Whenever used in this chapter the following
terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
ACCIDENT
Any incident or occurrence in which one or more motor vehicles
become disabled, damaged or cause personal injury or property damage.
FOR HIRE
Charging of a fee or other consideration, either directly
or indirectly, for towing, carrying or removing of a vehicle, including
any case where any person makes repairs on a towed vehicle for compensation,
even if no charge is expressly imposed for towing such vehicle.
OPERATOR
A person operating a motor vehicle with the permission of
the owner thereof.
OWNER
A person who owns, rents or leases a motor vehicle.
PERSON
Any individual, sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, association,
corporation, or other organization.
SOLICIT
Offering towing services for hire.
STORAGE/IMPOUND FACILITY
An area for storage of at least 10 towed or impounded vehicles
within a secured area surrounded by a fence with a minimum height
of six feet, as well as space to accommodate two vehicles in a secured
area inside a building.
TOWING
Moving or removing of disabled or damaged motor vehicles
or abandoned motor vehicles by another vehicle for hire.
WRECKER
A vehicle registered as a tow truck and used for the purpose
of towing or carrying another vehicle that has been or is involved
in an accident, disabled, abandoned or illegally parked.
[Amended 6-13-2011 by L.L. No. 2-2011]
A. The amount
of the fees to be charged for processing applications for towing licenses
and for renewal thereon under this chapter shall be established by
resolution of the Town Board, and such fees may from time to time
be amended by resolution of the Town Board.
B. The maximum
rates that may be charged by tow operators participating in the Town's
towing list for impound or snow impound services rendered upon a request
for such service from the Town Police Department under this chapter
shall be established by resolution of the Town Board, and such fees
may from time to time be amended by resolution of the Town Board.
It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit
towing or repair work at the scene of any automobile accident within
the Town of Cornwall. The stopping of any wrecker within 500 feet
of the scene of any accident on any public street or highway in the
Town, and the approach of any tow operator, its employees or agents,
towards the scene of any accident without the prior authorization
of the operator or owner of a vehicle involved in the accident, or
a member of the Town police force, or a member of the New York State
Police shall be presumptive evidence of the intent to solicit towing
or repair work at the scene of an automobile accident.