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DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

 

DIVISION 50
NON-PREFERENCE TOWING

257-050-0020
Policy and Purpose
It is the policy and purpose of the Oregon State Police that:
(1) To further the Oregon State Police's interest in the prompt and orderly removal of disabled or abandoned vehicles from the highways of the State of Oregon, and to meet the towing needs of the Department, the Department has established a non-preference tow program as defined in Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 257-050-0020 to 257-050-0200. The program, in part, consists of a non-preference tow rotational list comprised of qualified tow businesses. The non-preference tow rotational list is computer generated and does not favor any one qualified tow business. The non-preference tow rotational list is not a guarantee of business to the towing industry by the Department. Qualified tow businesses participating in the non-preference tow rotational list understand that they may be called upon to conduct vehicle tows at the operational need of the Oregon State Police, as may be determined by the requesting State Police Officer or Department member.
(2) Because the non-preference tow rotational list is designed to meet the towing needs of the Department, tow businesses do not need to be on the list to conduct business with the general public in the State of Oregon.
(3) The Oregon State Police do not charge any fees to the owner or driver of a vehicle towed under its non-preference tow program. Therefore, the Department does not require any qualified tow business participating in the non-preference tow rotational list to charge any fees to the owner or driver of a vehicle towed under the Department's non-preference tow program. Accordingly, the Department shall not establish, recommend, or in any way dictate the cost of a non-preference tow conducted by a qualified tow business under the Department's non-preference tow program. It is also the policy of the Department that qualified tow businesses that participate in the Department's non-preference tow rotational program shall not represent to any person or business that a particular fee has been or will be charged by the Oregon State Police.
(4) Qualified tow businesses called upon by the Oregon State Police to conduct non-preference tows must reflect the highest standards of professionalism. Qualified tow businesses that, through their conduct or actions, abuse the non-preference tow system or the integrity, trust or security of the Oregon State Police shall be removed from the non-preference tow rotational list through the suspension and/ or revocation processes.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: 181.440

Hist.: OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0040
Authority
(1) These Administrative Rules are promulgated pursuant to ORS 181.440, which permits the Superintendent of the Oregon State Police to make rules governing the eligibility of tow businesses to be placed and remain on any list of qualified tow businesses used by the Department when it requests towing services on behalf of any person.
(2) All qualified tow businesses providing service to the public and the Department through calls received from the Oregon State Police shall conduct their operation in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, or their equivalent.
(3) In the event the Oregon State Police enters into an agreement with any other state agency, allowing that state agency the use of the non-preference tow rotational list, then these rules shall apply to tow requests made by that state agency.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0050
Definitions
(1) “Abandoned Auto”
or “Abandoned Vehicle” — A vehicle, as defined in ORS 819.110,
that has been parked or left standing upon any public way for a period in excess
of 24 hours without authorization by statute or local ordinance.
(2) “Area Commander”
or “Station Commander” — The local commanding officer of an area
established by the Oregon State Police.
(3) “Business Records”
— Those records maintained by a qualified tow business that relate to the
non-preference tows and which include, but are not limited to, tow bills, letters
of appointment, and inspection sheets.
(4) “Certified”
or “Certification” — The successful completion by an employee
of a tow business of a written test administered by a nationally recognized towing
affiliated body/organization relating to the level of towing the employee operates.
(5) “Convicted”
— An adjudication of guilt upon a verdict or finding entered in a criminal
proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(6) “Denial” —
Action taken by the Department in refusing to issue a letter of appointment to a
tow business.
(7) “Department”
— The Department of State Police, also referred to as “Oregon State
Police,” and its employees.
(8) “Employee” —
Any person in the service of a tow business under contract of hire, express or implied,
oral or written, where the business has the power or right to control and direct
the employee in the material details of how the work for the business is to be performed.
(9) “Fencing” —
Permanent fencing meeting zoning requirements, with a minimum height of six (6)
feet.
(10) “Hazardous Vehicle”
— A vehicle, as defined in ORS 819.120, that is disabled, abandoned, parked,
or left standing unattended on a road or highway right of way and that is in such
a location as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to motor vehicle traffic using
the road or highway given that term in OAR 734-020-0147.
(11) “Hearings Officer”
— A person appointed by an agency or entity contracted by the Department of
State Police to conduct contested case hearings.
(12) “Highway” —
Every public way, road, street, thoroughfare and place including bridges, viaducts
and other structures within the boundaries of the state open, used or intended for
use of the general public for vehicles or vehicular traffic as a matter of right
(ORS 801.305).
(13) “Inspector”
— A commissioned officer or other appointed representative of the Oregon State
Police who has been designated by the Department to examine tow trucks and qualified
tow businesses.
(14) “Letter of Appointment”
— A letter issued by the Department that authorizes a tow business to tow
abandoned or disabled vehicles on a non-preference rotational basis for the Oregon
State Police.
(15) “Non-Preference tow
rotational List’ or “Non-Preference List” — The list of
qualified tow businesses maintained at Oregon State Police Headquarters that is
used to dispatch the tow trucks on an equitable basis when no choice or preference
to a tow business is stated by the vehicle owner, driver, or other person responsible
for the vehicle.
(16) “On Road Time”
— The time it takes a qualified tow business to have a tow truck started and
on the road from the time the dispatcher was called by the Department.
(17) “Patrol Services
Division” — The administrative body of the Oregon State Police that
is located at General Headquarters in Salem, Oregon.
(18) “Place of Business”
— A separate building or physical structure that a qualified tow business
occupies, either continuously or at regular times, where the qualified tow business’
business books and records are kept and the business of towing vehicles is transacted
in each assigned tow zone. Multiple or different qualified tow businesses may operate
on a single piece of real property, provided that each qualified tow business maintains
individual and separate records, storage facilities, and letters of appointment
in order to be placed on the Department's non-preference tow rotational list.
(19) “Principal”
— an owner, partner, corporate officer or other person who controls or manages
the business organization or employees or agents of the business organization.
(20) “Qualified Tow Business”
is a tow business with a current letter of appointment issued by the Department.
(21) “Region Commander”
or “District Commander” — The commanding officer of the region
as established by the Oregon State Police.
