point of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     (d) A minimum six-ton boom rating with single or dual booms. Dual winches to control a minimum of two service drums.

     (e) A minimum of two snatch blocks.

     (f) A tow sling or other comparable device made of material and used in such manner so as to protect vehicles being towed or recovered.

     (g) A portable dolly or its equivalent for hauling vehicles that are not otherwise towable.

     (h) If equipped with a wheel lift system, it must have a fully extended working load rating of at least three thousand pounds and a seven thousand pound tow rated capacity.

     (i) A minimum of one ten-foot or two five-foot recovery chains used in the winching system and must be minimum grade "7" chain with matching fittings.

     (3) Class "B" tow trucks: Trucks that are capable of towing and/or recovery of medium size trucks, trailers, motor homes, or equivalent vehicles. Class "B" tow trucks shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) Seventeen thousand pounds minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle rating.

     (b) Minimum ten-ton boom rating, single or dual booms, with two independent winches and drums.

     (c) A minimum of one hundred feet of seven-sixteenths inch continuous length XIP wire rope on each drum, measured from points of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     (d) Minimum of four standard release tools (caging stud assemblies).

     (e) A minimum of two snatch blocks.

     (f) A tow sling or other comparable device made of material and used in such manner so as to protect vehicles being towed or recovered.

     (g) A portable dolly or its equivalent for hauling vehicles that are not otherwise towable when the class B tow truck is being used for class A tows.

     (h) If equipped with a wheel lift system, it must have a fully extended working load limit of at least six thousand pounds and a twenty thousand pound tow rated capacity when operating as a class B truck. May be equipped with a three thousand pound fully extended working load wheel lift system with a seven thousand pound tow rated capacity if operating as a class A truck.

     (i) A minimum of one ten-foot or two five-foot recovery chains used in the winching system and must be grade "8" chain with matching fittings.

     (4) Class B** trucks are rated at 30,000 GVWR (or more) with air brakes. Class B** trucks shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have a minimum of one hundred fifty feet of seven-sixteenths inch continuous length XIP wire rope on each drum, measured from points of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     Class B** trucks shall also meet the requirements of subsection (3)(b), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this section.

     (5) Class "C" tow trucks and class "C" rotator trucks: Are trucks that are capable of towing and/or recovery of large trucks, trailers, buses, motor homes, or similar vehicles. Class "C" trucks shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) A forty thousand pound manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or equivalent.

     (b) Tandem rear axle truck chassis (both drive axles).

     (c) A minimum of twenty-five-ton boom rating with single or dual booms. Dual winches to control a minimum of two service drums.

     (d) A minimum of one hundred fifty feet of nine-sixteenths inch continuous length XIP wire rope on each drum measured from the point of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     (e) Air brakes and a system capable of supplying air to towed vehicles.

     (f) A minimum of four standard release tools (caging stud assemblies).

     (g) If equipped with a wheel lift system, it must have a fully extended working load limit of at least twelve thousand pounds.

     (h) A minimum of one ten-foot or two five-foot recovery chains used in the winching system and must be grade "8" chain with matching fittings.

     (i) A tow sling or other comparable device used in such a manner as to protect the vehicle being towed or recovered.

     (j) A minimum of two snatch blocks.

     (6) Class "D" tow trucks: Trucks that are equipped for and primarily used as "wheel lift" trucks.

     Class "D" trucks shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) A wheel lift assemble with a fully extended manufacturer's working load limit of three thousand pounds and a seven thousand pound tow rated capacity.

     (b) One winch and drum with one hundred feet of three-eighths inch XIP wire rope meeting class "A" requirements.

     (c) One snatch block.

     (d) A minimum of one five-foot recovery chain for use in the winching system and must be a minimum of grade "7" chain with matching fittings.

