For the purpose of this division, the following terms shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them:
Consent tow.
Any tow of a vehicle conducted with the permission of, or at the direction of, the owner or operator of the vehicle or by a person who has possession, custody or control of the vehicle. The term does not include a tow of a vehicle initiated by a peace officer investigating a traffic crash or a traffic incident that involves the vehicle, or when a police officer arrests the driver of a vehicle and determines that the vehicle is to be impounded.
Heavy-duty tow truck.
A commercial motor vehicle equipped with, or used in combination with, a mechanical device, mini-wrecker, or auto trailer, and which is adapted or used to tow, winch or otherwise move a motor vehicle with a gross weight rating of 25,000 pounds or more.
Non-consent tow.
Any tow conducted without the permission of, or not at the direction of, the towed vehicle’s legal or registered owner, or such owner’s authorized representative. Notwithstanding this definition, a police officer may control the scene of a crash in the manner he or she deems appropriate and can order a rotation tow as defined below and direct the impoundment of a vehicle when the officer arrests the driver or seizes a vehicle as evidence.
Rotation list or master tow truck rotation list.
The police department rotation list of permit holders, prepared and used as provided in this division.
Tow truck.
A commercial motor vehicle equipped with, or used in combination with, a mechanical device, mini-wrecker, or auto trailer, and which is adapted or used to tow, winch or otherwise move a motor vehicle with a gross weight rating of 25,000 pounds or less.
Tow truck operator.
A person, partnership, or corporation engaged in the towing business having at least one (1) tow truck that is fully equipped and that has a current valid certificate of registration issued by the state department of licensing and regulation.
Vehicle.
Every device in or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
Vehicle storage facility.
A garage, parking lot, or any facility owned or operated by a person other than a governmental entity for storing or parking ten (10) or more vehicles that has a current valid license issued by the state department of licensing and regulation.
(Ordinance 0225, sec. I(1), adopted 11/10/15)