(22) “Recovery Vehicle”
— A motor vehicle that is:
(a) A commercially available
truck chassis equipped with a commercially manufactured tow body or bed, that is
rated and issued a serial number by the manufacturer;
(b) Designed and equipped for,
and used in, the towing and/or recovery of vehicles;
(c) Capable of towing a vehicle
by means of a tow bar, sling or wheel lift; and
(d) Capable of recovering a
vehicle by means of a hoist, winch and towline.
(23) “Response Time”
— The reasonable driving time it takes a tow truck to respond to the dispatched
location once the tow truck is on the road.
(24) “Revocation”
and “revoked” — The termination of a letter of appointment or
right to apply for a letter of appointment, and the removal from the Oregon State
Police's non-preference towing program for a period of not less than 10 years, which
becomes effective from the date of the Notice of Revocation from the Oregon State
Police.
(25) “Right to apply”
— The right of a tow business or its principal(s) to apply for, and the right
of a qualified tow business or its principal(s) to re-apply for, a letter of appointment.
(26) “Suspension”
and “suspend” — The temporary withdrawal of a letter of appointment
or right to apply for a letter of appointment, and the removal from the Oregon State
Police non-preference towing program for a period of not more than 10 years.
(27) “Tow business”
— Any person, enterprise, corporation or partnership that engages in the impounding,
transporting, recovery or storage of towed or abandoned vehicles or in the disposal
of abandoned vehicles.
(28) “Tow Vehicle”
— A motor vehicle that is:
(a) Altered or designed and
equipped for, and used in, the business of towing vehicles; and
(b) Used to tow vehicles by
means of a crane hoist, tow bar, towline or dolly, or otherwise used to render assistance
to other vehicles (ORS 801.530).
(29) “Tow Zone”
— The geographical area designated by the area commander for the removal of
vehicles.
(30) “Vehicle Storage
Area” — The approved yard or enclosed building where a qualified tow
business keeps or stores towed vehicles.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. &
cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 5-1992, f. &
cert. ef. 12-16-92; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 1-1999(Temp), f.
& cert. ef. 9-10-99 thru 3-7-00; OSP 1-2000, f. & cert. ef. 3-15-00; OSP
2-2000(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-14-00 thru 1-9-01; Administrative correction
6-12-01; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert.
ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp),
f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10;
OSP 5-2010(Temp), f. 7-13-10, cert. ef. 7-14-10 thru 1-10-11; Administrative correction
1-25-11; OSP 4-2011, f. 9-2-11, cert. ef. 9-7-11
257-050-0060
Application for Appointment
(1) An application for letter of appointment to provide towing services for the Department shall be filed by the authorized agent or representative of a tow business with the Patrol Services Division on a form prescribed by the Department. In case of a tow business that is a partnership, each partner will apply on the form prescribed by the Department. In the case of a tow business that is a corporation, the Department may require that each of the present, and any subsequent officers, managers, and stockholders holding 10% or more of the total issued and outstanding stock of the applicant corporation complete an application form.
(2) The application form will be assigned a document number by the Patrol Services Division which shall be its yearly identification number for all matters relating to appointments, granted or denied, and any other correspondence thereafter.
(3) The filing of an application for a letter of appointment to provide towing to the Department from a non-preference list does not in itself authorize a tow business to provide towing services pursuant to these regulations until a letter of appointment has been granted by the Department. The Department shall not call a towing business for non-preference towing unless a current/valid yearly appointment letter has been issued in connection with such tow business by the Department. Nothing herein shall prohibit the Department from calling a towing business upon a specific request of the person responsible for the vehicle or his agent. An appointment letter will not be granted until all application sections of the application form have been completed by the authorized agent or representative of a tow business.
(4) During implementation of the Administrative Rules, the present non-preference tow list system will be in effect until such time that the Administrative Rules are in place at the Patrol Services Division of the Department.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0070
Application Requirements
(1) Application for placement on the non-preference tow rotational list shall be made on the forms furnished by the Department and shall be accompanied by an inspection report. The inspection report shall be furnished by the Department, and shall be completed by the authorized agent or representative of a tow business. The application form shall establish or provide all of the following:
(a) The tow business has an established place of business at the address shown.
(b) The tow business’ place of business has an office area that is accessible to the public without entering the storage area and that the storage area complies with these Administrative Rules and all local zoning rules and regulations.
(c) Each tow business is separately registered with the Secretary of State Corporate Division, with a separate place of business and a separate storage area. Only one tow business may be operated at any one place of business.
(d) The authorized agent or representative of the tow business has inspected and certifies, under penalty of perjury, suspension, revocation and/or criminal prosecution that all of the information supplied in the application form and inspection form is true and accurate and that the tow business’ place of business and all tow truck equipment meet the minimum requirements established by these Administrative Rules.
(e) The tow business has proof of the following current, minimum insurance coverage (Proof of required current insurance coverage shall be submitted with applications and inspection forms.).
(A) $750,000, or the minimum required by the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations, or the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), which ever is greater when towing under authority of Federal Motor Carrier Regulations or ODOT, for liability, for bodily injury or property damage per occurrence;
(B) Garage keeper's legal liability (for care, custody and control) per occurrence in the amount of:
(i) Class A -- $50,000;
(ii) Class B -- $150,000;
(iii) Class C -- $200,000;
(iv) Class D (Note: Class "D" equipment is not considered to be recovery tow vehicles):
(I) Class D-A or Other Equipment under this classification -- $50,000;
(II) Class D-B or Other Equipment under this classification -- $75,000;
(III) Class D-C or Other Equipment under this classification -- $200,000.
(C) Insurance to protect against vehicle damage including, but not limited to fire and theft, from the time a vehicle comes into custody and control of the tow business and is hooked onto, throughout the recovery, and until that vehicle is reclaimed or sold.
(D) Insurance for cargo transported in the amount of:
(i) Class A -- $50,000;
(ii) Class B -- $100,000;
(iii) Class C -- $200,000;
(iv) Class D-A -- or Other Equipment under this classification -- $50,000;
(v) Class D-B -- or Other Equipment under this classification -- $100,000;
(vi) Class D-C -- or Other Equipment under this classification -- $200,000.
(f) Nothing in this section will relieve a tow business or qualified tow business from maintaining insurance in the amounts and providing coverage of the type for motor carriers in ORS Chapter 825 if the amounts exceed, or coverage is different from, that required by this section.
(g) A certificate of insurance from the insurance carrier to the Department that includes the type and amounts of coverage and provides for notification of cancellation of the tow business's insurance is mandatory.