     (7) Class "E" tow trucks: Trucks that are primarily designed and intended to transport other vehicles by loading the vehicle entirely onto the truck. These vehicles may be a flatbed, slide back, tilt bed, or rail design truck. Class "E" trucks shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) Four securing devices with a minimum working load limit of three thousand nine hundred pounds. The devices may be chain (minimum grade "((4)) 7"), wire rope, nylon strap, or steel strap. The tie downs shall be attached to the axle or frame member of the transported vehicle both front and rear. All ends shall be secured to the truck bed or rail in a manner that will prevent movement of the transported vehicle. Factory style "T" hook tie-downs may also be used (front and rear).

     (b) One snatch block.

     (c) Dual tires on the rear axle.

     (d) If used in a towing mode (as opposed to carrying), a sling, tow bar, and/or wheel lift assembly can be used and must have a manufacturers' rating appropriate to the vehicle being towed.

     (e) Additional minimum requirements include:

	(i) Gross vehicle weight rating	14,500
	(ii) Purchased tonnage	14,500
	(iii) Winch rating	4 ton
	(iv) XIP wire rope	50 feet 3/8 inch
	(v) One five-foot chain use in the winching system and must be a minimum of grade "7" chain with matching fittings.
	(vi) Car carrier (bed)	17 feet

Note:

Bed may be shorter in a collapsed mode, but must be capable of telescoping to a minimum of seventeen feet.

     (8) Class "S" tow/recovery trucks: Tow/recovery trucks that cannot meet the requirements of class "A," "B," "C," "D," or "E" and are not eligible for appropriate waiver as outlined in WAC 204-91A-070(4), may be approved as class "S" (special).

     To have a truck designated as class "S" the tow operator must submit a request for approval through the district commander to the section. The written request shall indicate why the truck is needed, what it will be used for, its size, purchased tonnage (if appropriate), capability, and the equipment carried or used with the truck. Gross vehicle weight rating of the class "S" truck will determine the appropriate equipment required.

     If the district commander approves the request, the request will be forwarded with recommendations for equipment and/or operation instructions or limitations to the patrol for review and final approval. If approval is granted, the equipment shall be inspected as outlined in WAC 204-91A-040 with reports forwarded in the normal manner.

Note:

If the provisions of this section require a change in classification for a previously approved tow truck, such change may be made upon the next annual reinspection. In any case, all tow trucks shall be correctly classified within one year of adoption of these rules.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005. 04-20-021, § 204-91A-170, filed 9/28/04, effective 10/29/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005, 46.55.050, and 46.55.115. 02-07-056, § 204-91A-170, filed 3/15/02, effective 4/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.050. 94-18-083, § 204-91A-170, filed 9/2/94, effective 10/3/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.35.005 [46.37.005]. 89-14-015 (Order 89-04-ESR), § 204-91A-170, filed 6/23/89.]

     (1) When called by the patrol, the tow truck operator will dispatch a tow truck, from within the assigned zone, within five minutes during normal business hours. Tow trucks must be registered to and belong to the particular tow business that is called and assigned to that tow zone only. If the officer at the scene deems it necessary, additional assistance may be authorized from a registered tow truck operator outside of the tow zone.

     (2) Tow trucks dispatched at the request of the patrol after normal business hours will be on the move within the assigned zone within fifteen minutes after receiving the call.

     (3) The tow truck that is dispatched will arrive at the stated location within a reasonable time considering distance, traffic, and weather conditions.

     (4) If for any reason a tow operator is unable to dispatch a tow truck within the stated time or if the dispatched truck will be delayed for any reason, the operator shall so advise the patrol stating the reason and estimated time of arrival. In the event the tow truck fails to arrive at the scene within a reasonable time, the patrol will contact another tow operator to respond to the scene and will cancel the original tow.

     (5) A tow operator on rotation who is unable to dispatch or arrive within the times stated in subsections (1), (2), (3), and (4) of this section will forfeit his turn and be placed at the bottom of the rotation list as if he had responded.

     (6) Consistent refusal or failure of the appointee to respond to calls from the patrol for towing services and/or to provide the requested services may result in the suspension or revocation of the tow operator's letter of appointment.

