[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of South Harrison 12-4-2013 by Ord. No. 0-13-12.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Vehicles and traffic — See Ch. 136.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 130,
Towing, adopted 3-15-2006 by Ord. No. 0-06-03.
A.Â
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.49, the Township of South Harrison is
authorized to enact regulations, by ordinance, for the removal of
motor vehicles from private or public areas by operators engaged in
such practice, including, but not limited to, the fees charged for
storage following removal in accordance with Section 3 of P.L., c.
127 (N.J.S.A.40:48-2.50), and the notice requirements therefor, as
well as the mercantile licensing of such operators.
B.Â
This chapter adopted by the Township sets forth nondiscriminatory
and nonexclusionary exclusionary regulations governing operators engaged
in the business of removing and storing motor vehicles including,
but not limited to:
(1)Â
A schedule of fees or other charges which an operator may charge
vehicle owners for towing services, storage services or both;
(2)Â
Minimum standards of operator performance, including, but not limited
to, standards concerning the adequacy of equipment and facilities,
availability and response time, and the security of vehicles towed
or stored;
(3)Â
The designation of a municipal officer and/or agency to enforce the
provisions of this chapter; and
(4)Â
That such regulations and fee schedules of individual towing operators
shall be made available to the public during normal business hours
of the Township.
The following words and terms used in this chapter shall have
the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Any vehicle that is abandoned on or along any highway, other
than a limited-access highway, or other public property or on any
private property without the consent of the owner or other person
in charge of the property. A vehicle which has remained on or along
any highway or other public property or on any private property without
such consent for a period of more than 48 hours; or for any period
without current license plates shall be presumed to be an abandoned
motor vehicle.
Any public garage where motor vehicles are painted, serviced
and/or repaired.
Towing as defined in this section and other ancillary services
as may be specified by the Director of the New Jersey Department of
Consumer Affairs by regulation or statute. "Basic towing service"
shall also include private property towing and other nonconsensual
towing as defined in this section and other ancillary services that
include the following: arriving at the site from which a motor vehicle
will be towed; 15 minutes waiting time; hooking a motor vehicle to
or loading a motor vehicle onto a tow truck; transporting a motor
vehicle to a storage facility; unhooking or unloading a motor vehicle
from the tow truck; and situating the motor vehicle in the space in
which it will be stored. "Basic tow" also includes issuing documents
for the release of a motor vehicle to its owner or other person authorized
to take the motor vehicle; issuing an itemized bill; three trips to
the motor vehicle in storage which, if applicable, includes making
a vehicle available to an insurance appraiser or adjuster; issuing
documents for the release of a motor vehicle to its owner or other
person authorized to take the motor vehicle; and retrieving a motor
vehicle from storage during the hours in which the storage facility
is open.
All costs incurred by the Township, its agents or the towing
operator in the removal or attempted removal of hazardous substances
and disposal thereof, or costs for the taking of reasonable measures
to prevent or mitigate damage, whether actual or threatened to the
public health, safety or welfare.
An individual who is duly appointed by the Township Committee
responsible for enforcing codes in the Township of South Harrison.
It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer to carry out
the provisions of the ordinances listed in the Code of the Township
of South Harrison.
A charge by a towing company for releasing a motor vehicle
to its owner or operator when the vehicle has been, or is about to
be, hooked or lifted by a tower, but prior to the vehicle actually
having been moved or removed from the property.
Any intentional or unintentional action or omission resulting
in the releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying,
or dumping of hazardous substances into the water, lands or air of
the State of New Jersey.
A place established to transmit requests for towing services.
(i.e., Gloucester County Dispatch Communication Center or South Harrison
Township Police Department).
The list of hazardous substances adopted by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to § 101 of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, P.L.
96-510 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), and amendments thereto, and those
substances listed by NJDEP as environmental hazardous substances pursuant
to N.J.S.A. 34:5A-4, and amendments thereto.
The State of New Jersey Licenses and Inspections Agency.
The period of 24 months from February 1 to January 31.
Shall include all vehicles propelled otherwise than by muscular
power, excepting such vehicles as run only upon rails or tracks and
motorized bicycles, motorized scooters, motorized wheelchairs, and
motorized skateboards.
An occurrence in which a motor vehicle comes in contact with
any other object, including pedestrians, for which the motor vehicle
must be towed or removed from the scene thereof.
At the closing time of normal business hours any time between
6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, including weekends
and holidays.
The towing of a motor vehicle without the consent of the
owner or operator of the vehicle.
Any portion of a towing facility that is not indoors and
is secured by a fence, wall or other man-made barrier and is installed
with a passive alarm system (i.e., bell ringer located in the gate
area to the enclosed facility) or a similar on-site security measure.
An individual, a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation,
limited liability company or any other business entity.
Oil or petroleum of any kind and in any form, including,
but not limited to, oil petroleum, gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, oil
sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with other wastes.
Motor vehicles which are alleged to have been involved in
illegal activity; involved in a fatal motor vehicle collision; or
any vehicles so designated by a South Harrison Township Police Officer.