(h) The information for the letter of appointment may be included in the inspection form that is completed by the authorized agent or representative of the tow business.
(i) The tow business or tow business owner has a minimum of three (3) years of documented experience in the towing industry, either as a tow business or a tow business owner or tow vehicle driver for a tow business.
(j) The tow business has a dedicated recovery vehicle assigned to the tow zone applied for and capable of handling the classifications of tows requested in the application. A tow business may list a class B recovery vehicle to cover both class A and class B tows and a tow business may list a class C recovery vehicle to cover both class B and/or class A tows. If a larger recovery vehicle is listed by a tow business, that vehicle may only be listed for one tow zone for the smaller recovery tow classes it is used for, even if the larger tow vehicle tow zone overlaps with the other tow classification zones. Recovery Tow vehicles may only be listed for one tow zone. All tow vehicles approved must comply with these Administrative Rules for the classification of tow applied for. Only equipment approved through the letter of appointment to be used for the non-preference tow program for a specific tow zone can be used in that tow zone.
NOTE: A written waiver may be granted by the Oregon State Police based on local non-preference towing operational needs.
(k) The names of all drivers authorized by a tow business to drive in the tow zone for which the tow business applied, and all employees of a tow business who will have contact with the towed/assisted vehicle(s) and/or the driver/owner of the towed/assisted vehicle(s) or other representative(s) of the towed/assisted vehicle(s) owner(s). The use of non-listed and/or unreported drivers by a qualified tow business shall not be permitted.
(2) Within 30 days of the receipt of a request for an application for a letter of appointment, the Patrol Services Division of the Oregon State Police shall send an application packet, and include a current copy of these Administrative Rules and all forms related to the self certification, inspection and certification of equipment, and other related information required by these Administrative Rules.
(3) The address the tow business lists on its application shall be the place of business where the tow business keeps its business records. The application also shall list all locations of vehicle storage areas and places for redemption of vehicles. If there is a change in address of the tow business, the authorized agent or representative of the tow business shall immediately notify the Patrol Services Division, and in no event will notification take longer than ten (10) days.
(4) All tow trucks shall display the tow business's name, city, and telephone number. This information shall be painted or permanently affixed to both sides of the vehicle and the lettering shall be at least 2 inches in height with 1\2 inch stroke and in a color that is in contrast with the tow truck's color.
(5) Any tow business in violation of this Administrative Rule may be denied a letter of appointment and shall be notified of the denial in writing. The Department may also deny a renewal application for any qualified tow business with an existing letter of appointment that is in violation of this Administrative Rule and may have its existing letter of appointment immediately suspended, prior to any hearing and shall be notified of the suspension in writing. A suspension under this rule will be in effect until the violation is corrected and inspected. Other sanctions, up to revocation and/or criminal prosecution, may be applied to a qualified tow business upon finding by the Department that the qualified tow business is in violation of this Administrative Rule.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 5-1992, f. & cert. ef. 12-16-92; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0090
Inspections
The authorized agent or representative of the tow business shall self-certify on its application under penalty of False Swearing related to Regulation of Vehicles related to Businesses (ORS 822.605), penalty of Perjury (ORS 162.065), suspension or revocation from the non-preference tow rotational list that its tow business, employees and vehicles meet the minimum requirements as set forth in these Administrative Rules. This self-certification shall verify that the tow business’ request for a letter of appointment complies with all applicable local laws and regulations as prescribed for the geographical area where the tow business will be established. If local zoning regulations are applicable, the authorized agent or representative of the tow business must include with the application a copy of the certification of approval from the local planning department, zoning commission or other authorized unit of local government, to the Department. A zoning certification will become part of the permanent record maintained for each qualified tow business by the Department.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 5-1992, f. & cert. ef. 12-16-92; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0095
Letter of Appointment
The letter of appointment shall be completed by the Department establishing that the tow business has met the requirements for a letter of appointment. The designated tow zone(s), class of tow vehicle(s), specific vehicles authorized to operate in each zone, and any waivers will be listed in the letter.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0100
Issuance of Letter of Appointment
(1) No tow business shall be called upon to perform a non-preference towing service at the request of the Department unless such tow business has a valid letter of appointment from the Department, as described herein. A letter of appointment will not be issued by the Department unless the Department is satisfied that all qualifications set out in these Administrative Rules either have been met by the tow business or that a waiver of one or more qualifications has been granted by the Department.
(2) A letter of appointment will be valid only in the zone or zones assigned by the area commander and will identify specific vehicles of a qualified tow business authorized to operate in each zone. Applications for additional letters of appointment in other zones must be based on a complete and separate place of business capable of independent operation within the additional zone.
(3) A tow business may petition the Department for a waiver of a non-safety related requirement. The waiver shall be sent to the area commander who may make a recommendation regarding the waiver as an operational need. The Department may grant a waiver if, it finds that the towing services available to the Department are inadequate in the area to meet the needs of the public.
(4) In the event a qualified tow business that meets all requirements and qualifications receives a letter of appointment in the same zone as a qualified tow business that has been granted a waiver, the qualified tow business currently operating under a waiver, upon notification, will be advised that it has up to 30 days to come into compliance with these rules before removal from the affected non-preference tow zone. If the qualified tow business operating under a waiver fails to come into compliance within the time specified by the Department, it may have its letter of appointment suspended or revoked by the Department and will not be called for Department initiated tows.
(5) Every letter of appointment shall be issued in the name of a tow business and the holder thereof shall not allow any other person or qualified tow business to use the letter of appointment.
(6) The letter of appointment will be valid only 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 for one (1) year unless suspended or revoked by the Department.
(8) Each separate place of business will have a letter of appointment.
(9) Before a letter of appointment can be issued by the Department the tow business must have a tow vehicle meeting the minimum standards set forth in these Administrative Rules OAR 257-050-0020 to 257-050-0200.
(10) The letter of appointment shall state the zone the qualified tow business is authorized to operate in. The zones will be determined by the area commander.