     (7) The tow operator shall advise the appropriate patrol office when the tow company is temporarily unavailable to respond to rotational calls with a class "A," "B," or "C" tow truck. Unavailability may occur due to conditions such as, but not limited to, other tow truck commitments, tow truck disabled and/or under repair, unforeseen driver shortage due to illness, etc. The period of unavailability may last less than an hour or much longer. The tow operator will give the reason for unavailability and approximately when the company will be available to respond to calls.

     The tow company will be removed from the rotational list and will not be called until the operator advises the patrol that the company is once again able to respond to calls with an "A," "B," or "C" class truck. In all such cases, the tow company will resume its normal position on the rotational list without regard to any missed calls or its position prior to being unavailable.

     (8) The tow operator will advise the patrol whenever a private call is received for a tow with circumstances that indicate that the tow is for a vehicle which has been involved in ((an accident)) a collision, incident, or equipment breakdown on the public roadway. The tow operator also will advise the patrol of all private calls to motor vehicle ((accidents)) collisions on private property resulting in bodily injury or death.

     (9) The tow operator will notify the patrol before moving any vehicle involved in ((an accident)) a collision on a public highway under the jurisdiction of the patrol as defined in the motor vehicle code, Title 46 RCW, or where it appears that the driver of the vehicle to be moved is under the influence of intoxicants or drugs, or is otherwise incapacitated.

     Other than a service patrol established and funded by the department of transportation, a tow operator shall not solicit tow or roadside services by patrolling the public roadways searching for disabled vehicles or vehicles involved in a traffic ((accident)) collision.

     (10) When the patrol is in charge of ((an accident)) a collision scene or other such incident, a tow operator shall not respond to such scene unless his services have been specifically requested by the patrol, the driver/owner, or his agent.

     (11) The tow operator shall be available, or will ensure that specific employees are available, twenty-four hours a day for the purpose of receiving calls or arranging for the release of vehicles. Business hours will be posted conspicuously at the operator's place of business so they can be seen during business hours and nonbusiness hours. A copy will also be sent to the section and patrol district commander of the district in which the tow operator does business. Changes of business hours will be sent to the department, the section, and the patrol district commander ten days before their effective date.

     (12) ((The tow operator will notify the appropriate patrol office of the release of stored vehicles within five working days after the release of such vehicle. Notification to the patrol will be made in such a manner as prescribed by the section commander.

     (13))) The operator shall post a current copy of tow and storage rates, on a form approved by the department and the patrol, in the following locations:

     (a) At the entrance to the place of business, in a conspicuous location, plainly visible and readable by members of the public, whether the business is open or closed. If, in order to meet this requirement, the rate sheets must be placed in a location, exposed to the elements, they shall be protected so as to remain legible.

     (b) Inside the business location, where business is commonly transacted. The rate sheets shall be posted in such manner as to be clearly and plainly visible and readable at all times by customers of the business.

     (c) A copy of the current rates will be sent to the department, the section, and the patrol district commander of the district in which the tow operator has applied for a letter of appointment. Notice of any change(s) in service rates will be forwarded to the department, the section, and the district commander of the area ten days before the effective date of the changes. Charges made for towing services arising from calls initiated by the patrol shall be consistent with current posted towing rates and shall be based only upon services listed on the prescribed form.

     (d) In the event that an operator has only a class "B" truck and utilizes it for class "A" and "B" type tows, the operator shall file a rate sheet that specifies the rates charged for the different types of tows.

     Whenever any operator utilizes a larger truck than the towed vehicle warrants, the operator shall charge fees based on the size of the towed vehicle not the size of the truck used.

Example:

A class "C" truck is used, at the operator's discretion, to tow a class "B" size vehicle. The fees charged shall be those for a class "B" truck NOT a class "C."

     (((14))) (13) Charges made for towing services arising from calls initiated by the patrol shall not exceed the maximum rates established by the chief.

     (((15))) (14) Unless other arrangements are made with commissioned patrol personnel at the scene, all impounded vehicles shall be taken to the tow operators nearest approved storage location.

     (((16))) (15) The tow operator will maintain, for three years, records on towed and released vehicles which were towed at the request of the patrol. This record will include, but not be limited to:

     (a) An itemized receipt of all charges for the services provided.