The owner or lessee of private property, or an agent of such
owner or lessee, but shall not include a private property towing company
acting as an agent of such owner or lessee.
The nonconsensual towing from private property or from a
storage facility of a motor vehicle or a consumer's motor vehicle
that is parked illegally, parked during a time at which such parking
is not permitted, or otherwise parked without authorization, or the
immobilization of or preparation for moving or removing of such motor
vehicle, for which a service charge is made, either directly or indirectly.
This term shall not include the towing of a motor vehicle that has
been abandoned on private property in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.5,
provided that the abandoned vehicle is reported to the appropriate
law enforcement agency prior to removal and the vehicle is removed
in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6.
A building, structure, or property designed and used for
equipping, adjusting, greasing, washing, polishing, servicing, or
storing of motor vehicles, other than at a junkyard, operated for
profit and for service to the public. For purposes of this chapter,
a public garage means any general repair garage, specialized repair
garage, car wash, auto repair facility, or towing facility.
Not more than 30 minutes from the time of the initial request
by the Gloucester County Dispatch Communication Center or the South
Harrison Township Police to the tow vehicle's arrival at the
site of the incident requiring towing services with all traffic regulations
being observed.
The portion(s) of the towing facility's property utilized
for the storing of motor vehicles. The storage area, whether indoor
or outdoor, shall be secure, enclosed via fence or walls, and accessible
24 hours per day by the South Harrison Township Police Department.
If the storage area is outdoors, it shall be fully enclosed by a fence,
and shall be lighted from dusk to dawn.
The maximum allowable amount charged by a towing facility
for the storage of motor vehicles for any twenty-four-hour period
or fraction thereof.
The removal and transportation of a motor vehicle from a
highway, street, other public or private road, parking area, storage
facility, and from other off-road locations such as fields, lakes,
rivers and streams. This includes other services such as roadside
assistance. Additionally, towing shall mean the moving or removing
of a motor vehicle as a result of an accident or otherwise is disabled;
is recovered after being stolen; or is parked illegally or otherwise
without authorization; parked during a time at which such parking
is not permitted; or otherwise parked without authorization and/or
the immobilization of or preparation for moving or removing of such
motor vehicle for which a service charge is made, either directly
or indirectly.
Any public garage that offers towing services.
Any entity that operates a towing business or tow vehicle(s).
The Township of South Harrison.
The Township Clerk of the Township of South Harrison.
The Township Committee members of the Township of South Harrison.
Those vehicles equipped with a boom or booms, winches, slings,
tilt beds, wheel lifts, or under-reach equipment specifically designed
by the vehicle manufacturer for the transport of motor vehicles.
The tow operator's principal place of business where
the tow vehicle is stationed when not in use.
Prospective tow list operators must have a duly licensed towing
facility or auto repair facility meeting the requirements set forth
in this chapter.
A.Â
License application data required. An application for a license shall
be in writing, upon a license application form furnished by the South
Harrison Township Police Department, signed by the applicant. Said
application shall contain the following information:
(1)Â
The name, business address, business name and telephone number of
the towing operator. If the owner is a corporation, the application
shall contain the name, residence, business address and telephone
number of every stockholder owning more than 10% of the issued stock.
(2)Â
The location(s) of the towing operator's towing and storage
area(s).
(3)Â
The name of the towing operator's insurance company and insurance policy number. A current and valid certificate of insurance must be provided at the time of application submission as required under the terms and conditions stated in § 130-6 herein.
(4)Â
A list of the type (manufacturer and year), condition, and design
of tow vehicle(s) and equipment available for service.
(5)Â
Communication availability, including radio communication, and the
location and availability of the dispatch center.
(6)Â
The name, address and driver's license number of each driver
or operator of the tow vehicle(s).
(7)Â
Proof that each vehicle to be licensed is duly registered and inspected
by the State of New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles as a tow vehicle.
(8)Â
The application shall be accompanied by the following supporting
documentation:
(a)Â
Roster of tow vehicles including the registration and VINs.
(9)Â
Certification that the applicant has, will be able to, and will in the future comply with the qualifications and minimum standards of performance set forth in § 130-12.
(10)Â
Certification that the applicant will be able to provide towing
services anywhere in the Township so as to permit a response time
within 30 minutes.
(11)Â
Certification that the applicant will be available for towing
24 hours a day.
(12)Â
Certification that the applicant will abide by the fees contained
in or referred to in this chapter, or any amendment approved by the
Township Committee concerning the fee schedule.
(13)Â
Consent to appointment of the Township Clerk as the applicant's
true and lawful attorney for the purpose of acknowledging service
out of any court of competent jurisdiction to be served against the
applicant.
B.Â
If a corporation or other business entity submits the application,
the application shall be signed in the name of the corporation by
the President and attested by the Secretary or other authorized corporate
officer and/or member.
C.Â
Said application shall be duly verified by the applicant before a
notary public or some other person duly authorized to administer oaths.