(11) All qualified tow businesses shall agree to tow abandoned vehicles in accordance with Chapter 819 of the Oregon Revised Statutes.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 5-1992, f. & cert. ef. 12-16-92; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0110
Suspension, Revocation and Voluntary Relinquishment of Letter of Appointment
(1) Upon receiving evidence that a qualified tow business has failed to comply, or no longer complies, with any requirement or provision of these Administrative Rules or that the authorized agent or representative of a tow business has falsified any documentation or certification related to compliance of these Administrative Rules in an application for a letter of appointment, the Department shall suspend or revoke the qualified tow business’s letter of appointment. The Department may suspend or revoke the qualified tow business’s letter of appointment at any time once the qualified tow business has been given notice in accordance with these Administrative Rules. A qualified tow business whose letter of appointment has been suspended or revoked may request an administrative hearing as outlined in these Administrative Rules.
(2) Upon receiving evidence that a qualified tow business has failed to comply, or no longer complies, with the requirements of these Administrative Rules, the qualified tow business's letter of appointment shall be suspended or revoked by the Department.
(3) The qualified tow business may voluntarily relinquish his/her appointment. The Department will be advised in writing of this voluntary relinquishment. After receiving written notice the Department will cause an inspector to obtain the original letter of appointment and forward the same to the Department.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 5-1992, f. & cert. ef. 12-16-92; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0115
Suspension and Revocation
(1) For purpose of 257-050-0115, the following suspension periods apply:
(a) "First suspension" -- any first violation of OAR 257-050-0115 shall be for a period of not less than 60 days.
(b) "Second Suspension" -- any second violation of OAR 257-050-0115 that is committed within a one (1) year period from the date of any final order under this rule shall be for a period of not less than one (1) year.
(c) "Third Suspension" -- any third violation of OAR 257-050-0115 that is committed within a three (3) year period of the date of any final order under this rule shall be a revocation.
(2) The following constitutes grounds for suspension of a qualified tow business:
(a) A qualified tow business that commits a violation, traffic crime or traffic infraction of Oregon Law during the course and operation of the qualified tow business’s business shall be suspended.
(b) An employee of a qualified tow business that commits any violation or traffic infraction of Oregon Law while in the performance of his or her duties of employment shall be suspended.
(3) The following constitutes grounds for revocation of a qualified tow business:
(a) A qualified tow business that commits a crime, other than a traffic crime and that is chargeable as a misdemeanor or felony during the course and operation of the qualified tow business’s business shall be revoked.
(b) An employee of a qualified tow business that commits a crime chargeable as a misdemeanor or felony while in the performance of his or her duties of employment shall be revoked.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1999(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 9-10-99 thru 3-7-00; OSP 1-2000, f. & cert. ef. 3-15-00; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0125
Reinspection/Certification
(1) Self Certification/re-inspections will be conducted at least once a year by all qualified tow businesses. Unscheduled inspections of the qualified tow business may be conducted without notice by any Oregon State Police inspector to determine the fitness of tow trucks, facilities, and business records. These inspections shall be done during business hours.
(2)(a) In the event of missing or defective tow truck equipment that is not safety related, but that was required for initial approval, the Oregon State Police shall advise the qualified tow business of the defect. If the qualified tow business fails or refuses to repair the defect within 15 days of the notice, the defective truck will be removed from the list of tow vehicles in the qualified tow business’s letter of appointment that are authorized for use in the Department’s non-preference tow rotation list for the duration of the letter of appointment without renewal, until after the last day of authorization of the letter of appointment and the defect is repaired.
(b) In the event of a violation of these Administrative Rules by a qualified tow business relating to the qualified tow business's facilities, records or other conditions, the Oregon State Police shall advise the qualified tow business of the violation. If the qualified tow business fails or refuses to fix the violation within 15 days of the notice, the qualified tow business's letter of appointment will be suspended for its duration without renewal until after the last day of authorization of the letter of appointment and the violation is fixed.
(c) A qualified tow business may avoid suspension under this section by voluntarily removing the involved tow or recovery vehicle from the list of tow vehicles in the qualified tow business’s letter of appointment that are authorized for use in the Oregon State Police's non-preference tow list until such repairs or corrections are made or by correcting the violation relating to the qualified tow business's facilities or records. Voluntary removal under this section shall be done by sending a letter to the Oregon State Police General Headquarters, Patrol Services Division, 4th Floor, 255 Capitol Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97310, advising the Oregon State Police of the qualified tow business's voluntary removal of the vehicle from service on non-preference calls for the Oregon State Police. This voluntary removal of defective equipment letter shall be received by the Oregon State Police, Patrol Services Division no later than 15 days after the initial notification of the defect.
(3)(a) In the event of a safety related violation which renders the tow truck a safety hazard upon a public highway, the tow truck shall be immediately removed from the list of tow vehicles in the qualified tow business’s letter of appointment that are authorized for use in the Department’s non-preference tow rotation list. If the defect is corrected and reinspected within 30 days of the immediate suspension, the tow truck shall be reinstated on the tow business's letter of appointment. If the defect is not corrected and reinspected within 30 days, the suspension will continue without reinstatement until after the last day of the authorization of the letter of appointment and the defect is repaired and reinspected.
(b) In the event of a safety related violation which renders a qualified tow business's facilities unsafe, the qualified tow business shall immediately be suspended for the duration of the letter of appointment from the Department's non-preference tow rotational list, without renewal until after the last day of the authorization of the letter of appointment and the defect is repaired. If the defect is corrected and reinspected within 30 days of the immediate suspension, the qualified tow business's letter of appointment shall be reinstated.
(c) A qualified tow business may avoid immediate suspension under this section by voluntarily removing the tow or recovery vehicle from the list of tow vehicles in the qualified tow business’s letter of appointment that are authorized for use in the Oregon State Police's non-preference tow list until such repairs or corrections are made or by correcting the violation relating to the qualified tow business's facilities or records. Voluntary removal under this section shall be done by sending a letter to the Oregon State Police General Headquarters, Patrol Services Division, 4th Floor, 255 Capitol Street NE, Salem, Oregon, 97310, advising of the qualified tow business's voluntary removal of the vehicle from service or the business on non-preference calls for the Oregon State Police. This voluntary removal safety hazard letter shall be received by the Oregon State Police, Patrol Services Division no later than 30 days after the initial notification of the defect.