     (b) An inventory sheet or copy thereof made out by the trooper at the scene of the tow and signed by the operator.

     (c) All other records required by the department.

     Such records will be available for inspection by the patrol during normal business hours at the operator's place of business.

     (((17))) (16) The tow operator will sign an inventory sheet made out by the patrol officer at the scene.

     (((18))) (17) Tow operators will obtain and maintain current registration as a licensed tow truck operator pursuant to RCW 46.55.020.

     (((19))) (18) Tow operators shall perform towing tasks competently. The standard of competence shall be that quality of work which is accepted as efficient and effective within the towing industry.

     (((20))) (19) No tow operator, employee, or agent shall misappropriate, wrongfully convert to his/her own use, or abuse property belonging to another and entrusted to his/her care or storage.

     (((21))) (20) Tow truck operators will use emergency lights to warn other motorists only when at the scene of ((accidents)) collisions, disabled vehicles, and/or recoveries. Such lighting shall not be used when traveling to or from the scene.

     Tow truck operators whose duties are performed in areas and under circumstances where they are exposed to the danger of moving vehicles shall wear work vests of highly visible materials, or equivalent distinguishing apparel as outlined in department of labor and industries, WAC 296-155-200(5).

     (((22))) (21) Tow truck operators shall be responsible for cleaning ((accident)) collision/incident scenes of all vehicle glass and debris.

     (((23))) (22) Specific operating restrictions and/or requirements, by truck class, are as follows:

     (a) The standard air brake release tools (caging stud assemblies) required to be carried in the class "B" and "C" trucks shall be used, whenever necessary, to preserve potential evidence involving brake equipment or adjustment settings. When an operator is attempting to move a vehicle equipped with locked spring parking brakes that cannot be released by external air supply, the caging assemblies shall be used to release the brake tension. Under no circumstances shall the towed vehicle's brake assemblies or adjustments be moved or disturbed in any way that will prevent later determination of the ((preaccident)) precollision or incident settings.

     (b) Class "B" trucks in excess of twenty-three thousand pounds gross vehicle weight rating need not carry dollies when towing or recovering heavy vehicles.

     (c) Class "D," "E," and "S" trucks shall not be used to respond to initial calls unless specifically authorized by patrol personnel at the scene or by local written policy approved by the district commander.

     (d) Class "E" trucks shall:

     (i) Have, when used for multiple vehicle towing/recovery (one on bed, one in tow) from the same location, all invoice charges evenly divided between the vehicles so transported;

     (ii) Not be operated in excess of either gross vehicle weight rating or purchased tonnage weight limits;

     (iii) Be required to carry its portable lights only when used in a towing mode.

     (((24))) (23) Whenever a "special event or overflow" storage lot is approved by the department, the patrol and appropriate city/county jurisdictions, the operator shall maintain personnel at the lot twenty-four hours per day for security and vehicle and/or personal property release. If necessary, reimbursement for such labor shall be part of the contract for the "special event" if appropriate or by amended storage rates with a waiver of the ten-day rate change notice requirement approved by the department and the patrol.

     At the conclusion of a "special event or overflow" situation, all vehicles not reclaimed by the owner shall be towed to the operator's regular storage facility and processed in the normal fashion. No additional fee shall be charged for towing the vehicle from the overflow lot to the regular facility.

     (((25))) (24) All work performed by the operator and/or employee shall be in the most professional and expeditious manner. All invoices and other required forms shall be completed accurately and promptly.

     (((26))) (25) Tow operators shall, when required by the patrol or the department, cause to be displayed on each approved truck, decals indicating truck class, patrol district, and/or assigned tow zone.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005, 46.55.050, and 46.55.115. 02-07-056, § 204-91A-180, filed 3/15/02, effective 4/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.050. 94-18-083, § 204-91A-180, filed 9/2/94, effective 10/3/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.61.567. 89-21-044, § 204-91A-180, filed 10/13/89, effective 11/13/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.35.005 [46.37.005]. 89-14-015 (Order 89-04-ESR), § 204-91A-180, filed 6/23/89.]