It is the intent of this article to protect the general welfare
and public interests of the residents of the community, and to safeguard
the public interests against predatory towing.
For the purpose of this article, the following words and phrases
shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section.
COORDINATOR
The Charles County Sheriff's Office tow program coordinator
or his/her designee.
MOTOR VEHICLE
A motor vehicle as defined in Title 11, Subtitle 1, of the
Transportation Article: a vehicle that is self-propelled or propelled
by electric power obtained from overhead wires and that is not operated
on rails. "Motor vehicle" includes a low-speed vehicle. "Motor vehicle"
does not include a moped, motor scooter, or electric bicycle.
PERMIT
The permit to engage in the business of towing vehicles within
the boundaries of Charles County, Maryland, and issued pursuant to
this article.
PERMIT NUMBER
The number of the permit issued by the Charles County Sheriff's
Office.
PERSON
A natural person or a firm, partnership, association or corporation.
STORAGE
The holding, accommodation and protection of all towed motor
vehicles.
SUPERVISOR
The supervisor of the Traffic Operations Unit.
TOU
The Traffic Operations Unit of the Charles County Sheriff's
Office.
TOW TRUCK
Has the same meaning as in § 13-920 of the Transportation
Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland: a vehicle that is a Class
E (truck) vehicle that is designed to lift, pull, or carry a vehicle
by a hoist or mechanical apparatus, has a manufacturer's gross vehicle
weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more, and is equipped as a tow truck
or designed as a rollback. A rollback is a vehicle that is designed
with a ramp on wheels and a hydraulic lift with a capacity to haul
or tow an additional vehicle.
TOWING
The moving or removing of a vehicle by a tow truck.
The licensing requirement as to adequate storage and/or repair
facilities within Charles County and capability of towing apparatus,
insurance and maintenance of daily towing log shall be a continuing
obligation of the permitted tow company.
Except as provided otherwise in this article, a violation by
a person of any of the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor
and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment
not to exceed two months, or both.
In the event of a conflict, federal law, state law, or written
program guidance issued by a unit of the federal or state government
shall preempt a rule or regulation adopted or any other action taken
under this chapter.