(4) Upon repair or correction of a defect of a voluntarily removed tow truck or a defect related to a qualified tow business, an Oregon State Police inspector, upon written request from the affected qualified tow business, shall reinspect the equipment/facility which was found to be defective or missing. If the defects have been satisfactorily corrected, the inspector shall reinstate the tow truck to the list of tow vehicles in the qualified tow business’s letter of appointment that are authorized for use in the Department’s non-preference list and/or shall reinstate a qualified tow business's letter of appointment. In the event an Oregon State Police inspector is not readily available to reinspect, another officer appointed by the inspector's supervisor may reinspect and re-instate the tow truck or qualified tow business. The reinspection shall be completed as soon as possible after a written request from the qualified tow business has been received by the Patrol Services Division, advising that the defect has been repaired. In no event shall a reinspection take longer than ten (10) business days after the written request for inspection has been received by the Patrol Services Division.
(5) Upon revocation, suspension, expiration or voluntary relinquishment of a letter of appointment, a qualified tow business's right to conduct towing services at the request of the Department is terminated, unless the call for service is a preference tow made by the owner and/or driver of a vehicle.
(6) Upon sale or transfer by the qualified tow business of a truck listed in the qualified tow business’s letter of appointment that is authorized for use in the Department’s non-preference tow rotation list, the qualified tow business shall advise the department so that the truck may be removed from the non-preference list. This notification must be made immediately and in no event may exceed ten (10) days after the sale or transfer.
(7) Upon the purchase or acquisition of any additional tow truck(s) to be used pursuant to this rule, a qualified tow business shall immediately notify the Department. The qualified tow business shall make a self-certified inspection of the new unit and submit this inspection to the Department, prior to the tow truck being used for non-preference towing.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0130
Appeal
A tow business or qualified tow business aggrieved by the decision of the Hearings Program officer denying, suspending, or revoking a letter of appointment must make any further appeal of such decision to the Oregon Court of Appeals.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0140
Place of Business Requirement and Business Hours
A qualified tow business's hours for the purpose of inspection of business records and towing equipment shall be 8AM-5PM, excluding weekends and holidays:
(1) When a qualified tow business is not open and does not have personnel present at the place of business, the qualified tow business shall post a clearly visible telephone number at its place of business for the purpose of public contact for the release of vehicles or personal property.
(2) The qualified tow business shall maintain personnel who can be contacted 24 hours a day to release impounded vehicles within a 30-minute period of time.
(3) The qualified tow business must post and maintain its letter of appointment at its place of business.
(4)(a) Dispatch service. The qualified tow business shall provide dispatch services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Each tow vehicle used by a qualified tow business shall be equipped with a two-way radio (not a citizen's band radio) or cellular phone capable of direct communications with the qualified tow business's dispatch service. Equipment provided shall be subject to approval of the Oregon State Police. Equipment shall be maintained in proper working condition at all times.
(b) Failure to respond to a call:
(A) Refusal or failure of a qualified tow business to respond to calls from the Department for towing services may result in the suspension or revocation of the qualified tow business's letter of appointment;
(B) The qualified tow business shall advise the appropriate Oregon State Police Dispatch Center when the qualified tow business is temporarily unavailable to respond to non-preference tow calls. Unavailability may occur due to conditions which include, but are not limited to, a disabled tow truck or a tow truck under repair, or unforeseen driver shortage due to illness or vacation. The qualified tow business shall advise the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center once the qualified tow business is available to resume its normal operation;
(C) Regardless of the unavailability of any qualified tow business, the non-preference list rotation shall continue as if the qualified tow business was available.
(5) Service call response time. Response times are mandatory. Class A and D-A tow trucks shall be on the road within fifteen minutes. Class B, C, D-B and D-C tow trucks shall be on the road within thirty minutes. At the time of the dispatch, all classes of tow trucks shall provide an estimated time of arrival at the scene. The station commander may waive this requirement due to inclement weather or unusual circumstances that might exist.
(6) For abandoned vehicles not deemed to be a hazard, tow requests will be made during business hours, defined as 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., seven (7) days a week, including holidays. Qualified tow businesses may tow abandoned vehicles at the qualified tow business's convenience during business hours on the date of the tow request. Once a vehicle is removed from the roadway and in possession of the qualified tow business, the qualified tow business shall notify the requesting Oregon State Police Office Dispatch Center as soon as possible on the date of the tow request of its possession of the abandoned vehicle. Notification of possession of the abandoned vehicle should be made immediately by the qualified tow business. In no case will notification to the Oregon State Police be made more than two hours after the abandoned vehicle comes into the possession of the qualified tow business.
(7) At the time a response is requested, the Department will provide the location, make, model, year of car license plate and estimated gross vehicle weight (if necessary) to the qualified tow business. Also, the Department will inform the qualified tow business about any condition or circumstances that may require special handling or assistance. The qualified tow business shall transmit the information to the person driving the tow truck.
(8) Qualified Tow business's record requirements: At its place of business of each tow zone, qualified tow businesses shall maintain the following records on each vehicle towed for a period of three years:
(a) Vehicle description:
(b) License number;
(c) Issuing state;
(d) Make;
(e) Model;
(f) Year;
(g) Vehicle identification number;
(h) Towing location;
(i) Location vehicle was towed from;
(j) Location to where the vehicle was towed;
(k) Qualified Tow Business, Name, Address and Phone Number;
(l) Name of tow truck driver;
(m) Reasons for towing and/or service;
(n) Time and date of service include storage dates as applicable;
(o) Class of tow truck or truck number;
(p) OSP Impound Forms;
(q) All invoices for abandoned vehicles towed;
(r) All invoices for all OSP non-preference tows.
(9) All fees for service shall be itemized. A copy of voided invoices shall be filed by invoice number at the qualified tow business’s place of business and shall be retained in a file for a period of three years.
(10) All vehicles shall be handled and returned in substantially the same condition that they were in before being towed.
(11) All employees who operate tow truck(s) for a qualified tow business shall have an operator's license with the proper class or type for vehicle combinations. As prescribed by the state issuing the license, Oregon licensees shall comply with all applicable Oregon laws.
(12) Any person who shows proof of ownership or written authorization from the owner of the impounded vehicle may inspect and view the vehicle without charge during normal business hours. This does not apply to a vehicle seized and stored as evidence.
(13) All towing receipts on impounded vehicles, or confiscated vehicles, shall be made available by the qualified tow business to the nearest Department office after the tow has been completed.
(14) The qualified tow business shall notify the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center immediately when any person seeks to redeem any vehicle towed as abandoned or where a police hold has been placed on the vehicle. Release of vehicle under temporary or formal hold shall require written release from the Department. When a person entitled to take possession of the vehicle subject to a hold presents the qualified tow business with an official Oregon State Police release form, the qualified tow business shall release the vehicle to the person named.