D.Â
Each such application shall be accompanied by the full amount of
the license fee in the amount of $250. This is a nonrefundable fee
which will be utilized to cover the costs of investigation and review,
and shall also be considered to be the fee for the balance of the
year for which the application is filed. Thereafter, the annual fee
shall be in the amount of $100.
E.Â
The tow vehicle(s) shall comply with any and all state, federal,
and local laws, regulations and ordinances, pertaining to safety,
lighting, and towing equipment, and shall be subject to inspection
by the Chief of Police or a designee at any time.
F.Â
An application shall not be deemed complete unless accompanied by:
(1)Â
Written verification from the South Harrison Township Clerk verifying
that the towing operator has:
(a)Â
Provided proof of a current and valid driver's license
for each driver or operator;
(b)Â
Provided a certificate of insurance and hold-harmless agreement compliant with the requirements set forth in § 130-6 herein;
(c)Â
Provided proof of registration, if required, with the New Jersey
Division of Consumer Affairs; and
(d)Â
Submitted the license fee.
G.Â
The Township of South Harrison shall have the right to verify the
accuracy of the information supplied in the application by interviewing,
investigating and inspecting all personnel, vehicles, equipment and
storage areas proposed for utilization by the applicant, and to determine
compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards of
performance required by this chapter.
H.Â
The Chief of Police of the Township, or a designee, upon receipt
of a completed application, shall conduct a background investigation
on the proposed towing operator and each driver. This investigation
shall include an inspection of the towing facility, the tow vehicle(s)
and the towing operation, and an inquiry into all relevant matters,
to determine if the towing operator meets the requirements of all
applicable laws, regulations, standards of performance and security
of vehicles towed or stored as mandated by N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.49b. Every
towing operator on the South Harrison Township Tow List shall be responsible
for all fees and costs associated to perform criminal and driver license
background checks for each of their employees.
I.Â
The towing operator shall at no time transfer or assign a license
or any part thereof, for any purpose whatsoever.
J.Â
No individual shall operate a tow vehicle unless the State of New
Jersey fully licensed that individual. Any change in licensure of
vehicle operators during the period of the license must be reported
to the Police Department within 15 days of such change. Failure to
do so and report such change shall be basis for revocation of the
tow list license.
K.Â
No more than one roster slot on the Township of South Harrison's
Certified Tow List shall be granted to an applicant. No towing operator
shall have an interest, direct or indirect, in any other towing operator
on the Township of South Harrison Towing List.
A.Â
Upon completion of the aforesaid investigation, the Chief of Police and Township Clerk shall file a written report as to the findings and compliance with § 130-4 herein and issue a recommendation of approval or disapproval with the Township Committee.
B.Â
If the Chief of Police or Township Clerk recommends that the towing
operator not be approved, a written report shall be filed with the
Township Committee specifying the findings and the reasons for the
recommendation of rejection. The Township will furnish a copy of the
report to the towing operator by certified mail.
C.Â
Any towing operator who is denied a license based upon the findings
and recommendations of the Chief of Police or Township Clerk may,
after receipt of notification, file an appeal within 10 days with
the Township Committee. The Township Clerk shall then schedule a hearing
before the Township Committee.
A.Â
In order to be included on the Township of South Harrison Police
Department's Tow List, a towing operator shall submit a certificate
of insurance to the South Harrison Township Police Department and
Township Clerk each year on or before February 1, evidencing that
its towing facility and towing vehicles are insured by a reputable
insurance company licensed to do business in the State of New Jersey
with a standard general liability insurance policy designed to cover
garage operations. Said insurance policy shall provide for minimum
monetary limits for any single occurrence, as follows:
(1)Â
Automobile liability and comprehensive liability insurance in an
amount not less than $1,000,000 for light-, medium- and/or heavy-duty
trucks.
(2)Â
Workers' compensation as required by statute.
(3)Â
Garage keeper's legal liability in an amount not less than $100,000
per location.
(4)Â
Garage liability, including cargo insurance for heavy-duty tow, in
the amount of not less than $250,000 combined single limit. Cargo
insurance for light-duty tows to meet the New Jersey minimum insurance
requirements.
(5)Â
A certificate of insurance naming the Township of South Harrison
as additional insured for a two-year term with a thirty-day notice
of cancellation.
(6)Â
The policies required in this section shall be subject to review
by the TRICOJIF or current insurance carrier for the Township of South
Harrison, and may be subject to change without the necessity of modifying
this chapter.
(7)Â
The policies shall be endorsed to provide collision coverage for
vehicles in tow.
B.Â
The insurance company must be an approved carrier licensed to do
business in the State of New Jersey. The aforesaid insurance policy
shall also be written as to include coverage for the property owned
by others which is in the care, custody or control of the licensed
operator, including the perils of transportation for any motor vehicle
in the possession or control of the towing operator. The garage keeper's
legal liability shall include comprehensive and collision coverage.
Said insurance policy shall provide that the insurance company will
pay on behalf of the Township for any and all claims against the Township
resulting from the operations of the towing operator including any
and all attorney's fees.
