It is the intention of these specifications to describe the
requirements for the towing of abandoned, disabled, illegally parked
vehicles, stolen vehicles, vehicles involved in accidents within the
Town of Newton, vehicles suspected of involvement in crimes located
within the Town of Newton, and other vehicles identified by the Newton
Police Department when requested by the Police Department of the Town
of Newton, New Jersey.
Towing companies shall agree to provide the Town of Newton Chief
of Police or his designee with the following information prior to
being considered for placement and inclusion on a rotation wrecker
list:
A. Towing companies must provide the Town of Newton Police Department
a detailed listing of the equipment to be utilized during the term
of any agreement for towing/wrecker services to be executed between
the Town of Newton and towing companies. The listing shall include
the following information.
(1) Type of vehicle(s), storage location for vehicle(s), and whether
vehicle(s) is owned or leased. All leased and rented equipment must
be permanently located at the contractor's place of business
or residence if in conformity with state law, federal law and local
ordinances. Each piece of equipment must meet the minimum standards
set forth herein. Equipment which does not meet these minimum standards
shall not be used during the term of an agreement. The towing companies
will be solely responsible for the safety, maintenance and operation
of each piece of equipment utilized or required during the term of
an agreement.
B. Classification of towing vehicles shall be made using the following
definitions:
(1) Light duty.
(a)
Commercially manufactured chassis, rated capacity of not less
than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
(b)
Commercially manufactured lifting apparatus with a minimum capacity
of four tons.
(c)
Universal tow sling or wheel lift with System 7 safety chains.
(d)
One snatch block, three-ton rating.
(f)
Amber rotation emergency flashing light.
(g)
Two floodlights to the rear of the vehicle.
(2) Heavy duty.
(a)
Commercially manufactured chassis, rated capacity of not less
than 28,000 pounds GVWR.
(b)
Commercially manufactured lifting apparatus with a minimum capacity
of 25 tons.
(c)
Two snatch blocks, twelve-ton rating.
(e)
Tow sling or tow bar or wheel lift with System 7 safety chains.
(g)
Two floodlights to the rear of the vehicle.
(3) Car carrier/rollback — heavy duty.
(a)
Commercially manufactured chassis, rated not less than 14,500
pounds GVWR.
(b)
One hydraulically powered winch with a pulling capacity of not
less than four tons.
(c)
Fifty feet of three-eights-inch cable.
(d)
One snatch block, four-ton capacity.
(f)
Two safety chains to be utilized.
(g)
Amber rotation emergency flashing light.
(4) Car carrier/rollback — light duty.
(a)
Commercially manufactured chassis, rated not less than 10,000
pounds GVWR.
(b)
One hydraulically powered winch with a pulling capacity of not
less than four tons.
(c)
Fifty feet of three-eighths-inch cable.
(d)
One snatch block, four-ton capacity.
(f)
Two safety chains to be utilized.
(g)
Amber rotation emergency flashing light.
C. Towing companies shall carry on or within each vehicle four one-gallon
containers of Speedi-Dri or an acceptable substitute for spreading
on and around spilled antifreeze or other automobile fluids at the
scene to safeguard against slippery road conditions for police and
first aid vehicles, passing vehicles and similar vehicles. The Speedi-Dri
or an acceptable substitute will later be dissipated in accordance
with hazardous waste disposal regulations.
D. Towing companies shall be responsible for cleanup of all broken glass
and debris at the scene of accidents or when called to a scene in
accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.8.
E. To be prepared to carry out the requirements of Subsection
D of this section above, each and every towing company vehicle will carry a broom and shovel.
F. Towing companies must ensure that all of their authorized agents
agree to follow the instructions and/or orders of the police officer
from the Newton Police Department at towing scenes.
In all dealings with the public in connection with an agreement,
representatives of the towing companies are expected to act in a professional
manner at all times and be courteous and respectful to members of
the public. While members of the public, especially those whose vehicles
may have been towed or impounded, may at times resort to strong language,
threats or unbecoming behavior that may be directed to the representatives
of the towing companies, such towing company representatives are expected
to exercise restraint and shall not respond in kind, thereby causing
an unfavorable reflection on their business. If such instances occur,
the Newton Police Department should be contacted to keep the peace
and provide advice on legal proceedings, if requested.
The owner of any vehicle towed shall have the right to remove
personal property belonging to him from the stored vehicle unless
a "police hold" is marked on the towing form upon mutual agreement
of the towing company and the owner of the vehicle.
[Added 2-13-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-2]
Violations of the provisions of this chapter shall be punishable as provided in Chapter
1, Article
III, General Penalty.
[Added 9-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-24]
Vehicles deemed by the Newton Police Department to constitute
a risk to public safety, which may include vehicles which are inoperable
or not currently registered, shall be ordered towed by any sworn member
of the Newton Police Department, after reasonable written notice is
provided to the owner on record with the Department of Motor Vehicles,
with reasonable costs to be paid by the vehicle's owner.