(15) When inspection or reinspection of a tow truck is necessary, the area commander shall designate a location and time for the inspection to be conducted. When practical the inspection or reinspection shall be made within ten (10) days following the request by the qualified tow business.
(16) The qualified tow business shall provide either locked outside storage or locked, secure indoor storage, or both, which meets the following requirements:
(a) The qualified tow business's storage facility shall be in conformance with all zoning requirements of all applicable governments. Storage shall be provided, and of sufficient size, for each class of vehicle towed for the Oregon State Police, including semi trucks and motor homes, except as provided in ORS 819.110. Storage shall be located within the contractual geographical service area described as tow zones. The vehicle storage area may be located up to five (5) miles from the qualified tow business’s place of business, provided that both facilities are located within the appointed tow zone. Contact phone numbers and addresses are to be posted at both locations for the place of business and the storage area. When the towed vehicle storage area is not located at the qualified tow business’s place of business, employees shall be able to respond from one location to the other within 30 minutes or less.
(b) The storage area will be under the exclusive access and control of the individual qualified tow business. The storage area cannot be shared with other businesses, including non-tow businesses not owned by the owner of a qualified tow business.
(17) The qualified tow business shall provide fencing around the outside storage area. The fencing must meet the following requirements:
(a) Fencing must comply with the requirements established in these Administrative Rules and all local zoning rules and regulations.
(b) Fencing shall be either made of a woven wire composition normally referred to as "cyclone fencing-chain link fencing," or made of a solid material, such as wood or concrete block, inclusive of a permanent natural barrier which would prevent access and unauthorized entry to the storage area. Fencing shall be topped by a minimum of three (3) strands of barbwire. Fencing not meeting the requirements of these regulations as determined by the Oregon State Police will not be accepted. Qualified tow businesses that are unable to comply with these fencing requirements due to local zoning requirements will be addressed on a case by case basis by the Department.
(c) Gates and entryways shall be of a solid frame, and the same minimum height as the other fencing material. All gates and entryways shall be designed to afford locking the gate or entryway securely to prevent unauthorized entry.
NOTE: Qualified tow businesses holding a valid appointment letter for a specific tow zone as of the adoption date of this Administrative Rule, will have one (1) year from their renewal date in the year 2003 to comply with this rule for the tow zone listed in the appointment letter. New tow businesses applying for a letter of appointment for the non-preference tow program shall immediately comply with this Administrative Rule after the adoption date of this rule.
(18) The qualified tow business shall allow the owner of a towed vehicle or anyone authorized in writing by the Oregon State Police, and/or an Oregon State Police Officer or other Department Member, to go to the vehicle and remove items of personal emergency nature, e/g/ eyeglasses, medication, clothing, identification, wallets-purses (and their contents), credit cards, check books, any known money-currency, child safety car and booster seats, except as provided in ORS 819.110 and 819.160.
(19) The qualified tow business shall be responsible for the contents, storage and disposal of all personal items, except items taken by authorized personnel in OAR 257-050-0140(18).
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 5-1992, f. & cert. ef. 12-16-92; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0145
Felony Convictions
The Oregon State Police in the interest of public safety shall deny, suspend, or revoke a tow business’ application or a qualified tow business’ letter of appointment for the Department’s non-preference towing program for any of the following reasons:
(1) A tow business, or any owner or employee of a tow business, convicted of any felony charge, or any charge in any state, which in Oregon is considered to be a felony, within the last fifteen (15) years from the date the tow business’ application is received by the Oregon State Police. This subsection is subject to the provisions set forth under ORS 166.270.
(2) Any tow business, qualified tow business, or owner or employee of a tow business or qualified tow business convicted of two felony charges, regardless of when those felonies were committed.
(3) Any owner or employee of a tow business or qualified tow business convicted of a felony charge, or any charge from another state which in Oregon is considered to be a felony, where a weapon was used or threatened to be used in the commission of the crime, regardless of the date of the felony charge.
(4) Any owner or employee of a tow business or qualified tow business convicted of any of the sex crimes listed in ORS 181.594(4) or the equivalent conviction of a sex crime from another jurisdiction regardless of the degree of the charge.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0150
Towing
(1) The Department shall not establish, recommend or in any way dictate the cost of a non-preference tow conducted by a qualified tow business.
(2) A qualified tow business that conducts a non-preference tow under these administrative rules shall not represent to any person or business that a particular fee has been or will be charged by the Oregon State Police.
(3) Qualified tow businesses shall furnish the Patrol Services Division with an itemized list of charges that can be incurred during a non-preference tow including, but not limited to:
(a) Hookup charge;
(b) Mileage fee;
(c) Response fee.
(4) Qualified tow businesses shall not charge for items not declared on the list relating to the towing of a vehicle. This does not include mechanical work, bodywork or other repair work conducted subsequent to the tow.
(5) Complaints of unfair charges against a qualified tow business shall be referred to the Oregon Attorney General's Office.
(6) Qualified Tow businesses shall not transport passengers in any towed or carried vehicle(s).
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 1-3-89; OSP 3-1989, f. 10-16-89, cert. ef. 10-15-89; OSP 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 10-20-95; OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0155
Suspension and Revocation (for Violation of a Law Chargeable as a Violation or Crime)
(1) The following suspension
or revocation periods apply when a tow business, qualified tow business, or any
principal or employee of a tow business or qualified tow business, has been convicted
of a violation of law charged as a Violation or Crime:
(a) “First Suspension”
— any first violation shall be for a period of not less than 60 days.
(b) “Second Suspension”
— any second violation that is committed within a one (1) year period from
the date of any final order under this rule shall be for a period of not less than
one (1) year.
(c) “Third Suspension” —
any third violation that is committed within a three (3) year period of the date
of any final order under this rule shall be a revocation.
(2) The following constitute
grounds for suspension:
(a) Commission of a violation
or traffic crime of Oregon Law during the course and operation of the tow business’
or qualified tow business’ tow business.
(b) A principal or employee
of a tow business or qualified tow business that commits any violation of Oregon
Law while in the performance of his or her duties of employment.
