Delaware Administrative Code
Title 2 - Transportation
1000 - Department of Safety and Homeland Security
1300 - Division of State Police
1301 - Nonconsensual Towing
Section 1301-3.0 - Tow Vehicles and Equipment
Universal Citation: 2 DE Admin Code 1301-3.0
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024
3.1 Tow vehicles shall not exceed the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight or the manufacturer's rated capacity for the towing assembly. All tow vehicle components (winches, booms, wire rope, clamps, thimbles, sheaves, guides, controls, blocks, slings, chains, hooks, and hydraulic components) must be maintained in good condition at all times.
3.2 The minimum standards for each class of tow vehicles shall be determined solely by the manufacturer's specifications for the capabilities and capacities of the tow vehicles and towing equipment.
3.2.1 Class "A" Tow Vehicles - Minimum
Specifications
3.2.1.1 A gross vehicle weight
of at least 10,000 pounds. A crane and a winch with a rating of at least four
tons must be mounted on the chassis. A roll back bed may substitute for the
crane.
3.2.1.2 A wire rope attached
to each tow vehicle winch at least 100 feet long with a minimum thickness of
3/8 inches.
3.2.1.3 A tow sling or
wheel lift manufactured to prevent damage to the vehicle.
3.2.1.4 At least two safety chains to be
attached between the tow vehicle and the towed vehicle.
3.2.2 Class "B" Tow Vehicles - Minimum
Specifications
3.2.2.1 A gross vehicle weight
rating of at least 17,500 pounds. A complete crane and winch having a rating of
at least ten tons must be mounted on the chassis. A roll back bed may
substitute for the crane.
3.2.2.2 A
wire rope attached to each winch at least 100 feet long with a minimum
thickness of 1/2 inches.
3.2.2.3 A
tow sling or wheel lift, or underreach manufactured to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
3.2.2.4 A minimum of two
safety chains to be attached between the tow vehicle and the towed
vehicle.
3.2.2.5 At least two
portable tail, stop and signal lamps with mounting brackets or mounting clips.
The lens shall be red in color, and the lens' diameter shall be at least three
inches.
3.2.3 Class "C"
Tow Vehicles - Minimum Specifications
3.2.3.1
A gross vehicle rating of at least 30,000 pounds. A complete crane and winch
having a rating of at least twenty-five (25) tons must be mounted on the
chassis.
3.2.3.2 A wire rope
attached to each winch at least 150 feet long with a minimum thickness of 5/8
inches.
3.2.3.3 Brakes constructed
to comply with federal motor carrier safety regulations and the Delaware motor
vehicle code where applicable.
3.2.3.4 A tow sling or wheel lift, or
underreach manufactured to prevent damage to the vehicle.
3.2.3.5 At least two safety chains to be
attached between the tow vehicle and the towed vehicles, or combination of
vehicles.
3.2.3.6 At least two
portable tail, stop and signal lamps with mounting brackets or mounting clips.
The lens shall be red in color, and the lens' diameter shall be at least three
inches.
3.2.4 Accessories
3.2.4.1 Each tow vehicle shall be
commercially lettered with the operator's business name, city, state, and
telephone number visible from both sides of the vehicle, in permanent letters
at least 2 1/2 inches high.
3.2.4.2
Each tow vehicle shall be equipped at all times as required by the Delaware
motor vehicle code and with the following accessories:
3.2.4.2.1 An amber rotor beam or strobe light
mounted on the top so as to be seen when in use from front, rear, and both
sides. Such beam or light is to be used only when there is a hazardous
condition.
3.2.4.2.2 Minimum of two
work lights on the rear.
3.2.4.2.3
One snatch block for each winch with matching manufacturer's rating.
3.2.4.2.4 A set of scotch blocks for wheels,
metal type with tail gate chains, or hydraulic rear extendable scotch blocks
(Class B and C vehicles only).
3.2.4.2.5 External air hookup and hoses
(Class C vehicles only).
3.2.4.2.6
A set of nylon recovery straps or chains rated at 25,000 pounds (Class B and C
vehicles only).
3.2.4.2.7 At least
one broom, shovel, axe, crowbar or pry bar, set of jumper cables, flashlight,
and fire extinguisher.
3.2.4.2.8
Box or container to carry debris.
3.2.4.2.9 Sand or commercial oil and grease
absorber for a reasonably small cleanup that does not require the intervention
of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Delaware may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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