§ 162-1533. Equipment.

Each applicant under this division shall own and have in operable condition not less than two heavy-duty tow trucks conforming to the following specifications:

(1)

Heavy-duty tow truck minimum specifications.

a.

Gross vehicle weight rating of not less than 33,000 pounds as rated by the manufacturer or certifying laboratories; normally 3½ tons.

b.

A minimum of 102 inches from the rear of passenger cab to center of rear axle for single-axle trucks or 102 inches to the center of bogie on tandem trucks.

c.

Single or tandem rear axles equipped with dual rear wheels and tires.

d.

Five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

e.

A service brake system, air only, capable of controlling the movement of or stopping and holding the combination of vehicles under normal and adverse conditions. The air brake system shall be equipped to provide for the transfer of air from the wrecker's brake system to that of the towed vehicle.

f.

A parking brake system separate from the service brake which shall be maintained in proper working order.

(2)

Boom and winch minimum specifications (bare drums).

a.

Minimum rated boom capacity of 25 tons.

b.

Mechanical or hydraulic power winches with a total rated capacity of not less than 25 tons or as per manufacturer rating.

c.

Minimum of 200 feet of wire rope per winch at least 9/16 -inch in diameter of rated breaking strength of 27,000 pounds.

(3)

Required accessories.

a.

Chain equipped with hooks at least three-eighths inch in diameter.

b.

At least 75 feet of auxiliary air lines equipped with necessary transfer fittings.

c.

Heavy-duty truck towing hitch.

d.

Flashing system with two revolving amber lights mounted on each towing vehicle, body clearance lights, reflectors and at least one work light mounted which has the capacity to light the scene of an accident under darkened or foggy conditions.

e.

One or more brooms, a shovel and 50 pounds of chemical fire extinguisher.

f.

Power up and power down winch operating from the rear of the tow truck. All winches must be operational. Electrical and hand winches shall not be used.

g.

Tow trucks must have throttle control and hydraulic, air or manual brakes on rear wheels. A front push bumper may be provided on trucks that are so designed.

h.

All tow trucks must be equipped with a two-way radio able to communicate with a base station having telephone service or with telephone service direct. Radios must be equipped with a business frequency; no citizen band radios will be permitted. Applicable F.C.C. licenses must be maintained and displayed upon request by any law enforcement agency.

i.

Lock-out tools for entry into locked vehicles or vehicles wherein occupants have no ready and suitable means of egress.

j.

Four low-pressure air recovery cushions for use in righting trailers and tractor trailers or in lieu thereof a notarized agreement between the tow zone licensee and a firm located in the parish or within five miles of the city boundaries which provides for air recovery cushions service upon request of the towing company at a cost to the vehicle owner or operator not in excess of the maximum allowable cost stipulated in the tow zone license.

(Code 1956, § 12-296(a))