(3) The following constitutes
grounds for revocation:
(a) Commission of a crime, other
than a traffic crime and that is chargeable as a misdemeanor or felony, by a tow
business or qualified tow business during the course and operation of the tow business’
or qualified tow business’ tow business.
(b) A principal or employee
of a tow business or qualified tow business that commits a crime chargeable as a
misdemeanor or felony while in the performance of his or her duties of employment.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06,
cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP
2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10
thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10; OSP 5-2010(Temp), f. 7-13-10,
cert. ef. 7-14-10 thru 1-10-11; Administrative correction 1-25-11; OSP 4-2011, f.
9-2-11, cert. ef. 9-7-11
257-050-0157
Suspension or Revocation for Violation (other than a Law Chargeable as a Violation or Crime)
(1) Suspensions or revocations,
unless otherwise outlined or defined in these rules, shall fall under one of the
following four levels:
(a) Immediate suspension —
A suspension that takes place immediately, upon written notice from the Oregon State
Police, as evidenced by the date of the postmark, removing a tow vehicle, tow equipment,
tow business, or a qualified tow business from the non-preference rotational tow
list.
(b) Level one suspension —
any first violation of these Administrative Rules unless otherwise defined in the
rule and shall be for a period of not less than sixty (60) days, and not more than
one (1) year in length.
(c) Level two suspension —
any second violation of these Administrative Rules that is committed within a one
(1) year period from the date of any final order and shall be for a period of not
less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years in length.
(d) Revocation — any third
violation of these Administrative Rules that is committed within a three (3) year
period of the date of any final order and shall result in a revocation.
(2) A suspension shall be in
effect until the violation is corrected, or the Department orders reinstatement
of a letter of appointment or right to apply for a letter of appointment.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 5-2005, f. &
cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp),
f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10;
OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10,
cert. ef. 6-30-10; OSP 5-2010(Temp), f. 7-13-10, cert. ef. 7-14-10 thru 1-10-11;
Administrative correction 1-25-11; OSP 4-2011, f. 9-2-11, cert. ef. 9-7-11
257-050-0170
Hearings
(1) The Oregon Administrative Procedures Act shall govern the conduct of any hearing held pursuant to these regulations. The burden of proof in any hearing before the Hearing Officer shall be on the tow business seeking a letter of appointment, or on the qualified tow business that has had its letter of appointment suspended or revoked by the Oregon State Police.
(2) A request for an administrative hearing must be in writing and be received by the Department no later than fifteen (15) days from the date of notice of denial, suspension and/or revocation as evidenced by the postmark. The Department may also initiate or request an administrative hearing, regarding a denial, suspension and/or revocation of a letter of appointment.
(3) An administrative hearing must be conducted within ninety (90) days from the date the written request is received by the Department or on the first business day thereafter if the 90th day is a weekend or holiday, unless the parties agree to an extension of time.
(4) Any request by a qualified tow business for a continuance or reset of the hearing after the original scheduled date will result in the temporary suspension and/or extension of any temporary suspension of the qualified tow business's letter of appointment until a ruling is issued from the hearing with no liability to the Department. If the Department requests a continuance or reset of a hearing, the qualified tow business shall be left on the tow rotational list until a ruling is issued from the hearing unless a temporary suspension has been levied against the qualified tow business.
(5) Oral proceedings shall be recorded and shall become part of the hearing record.
(6) The Department shall appoint a Hearing Officer to conduct the hearing. The Hearings Officer shall issue a proposed order that shall include written findings of facts based on the evidence and written conclusions of law based on the findings.
(7) Exceptions to proposed orders must be submitted to the Department in writing within ten (10) days of the date the proposed order is issued, or on the first business day thereafter if the 10th day is a weekend or holiday. Written argument submitted with the exceptions will be considered; no opportunity for oral argument will be allowed. The Department shall issue a final order.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0180
Judicial Review
A tow business or qualified tow business aggrieved by a final order of the Department denying, suspending, or revoking a letter of appointment may seek judicial review of such decision in the Oregon Court of Appeals. The denial, suspension or revocation shall remain in effect during the appeal.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10
257-050-0200
Mandatory Equipment Standards for Tow Trucks/Safety Related Requirements
(1) All tow vehicles operated by a qualified tow business under a letter of appointment under these rules shall have the following minimum equipment:
(a) Minimum of two (2) lights mounted behind the cab of the tow truck controlled by a dedicated on/off switch. This lighting must be capable of illuminating the area of the tow under darkened, foggy or dangerous conditions;
(b) An FCC licensed two-way radio, in conformance with Part 93 FCC Regulations, or cellular phone (citizen band radios so not meet this requirement);
(c) Cables or wire ropes as called for in each class. Cable/wire rope lengths shall be measured from the point of attachment on each drum. Cables/wire ropes shall meet the following requirements.
(A) Each cable shall be capable of being fully extended from and fully wound onto its drum;
(B) Cables or wire ropes shall be free from the following defects or conditions:
(i) There shall be 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) There shall be no evidence of any heat damage from any cause;
(iii) There shall be no end attachments that are cracked, deformed, worn or loosened;
(iv) Where a wire rope is attached to a hook with clamps instead of being swaged, a minimum of three clamps shall be used on end attachments. Clamps shall be spaced at least six rope diameters apart and attached with the base or saddle of the clamp against the longer or "live" end of the rope. The "U" bolt will be placed over the short or "dead" end of the rope and will be of the proper size.
(d) Two revolving or intermittent red or amber lamps with 360 degree visibility. The truck may also be equipped with flashing amber lights, which may be used in conjunction with the red lamp(s). Such lighting will not be used when responding to a call, but only at the scene when necessary to warn approaching traffic of impending danger.
(e) A broom and a shovel. The broom shall be at least twelve inches wide and have a handle at least four feet long. The shovel shall be flat scoop type with a minimum width of seven inches and overall length of a least three feet. Tow truck driver shall clean accident/incident scenes of all vehicle glass and debris required by ORS 822.225.
(f) A tow sling, wheel lift, car carrier or other comparable device made of a material designed to protect vehicles.
(g) Motorcycle Tows — A tow sling, wheel lift, car carrier or other comparable device that has the ability to tow motorcycles.
(h) One fire extinguisher, 25 BC rating or equivalent.
(i) One snatch block, or equivalent block, in good working condition for each working line.
(j) Commercially manufactured dollies on all class A recovery vehicles and class B recovery vehicles up to 26,000 GVW. Commercially manufactured dollies are required for all tow class categories when dollies are used and/or defined for use up to 26,000 GVW.