C.Â
The insurance coverage shall provide that the insurance policy may
not be cancelled or materially changed without 30 days' prior
written notice to the South Harrison Township Clerk.
D.Â
The towing operator shall agree in writing to assume the defense
of and indemnify and hold harmless the Township, its elected officials,
boards, commissions, officers, employees and agents, from all suits,
actions, damages or claims to which the Township may be subjected
of any kind and nature whatsoever resulting from, caused by, arising
out of or as a consequence of the provision of towing, storage and/or
emergency services provided by the towing operator pursuant to this
chapter. Tow operators shall enter into a hold-harmless agreement
in a form to be approved by the Township Solicitor prior to being
included on the towing list.
A.Â
Upon the receipt and review of a completed application, and upon
the filing by the Chief of Police and Township Clerk of a written
report of findings resulting from the investigation of the applicant
and a recommendation of approval, the application shall thereupon
be referred to the Township Committee of the Township of South Harrison
for consideration. If the Township Committee has determined to approve
the granting of such license, it shall do so by resolution.
B.Â
In order to approve the application by the granting of such license,
the Township Committee must find that all of the following circumstances
exist:
(1)Â
That the applicant has met the standards in this chapter.
(2)Â
That the applicant has not knowingly and with the intent to deceive
made any false, misleading or fraudulent statements of material fact
in the application or in any other document required pursuant to this
chapter.
(3)Â
That the applicant has furnished the required hold-harmless agreement and certificate of insurance, along with the completed application and documentation and information required under § 130-4.
(4)Â
That the application has been reviewed and approved by the Chief
of Police.
(5)Â
Neither the applicant nor the applicant's personnel have been
convicted of a criminal offense or had their driver's license
suspended within the past year.
C.Â
The Chief of Police, or his designee, shall conduct his review and
render a report to the Township Committee, recommending either approval
or denial of the application, within 21 days of receipt of the application
from the applicant. The Township Committee shall take action with
regard to the application within 39 days of receipt of the written
report from the Chief of Police. The applicant or its representative
shall be given notice of the date on which the Township Committee
will consider the application and shall be permitted to appear and
be heard at that time.
D.Â
Written notice of the approval or denial of the application shall
be provided to the applicant within seven days of the decision of
the Township Committee.
E.Â
If the Township Committee fails to take action within 60 days of
receipt of a complete application, the application shall be deemed
to have been denied.
All licenses issued under this chapter shall be effective for a period of two years. The license shall begin on the first day of February and end on January 31. All licenses shall expire automatically, and applications for renewal thereof shall be submitted not less than six weeks prior to the date of expiration. The "license" memorializing approval of the application by the Township Committee for the tower's license shall be the resolution adopted and approved by the Township Committee that shall be valid for a period of two years as set forth in this chapter, which license shall be nontransferrable and shall further be subject to revocation as set forth in § 130-9. Official towers shall be placed on the official tower list at the beginning of each two-year period in accordance with the procedures as set forth in this chapter.
A.Â
Proceedings for the revocation or suspension of a license shall be initiated by the service of a notice of charges filed against the licensee. Said notice shall be served by the Chief of Police, or his designee, either personally or via certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall contain a date, time and place for a hearing to be held by the Township Committee of the Township of South Harrison. Said hearing shall be conducted no more than 30 days after the notice of the proposed suspension or revocation. The licensee shall have the right to file an answer and appeal and to appear in person, or be represented by counsel, and give testimony at the time and place fixed for the hearing under § 130-9C.
B.Â
A license may be revoked or suspended at any time for just cause,
by the Township of South Harrison, for one or more of the following
reasons:
(1)Â
If it is subsequently determined that the applicant knowingly, and
with the intent to deceive, made false, misleading or fraudulent statements
of material fact in the application or in any other document required
pursuant to this chapter.
(2)Â
Conviction of a crime or disorderly persons offense involving moral
turpitude, defined as conduct that is contrary to community standards
of justice, honesty and good morals.
(3)Â
Violation of any federal or state law or municipal chapter or regulation
relating to the operation of a motor vehicle or the provision of towing
services.
(4)Â
Violations of any rules or regulations promulgated by the New Jersey
Departments of Insurance and Community Affairs.
C.Â
Once the licensee is notified of the suspension or revocation, the
licensee has the opportunity to be heard by the Township Committee
after filing a written appeal within 10 days. Such license, when so
suspended or revoked, shall not be reinstated except for good and
sufficient cause.
A.Â
All towing operators, in order to provide services in nonpreference
motor vehicle accidents or for the removal of motor vehicles from
private or public property, as may be authorized by the Police Department,
must be licensed by the Township of South Harrison in accordance with
this chapter. Towing operators must meet the thirty-minute response
time to be eligible for inclusion on the Township of South Harrison
Police Department Tow List, and be principally located within a five-mile
radius of the borders of South Harrison Township.
