[Editor's Note: Prior ordinance history includes portions of Ordinance Nos. 22-77, 23-79, 8-80, 4-82, 11-86, 2-87, 1-88, 1-98 and 15-2006. Ord. No. 2021-01 repealed prior Chapter 21 which included Ord. No. 2017-02]
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01; amended 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-08]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONED VEHICLE
Any motor vehicle or vessel partially dismantled or not readily capable of operation under its own power or not currently licensed, wrecked or junked. It shall also mean any vehicle whose owner has terminated the use and care of the vehicle and has either indicated by his words or actions an intent to leave it and no longer claim ownership of it or left it without making arrangements for the storage with the owner, occupant or person in control of the premises on which it is located.
ADMINISTRATION CHARGES
Charges for services, including but not limited to physical inspection, telephone and/or fax calls, copying of documentation and additional office paperwork before and at the time of release.
APPLICANT
An individual or a legally formed business entity who seeks to obtain a license from the Borough to furnish wrecker services with the Borough pursuant to this chapter.
CLEANUP
a. 
STANDARD SITE CLEANUPThe amount of debris removal that should reasonably be anticipated at the scene of motor vehicle accident or incident. The standard site cleanup is usually defined to the point of impact, the final resting point of the vehicle and the associated debris field. It includes cleanup of fluids and oil spills.
b. 
EXTENDED SITE CLEANUPThe removal of debris at the point of impact, as well as along the path of pre-impact and/or post-impact, where vehicle disintegration and/or other property damage occur as a result of the motor vehicle accident or incident.
c. 
ABSORBENTSAny group of products used to soak up spills or vehicle fluids. These would include oil dry, absorbent pads, socks, booms, etc.
COMMERCIAL PRIVATE PROPERTY
Office, industrial, or retail property with semipublic roads that do not contain living areas and are used for commercial business purposes only.
CONSENSUAL TOWING
The towing of a motor vehicle when the owner or operator of the motor vehicle has consented to having the towing company tow the motor vehicle.
GARAGE
Shall mean enclosed building and/or vacant land used for the storage of motor vehicles.
IMPOUNDMENT
The storage of a motor vehicle upon the order of a law enforcement agency.
INCIDENT
Any recurring or nonrecurring event that created a diminished capacity to roadway function or threatens the environment.
LABOR
The additional work done at the scene by the tow truck operator which is beyond that required to perform a basic tow or any additional manpower needed to complete recovery, winching or towing of a vehicle. Labor charge for additional manpower shall be based on a per-man, per-hour rate with a one-hour minimum.
LICENSEE
Any entity or individual authorized by the Mayor and Council to engage in police towing services in the municipality.
LOCKING WHEEL BOOT
A mechanical or electrical clamp, boot or fitting which is employed, manufactured or designed to lock the wheel of a motor vehicle, thus making the vehicle immobile.
NEW LICENSE
A license issued to a licensee who did not hold a wrecking and towing license in the municipality during 2020 and yearly thereafter.
NONCONSENUAL TOWING
The towing of a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or operator of the vehicle.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
Use of specialized equipment or tow truck to retrieve a vehicle that has left the roadway.
PARKING VIOLATION STICKER
A warning label with adhesive, tape or glue, which is manufactured, designed or employed so that it may be affixed to the front or rear windshield of any vehicles violating parking rules or regulations.
PERSON
Any natural person, partnership, corporation, association or limited liability company.
PILING VEHICLES
The storage of vehicles by stacking them vertically, one on top of another.
POLICE TOWING
Use of towing services when, in the determination of the Police Department, there is a recurring or nonrecurring event that creates a diminished capacity to roadway function or threatens the environment that requires a tower to respond.
PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER
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.
PRIVATE PROPERTY TOWING
The nonconsensual towing from private property or from a storage facility by a motor vehicle of a consumer's motor vehicle that is parked illegally, parking 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.
RESIDENTIAL PRIVATE PROPERTIES
Properties that are structures used solely for living spaces and have an expectation to privacy.
ROAD SERVICE
Use of a tow truck or service vehicle to attempt to repair a vehicle at the point of the breakdown, such as jump starts, tire changes, etc.
SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT
Use of a wide variety of equipment not normally considered towing equipment, such as but not limited to construction-type equipment used to access or clean up a recovery scene of wreckage.