(k) All class A and B tow vehicles that are inclusive of class DA and DB tow vehicles shall carry at least one pinch bar, or an equivalent device. The bar or equivalent device must be 4 feet in length and 3/4 inch in diameter, and the ends may either be tapered or flattened.
(l) Portable lights for unit being towed including, but not limited to, tail lights, stop lights and directional signals.
NOTE: Class D tow trucks roll backs are exempt from this section if not towing a second vehicle.
(m) All tow vehicles must have a minimum of two "wreck ahead" signs to be placed by tow truck drivers as required by ORS 822.220. The signs shall confirm to all specifications as set forth in the Oregon Department of Transportation's publication “Oregon Temporary Traffic Control Handbook” (OTTCH) as adopted by OAR 734-020-0005 and the "Manual Uniform of Traffic Control Devices."
(n) All tow trucks and equipment used to perform services under these rules shall be maintained in good working order. Failure to maintain equipment shall be cause for suspension and removal of the defective equipment from the non-preference list. If equipment does not meet the Department's criteria for non-preference tows under these Administrative Rules, the Department may suspend and remove the equipment from the non-preference list.
(2) Class A Tow Trucks (Small): Tow trucks shall be provided that are capable of towing and recovery operations for passenger cars, pickup trucks, small trailers or equivalent vehicles. All equipment used in conjunction with the tow truck must be compatible with the manufacturer's basic boom rating and must comply with current state laws and Oregon Administrative Rule 735-154-0040. In addition to the equipment required for all trucks used to provide service under this rule, all trucks in this class shall have:
(a) Ten thousand pounds minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or equivalent;
(b) Dual tires on the rear axle or duplex type tires, referred to as super single with a load rating that is comparable to dual tire rating;
(c) Six ton minimum boom rating dual or single boom with dual or single winches to control a minimum of one service cable;
(d) A minimum of one hundred (100) feet of 3/8-inch continuous length cable; and
(e) A wheel lift for this class of tow truck.
(3) Class B Tow Trucks (Medium): Class B tow trucks shall be capable of towing and recovery operations for medium size trucks, trailers, motor homes or equivalent vehicles. In addition to standard equipment required for all trucks used to provide service under this rule, all trucks in this class shall have:
(a) Seventeen thousand pounds minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or equivalent;
(b) Ten ton minimum boom rating dual or single boom with dual or single winches to control a minimum of one service cable;
(c) Class B tow trucks in excess of 26,000 pounds GVW will not be required to carry dollies when used for heavy towing;
(d) A wheel lift for this class of tow truck; and
(e) A minimum of 150 feet of seven-sixteenths inch cable.
(4) Class C Tow Trucks (Large): Tow trucks that are capable of towing and recovery operations for large trucks, trailers, motor homes or equivalent vehicles. In addition to the standard equipment required for all trucks used to provide service under this rule, all trucks in this class shall have:
(a) Twenty-seven thousand five hundred pounds minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or equivalent;
(b) Twenty-five ton minimum boom rating dual or single boom with dual or single winches to control a minimum of one service cable;
(c) Minimum of 150 feet of cable, five-eighths inch diameter;
(d) Air brakes and an air system capable of supplying air to the towed unit;
(e) Portable dollies are not required;
(f) Tandem rear axle truck chassis (three axle truck);
(g) May include an under-lift for this class of tow truck.
(h) Exception to commercially manufactured tow vehicles (for Class C recovery tow trucks/equipment only). Class C Recovery Tow Equipment that has been approved by the Oregon State Police to be used on the Department's non-preference towing list prior to the adoption of these Administrative Rules, but does not meet the criteria outlined under these Administrative Rules, may continue to be used for the Department's non-preference tows if the following conditions are met:
(A) The equipment must first be inspected and approved by the Oregon State Police;
(B) If a qualified tow business has the only "Class C" tow truck in a zone, then the qualified tow business must replace the equipment after 5 years from the adoption date of these rules. The Oregon State Police reserve the option to extend the time period for the use of Class C Towing Equipment under this exception based on operational need by the Department; and
(C) If it is determined at any time that the equipment does not meet Oregon State Police criteria for towing under these Administrative Rules, then the Oregon State Police can remove the equipment from the non-preference list.
(5) Class D Tow Trucks (Trucks and equipment in this class are not considered recovery vehicles):
(a) Tow trucks and other vehicles in this class are to be used for towing and/or hauling purposes only. No recovery can be performed by equipment in this class;
(b) Equipment in this class capable of towing/hauling passenger cars, pickup trucks, trailers, trucks or equivalent vehicles, and debris is based on the size and ratings of the Class D tow unit used. All equipment used in conjunction with the tow truck must comply with current state laws and Oregon Administrative Rule 735-154-0040. In addition to the equipment required for all trucks used to provide service under this rule, all trucks in this class shall have:
(A) Class D-A:
(i) Eleven thousand pounds minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or equivalent;
(ii) Dual tires on the rear axle;
(iii) A minimum of fifty feet three-eighths inch continuous length cable;
(iv) May include wheel lift, if chassis GVW is over 14,500 pounds; and
(v) If a Metro unit, dollies and a wheel lift.
(B) Class D-B:
(i) Seventeen thousand pounds minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or equivalent;
(ii) Dual tires on the rear axle;
(iii) A minimum of 50 feet of three-eighths inch cable;
(iv) May include wheel lift; and
(v) If a Metro unit, dollies and a wheel lift.
(C) Class D-C:
(i) Twenty-seven thousand five hundred pounds minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or equivalent.
(ii) Minimum of 50 feet of cable, five-eighths inch diameter.
(iii) Tandem rear axle truck chassis (three axle truck).
(iv) May include wheel lift; and
(v) Air brakes and an air system capable of supplying air to the towed unit.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 181.440

Stats. Implemented: ORS 181.440

Hist.: OSP 5-2005, f. & cert. ef. 11-18-05; OSP 1-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06; OSP 1-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-09 thru 1-31-10; OSP 2-2009, f. 10-8-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10; OSP 3-2009(Temp), f. 12-18-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10 thru 6-29-10; OSP 3-2010, f. 6-1-10, cert. ef. 6-30-10; OSP 3-2011, f. & cert. ef. 3-8-11


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