B.Â
The list of licensed towing operators shall be maintained by the Police Department and shall be utilized on a rotation basis. The rotation shall be on a weekly basis, unless otherwise specified by the Police Department or in the event of emergency conditions. The towing and storage services shall be rotated among operators on an equal basis, as determined by the Chief of Police or his designee. There will be a maximum number of licenses issued by the Township consisting of three licenses for regular-duty tow operators and two heavy-duty tow operators permitted to perform work within the Township of South Harrison. Replacement of tow operators on the current list may only occur when there is a vacancy, provided that the replacement tow operators meet all the requirements set forth in § 130-4 of this chapter.
C.Â
The Police Department shall at all times have the right to call more
than one operator from the tow list in the correct rotation order
when there is more than one vehicle obstructing traffic.
D.Â
In times of emergencies and/or natural disasters, the Township of
South Harrison reserves the right to contact other towing service
operators who may not be on the tow list.
E.Â
Licensed tow operators shall be subject to the minimum standards
of the performance rules and regulations of the South Harrison Township
Police Department, including safety, availability, and compliance
with the procedures established by this chapter.
F.Â
If the Chief of Police determines at any time that a towing operator
is unable or unwilling to fulfill the requirements of this chapter
or the statutes and regulations of the State of New Jersey, the Chief
of Police shall file a written report with the Township Clerk. The
Township Clerk shall then notify the towing operator that the Chief
of Police has recommended its removal from the Police Department Towing
List. The tow operator has 10 days to file a written appeal if in
disagreement with recommendation of removal by the Chief of Police.
The Township Clerk shall schedule a hearing before the Township Committee.
After the hearing, upon the recommendation of the Township Committee,
the Township Clerk may then remove the towing operator from the Police
Department Towing List if it is determined that the performance of
the towing operator is unreliable and/or inadequate.
G.Â
The tow operator shall cease towing of vehicles on behalf of the
Township of South Harrison upon notification by the Township Clerk
that the tow operator is to be removed from the list, as recommended
by the Township Committee. During this interim period between notification
and the decision of the Township Committee, the tow operator shall
be suspended from list eligibility.
H.Â
All towing operators licensed by the Township of South Harrison shall
comply with the Predatory Towing Prevention Act, 2007, c 193 (N.J.S.A.
56:13-7 et seq.) as such statute may be amended from time to time.
A.Â
Licensed towing operators agree to provide the following services
on a twenty-four-hour basis:
(1)Â
Removal and transport of motor vehicles involved in a motor vehicle
accident where the owner or operator of the motor vehicle, when appropriate,
has not made a preference for the towing of the vehicle.
(2)Â
Removal and transport of a motor vehicle from private or public property
as may be authorized by the Police Department or Code Enforcement
Official of the Township of South Harrison.
(3)Â
Removal and disposal from the Township or private property motor
vehicles which, pursuant to state law and regulations, would be subject
to the jurisdiction of the South Harrison Township Police Department.
Such vehicles shall be moved to such location as specified by the
South Harrison Township Police Department.
(4)Â
The storage of a motor vehicle removed and transported from the scene
of a motor vehicle accident.
B.Â
A towing operator responding to a tow shall be responsible for all
site cleanup related to a motor vehicle accident, including the pickup
and removal of all debris from the scene of the accident and containment
of any hazardous fluids from the vehicle prior to tow, in accordance
with the laws of the State of New Jersey, and all services as defined
by state regulations and this chapter.
(1)Â
It is understood that the responsibility of the tow operator as established
above in no way relieves the vehicle owner of their responsibility
for the cleanup and removal of any debris or spilled fluids coming
from their vehicle.
C.Â
The towing operator shall ensure the proper utilization and deployment
of safety devices.
D.Â
If a licensed towing operator is unable to handle a particular situation
for whatever reason, the Township shall have the right to use whatever
means necessary to accomplish the removal, transporting and storage
of motor vehicles.
E.Â
No towing operator shall employ or subcontract any work to be performed
pursuant to this chapter without having first obtained prior written
approval from the Township of South Harrison Police Department. Subcontractors
must be licensed by the Township of South Harrison, and on the current
tow list. Any towing operator to whom approval to subcontract work
has been given shall be responsible for the services performed by
and the acts and omissions of the subcontractor, and shall remain
liable for any violation of this chapter by the subcontractor.
A.Â
The towing operator shall provide a towing facility of sufficient
exterior storage size to accommodate not less than 10 passenger vehicles,
and not less than 400 square feet of inside storage facilities to
hold and protect "police-hold" vehicles. At no time shall any automobile
towed by a towing operator be stored at any location other than the
tow operator's facility, except where a vehicle is towed at the
request of the owner to a specific location.
B.Â
The towing facility shall be staffed (by an employee or owner at
the facility) during normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, and include twenty-four-hour telephone service,
seven days per week, during the week in which the licensed facility
is on call.
C.Â
The towing operator shall provide tow vehicles capable of handling
the transporting of motor vehicles as defined in this chapter, and
equipped to provide regular towing service as follows: Up to 9,000
pounds gross vehicular weight is considered light towing service;
9,000 pounds gross vehicular weight, and heavier is considered medium
and/or heavy towing service; carry weight shall not be less than 4,000
pounds or less than that needed to carry the transported vehicle safely.
D.Â
Each tow vehicle or flatbed vehicle shall be equipped with towing
and safety equipment, warning devices such as lights, flares and flags
to warn other automobile operators of the presence of a disabled automobile,
and mechanic's tools to perform complete emergency work, including,
but not limited to, the following:
(1)Â
All tow operators shall be required to wear a reflective jacket or
vest when towing vehicles on the roadway and at all times shall exercise
extreme caution and due safety.
(2)Â
At least one amber rotating beacon or strobe light mounted on the
highest practical location of the vehicle, which when in use shall
be visible from 360° at a distance of not less than 500 feet during
daylight hours.
(3)Â
One snatch block per winch.
(4)Â
Safety tow lights or magnetic tow lights for towing vehicles at night.
Safety tow lights, red in color, shall be mounted in the rear of the
vehicle being towed.
(5)Â
Ample chains and cables for pulling or securing a towed vehicle.
The working limit of cable shall be noted to include a minimum pulling
capacity of 2,500 pounds, three-eighths-inch cable.
(6)Â
At least one broom, shovel, crowbar or prybar, jumper cables, flashlight,
fire extinguisher or dry chemical type having capacity of not less
than two pounds, one dozen flares or similar warning devices for placement
at the scene of an accident or behind a disabled vehicle, not less
than 10 pounds of dry sand or a drying compound for gasoline and oil
spilled onto the roadway, and tools sufficient to enable the tow vehicle
operator to perform proper and adequate emergency repair services
for the tow.
(7)Â
Backup alarms on all tow trucks.
E.Â
All tow trucks must be in compliance with all safety equipment requirements
as set forth in N.J.S.A. 39:3-1 et seq., and 49 CFR 393.
F.Â
Each tow vehicle shall display the two stickers issued by the Department
of Licenses and Inspections, State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission,
on the upper left and right side of the driver's door and passenger's
door panel and shall have the name and number of the licensed tow
operator displayed on the vehicle in such manner and of such lettering
as to conform to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:4-46.
G.Â
Towing operators and their employees shall provide all services required
by this chapter at all times and shall be subject to the following
requirements:
(1)Â
Possess sufficient knowledge, skill and ability to provide minimum
road services for disabled vehicles and to adequately remove a vehicle
from an accident scene without causing additional damage to the vehicle.
(2)Â
Not be mentally or physically impaired.
(3)Â
Obey all traffic laws, statutes, regulations and ordinances promulgated
by the State of New Jersey and the Township of South Harrison.
(4)Â
Be subject to inspection by the Chief of Police or a designee and
be approved by the Chief of Police prior to rendering any services
pursuant to this chapter.
(5)Â
Be a member of the Towing Recovery Association of America (TRAA)
or similar national towing association.
H.Â
The tow vehicles provided by the towing operator shall be of such
type and design to properly and safely perform all towing services
required by this chapter and shall at all times comply with New Jersey
statutes and regulations and be subject to inspection by the Chief
of Police or designee.
I.Â
All drivers of tow vehicles shall possess at all times a valid New
Jersey driver's license and a commercial driver's license
where applicable, which shall be subject to inspection by the Chief
of Police.
J.Â
The tow vehicles provided by the towing operator shall be geographically
located so as to permit a response time within 30 minutes.
K.Â
The towing fees and storage fees established by the towing operator
shall be conspicuously posted at the towing facility owned or operated
by the towing operator, which fees shall not exceed the fees set forth
in this chapter.
L.Â
At all times the towing operator shall maintain the towing facility
in a clean and orderly fashion. Reasonable measures shall be taken
by the towing operator to prevent vandalism, theft or damage to automobiles
stored therein.
M.Â
In the event that automobiles which are towed and stored by the towing
operator are abandoned or unclaimed by the owners thereof, the towing
operator shall make no claim against the Township, its agents or employees.
Only those vehicles towed from private property or public right-of-way
under authorization of either the Code Enforcement Official or the
Police Department, not including accident vehicles, shall be disposed
of by the Township pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:10A-1 or other appropriate
state statutes or state regulations.
N.Â
The towing operator operating pursuant to this chapter is an independent
contractor and in no sense an agent, servant or employee of the Township.
Said operator shall at all times maintain direct supervision, management
and control over all of its employees and personnel engaged in the
operation or services performed pursuant to this chapter.
O.Â
The Township shall not be responsible for the acts of the towing
operator in performing the services contemplated by this chapter.
The towing operator agrees to save and hold harmless the Township
from all manner of liability as a result of its actions or omission,
whether of a negligent or intentional nature.
P.Â
Towing operators approved for tow list eligibility shall be required
to fulfill tow requests of the Code Official and/or the Police Department
of the Township of South Harrison. Failure or refusal to remove a
vehicle pursuant to directive of the Township of South Harrison shall
be cause for removal from the approved tow list.
Q.Â
The tow operator shall be responsible for ensuring the proper, safe
and secure storage of all vehicles towed. The tow operator shall be
liable for any and all damage incurred by such vehicles while in transit
to or while stored in or at the facilities of the operator.
R.Â
Response time determination is to be initiated when the police call
requesting towing is completed.
A.Â
Every tow operator on the Police Department Tow List shall maintain
an inside building and outside secured storage area meeting the following
requirements:
(1)Â
The outside secured storage area shall be capable of storing not
less than 10 passenger vehicles. The inside storage area shall have
not less than 400 square feet to hold and protect "police-hold" vehicles.
(2)Â
The storage area shall be located either within the limits of the
Township or at no more than a five-mile radius outside of the Township
borders so as to facilitate reasonable towing distances.
(3)Â
Outside storage areas shall be fully enclosed by a fence of sufficient
security to prevent trespassing, with at least one lockable gate for
ingress and egress, and shall be lighted from dusk to dawn. (If the
storage facility includes more than one access point, then all access
points must be secured with appropriate gate and lock.)
(4)Â
The storage facility shall be available to the South Harrison Township
Police Department 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, and shall be
open to the public on weekdays during normal business hours and for
limited but reasonable hours on Saturday. The operator shall specify
the hours on which the facility will be open to the public on weekends.
The storage facility shall release a stored vehicle to the owner thereof
on such date as shall have been requested by said owner during normal
business hours, after receiving the tow release from the South Harrison
Township Police Department; storage charges shall not accrue beyond
the requested date of release.
(5)Â
The tow operator shall have an employee or owner on duty during all
hours in which the storage area is open.
(6)Â
The tow operator shall not charge a release fee or other charge for
releasing vehicles to their owners after normal business hours or
on weekends.
(7)Â
No vehicles shall be stored or placed outside of the storage area.
B.Â
The Township of South Harrison shall not be responsible for processing
of licensure and other documents required by the State of New Jersey
with regard to vehicles left abandoned at a repair facility. Vehicles
left abandoned at a repair facility, including those involved in accidents,
are the responsibility of the repair facility, pursuant to N.J.S.A.
39:10A-8.
B.Â
The fees for towing, storage and related charges and costs shall
be established and adopted by the Township Committee in January of
each year. The current fee schedule will be filed with the Township
Clerk and the South Harrison Township Police Department.
(1)Â
The fees set forth on the schedules for towing rates are the maximum
charges that shall apply to a motor vehicle for basic towing services.
(2)Â
The towing rates shall be calculated based on the total distance
traveled from the tow vehicle's base of service to the job site
and return, by way of the shortest available route. Fractions shall
be rounded up to the nearest whole mile.
(3)Â
Tow vehicles transporting multiple motor vehicles at one time may
charge the applicable fee for each such vehicle transported.
(4)Â
When towing services are required, the day rate shall apply when
the vehicle is transported (pickup and delivery) entirely between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
recognized New Jersey state holidays. The night, weekend and holiday
rate shall otherwise apply.
(5)Â
The Chief of Police shall post fees in the police station so the
same are available to the public during normal business hours, along
with a copy of this chapter and the fee schedules of the licensed
towing operators.
(6)Â
The towing operator must accept all forms of payment, such as a debit
card, charge card or credit card, for payment in lieu of cash for
towing or storage services if the operator ordinarily accepts such
payment at his place of business.
A.Â
The Township of South Harrison Police Department may authorize the
towing and storage of motor vehicles located on public streets or
public property which are unregistered, abandoned, illegally parked,
or which are permitted to be towed and stored pursuant to state statute
or state regulations. Abandoned or unlicensed motor vehicles that
are in violation of the Township Code shall be subject to enforcement
procedures as established in the aforesaid chapter.
B.Â
A tow operator shall not tow motor vehicles located in the public
right-of-way or on private property unless authorized to do so by
the owner of the vehicle, the Police Department or the Township Code
Official. This chapter, however, does not preclude a towing operator
licensed by the Township or state from towing motor vehicles located
on private property in accordance with state licensure privileges.
C.Â
Motor vehicles which remain unclaimed by the owner or other person
having legal right thereto shall be disposed of pursuant to the applicable
provisions of Title 39 of the New Jersey Statutes. The last known
owner of an abandoned vehicle, or the owner of the property from which
an abandoned vehicle is removed, shall be responsible for all towing
fees or charges, storage fees or charges, road service fees or charges,
and any other fees permitted by law.
D.Â
The Township shall make periodic inspections of facilities, equipment
and service and, upon request, shall be provided full access to equipment
or property. Such inspections shall be made quarterly, semiannually,
or annually, as determined by the applicable Township Official, but
in no case shall such inspections be made less than annually.
E.Â
The South Harrison Township Police Department, responsible for enforcement
of this chapter, shall establish a procedure to process complaints
received by the Police Department regarding any licensed towing operator
including, without limitation, charging of fees in excess of those
permitted hereunder, or damage to vehicles, and to notify a vehicle
owner of the location of the motor vehicle towed. The Police Department
will investigate any complaints. Any fee not specifically covered
in this chapter shall have a "reasonableness test" applied for the
purpose of investigating the complaint.
F.Â
The Police Department shall have the right to store at its own facilities
motor vehicles towed at its discretion or confiscated in suspected
crimes. All licensed towing operators shall extend storage to the
Township of South Harrison Police Department at no cost and, if so
requested, shall provide separate storage space for exclusive use
of the Police Department also at no cost. Abandoned vehicles or vehicles
confiscated by the Police Department are to be stored as authorized
by the Police Department to ensure protection of the vehicle and to
provide security of said vehicle until appropriately disposed of by
the Police Department.
G.Â
All tow company owners will be permitted to apply for junk and abandoned
titles for vehicles that are unclaimed after 30 days of storage or
as permitted by state statute. The tow company owner will be responsible
for completing all the required paperwork and any and all fees associated
with this process as defined under the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:10A-1.
The Township will send to the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles
all completed paperwork after it has been verified. All titles approved
by the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles will be then turned over
to the tow company owner who applied.
H.Â
Towing operators shall not pile vehicles or park towed vehicles on
public streets or sidewalks or outside of the storage area.
I.Â
All towing operators shall maintain a record of each motor vehicle
towed, stored and released, and of all services rendered. Such records
shall be maintained at one central location and retained for a period
of not less than three years.
J.Â
Pursuant to the Spill Compensation and Control Act, including N.J.S.A.
58:10-23 et seq., any person in any way responsible for a discharge
of petroleum or hazardous substances shall be strictly liable, jointly
and severally, without regard to fault, for all costs of cleanup and
removal of the discharge from the public right-of-way and private
property within the area of the spill. The tow operator and/or facility
owner shall be responsible for the cleanup and removal of any spill
or discharge of petroleum or hazardous substances at its storage facility.
The facility owner may choose to take action against the vehicle owner
for the cost of such cleanup and removal. The responsible party shall
contact the NJDEP Action Line to report any spills or leaks as required
by N.J.S.A. 58:10-23.11e.
(1)Â
Whenever any petroleum or hazardous substances are discharged on
public property or within the public right-of-way, the Health Department
may, in its discretion, act to remove or arrange for the removal of
such discharge, or may direct the responsible party to remove or arrange
for the removal of such discharge. The County Environmental Health
Department shall monitor compliance with any cleanup directives. Pursuant
to N.J.S.A. 58:10-23.11f, any person who fails to comply with a cleanup
directive shall be liable to the Township in an amount equal to three
times the cost of such removal.
K.Â
Any motor vehicle towed or transported to the towing facility shall
be stored and secured in the storage area.
L.Â
If the towing facility's storage area is full or not capable
of storing any motor vehicles, then in that event the towing operator
shall be temporarily suspended from the South Harrison Township Tow
List until such time the towing operator's storage area is capable
of accepting motor vehicles for storage.
M.Â
An individual whose motor vehicle has been towed and/or stored has
the right to retrieve any of his or her personal possessions therefrom,
even when said motor vehicle is within the possession of the towing
operator. Personal property shall be defined to mean anything that
is not permanently attached to the motor vehicle so as to be an integral
part thereof. An individual seeking the retrieval of any personal
items shall arrange with the towing operator to obtain said items
and shall be required to execute a receipt therefor. The towing operator
shall maintain copies of all said receipts.
N.Â
The towing operator shall at all times be responsible for the conduct
of its employees and shall be liable to the Township of South Harrison
and the owners of any motor vehicles towed or stored by the towing
operator for any injuries, damages or costs incurred as a result of
the conduct of said employees.
O.Â
All towing operators shall comply with all state and federal laws
and regulations concerning the hiring of employees, their wages, hours
and terms of employment.
P.Â
The Township of South Harrison is not liable for any of the services
performed by the towing operator unless those services are performed
for Township vehicles. The towing operator shall proceed directly
against the individual owner of the motor vehicle for all fees and
charges incurred.
Q.Â
Each towing operator shall maintain a record of all vehicles towed,
including the date towed, where the vehicle was towed, when the vehicle
was released and the fees charged, together with any and all other
services rendered. Said records shall be maintained at the principal
place of business of the towing operator as set forth on the application,
and all records shall be maintained for a minimum of three years.
Copies of the contract and fee schedule on file are available
from the Township Clerk's office during regular business hours,
Monday through Thursday, which shall make available upon a request
a copy of this chapter, contract and fee schedule pertaining to all
approved private towing contractors.
A.Â
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed $2,000; up to 90 days in jail; and up to 90 days' community service, or any combination of the above. Each violation of any of the provisions of this chapter and each day the same is violated shall be deemed and taken to be a separate and distinct offense, in addition to the remedies recited within § 130-9.
B.Â
In addition to the fine prescribed above, a violation of any of the
provisions of this chapter shall be cause for revocation of the official
tower's license.