STORAGE
a. 
STORAGE CHARGES FOR A SIX-HOUR PERIODMeans the maximum allowable amount to be charged by a storage facility for a twenty-four-hour period or fraction thereof, beginning when the vehicle is placed in the storage facility.
b. 
OUTSIDE SECURED STORAGEWhen a motor vehicle is placed in an outside secured storage facility which will be completely enclosed with at least a six-foot fence, will have at least one entrance and exit gate, and will be completely illuminated by outside lighting in order to safeguard the motor vehicles.
c. 
INSIDE SECURED STORAGEWhen a motor vehicle is placed inside a secured facility at the request of the vehicle owner/operator or at the request of a law enforcement agency for preservation purposes, i.e., owner/operator request for an antique or classic motor vehicle and/or an expensive luxury motor vehicle and/or law enforcement request for preservation of further law enforcement investigation.
TOW TRUCK
a. 
LIGHT-DUTY TOW TRUCKUsed to tow and recover small light-duty vehicles up to 10,000 pounds.
b. 
MEDIUM-DUTY TOW TRUCKshall now read as follows; Used to tow and recover small commercial type vehicles 10,000 to 16,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) or passenger vehicles unable to be recovered with light-duty tow truck or flatbed;
c. 
HEAVY-DUTY TOW TRUCKCommercial manufactured truck with wrecker body; minimum GVW 33,001 pounds, used to tow and recover commercial-type vehicles over 16,001 GVW as well as passenger vehicles unable to be recovered by other means.
d. 
HYDRAULIC FLATBED CAR CARRIERCommercial motor vehicle designed exclusively to transport motor vehicles which have become disabled, wrecked, recovered stolen, and police impound by means of bodily winching motor vehicles from roadway level up onto hydraulic bed for transporting purposes.
e. 
SPECIALIZED FLATBED CARRIEREquipped with special hydraulic oscillation knuckle boom crane. Commercial motor vehicle exclusively designed for special recovery procedures when needed and also to bodily lift and transport motor vehicles.
TOW TRUCK OPERATOR
Any individual employed by a license to operate any of its tow trucks while providing police towing services.
TOWING
When a tow truck and/or hydraulic flatbed carrier takes in its possession the care, control and custody of a motor vehicle by means of standard industry procedures.
TOWING SERVICE
The towing, transporting, conveying and/or removal of damaged, disabled and abandoned motor vehicles from the streets or highways.
VEHICLE ACCESS CHARGE
Accompanying an owner and/or insurance representative into the secured storage yard facility to inspect, remove personal belongings, adjust and take photographs. Documentation such as driver license of vehicle owner, business card of insurance representative must be photocopied and time stamped when this additional auxiliary service is performed. No fee shall be charged to a vehicle owner for the first visit to remove personal belongings. Vehicle access charges incurred by an insurance company, at the insurance company's request, shall be billed directly to the insurance company.
VEHICLE IMMOBILIZATION
Use of a locking wheel boot that, when attached to the wheel of a vehicle, prevents free, self-propelled movement of the vehicle by the vehicle operator.
WATER RECOVERY
The process of recovering a vehicle or any other object, as requested, that is in water or under water, which requires the tow operator to enter the water to effectuate the recovery.
WILLFUL ABANDONMENT
An action deliberately taken by an owner or insurance company to leave a vehicle or vessel at a storage yard in order to attempt to avoid paying the towing, recovery, storage, etc., charges due against the vehicle. See N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.5 and 39:4-56.6.
WINCHING
A motor vehicle employed for the purpose of towing, transporting, conveying or removing any other motor vehicle which is unable to be operated under its own power, for which service a charge or fee is exacted.
WRECKER
A motor vehicle employed for the purpose of towing, transporting, conveying or removing any other motor vehicle which is unable to be operated under its own power, for which service a charge or fee is exacted.
WRECKING
The process of removing wreckage from the roadway (i.e., the vehicle and its debris), which includes the removal of pieces of vehicles from a crash scene, with the end result being to return the roadway back to pre-crash conditions.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
No person shall operate a tow truck on behalf of the Borough of Cliffside Park or any of its agencies or conduct any towing service on behalf of the Borough of Cliffside Park or at the request or direction of the Police Department without first having obtained a license.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
a. 
Every applicant for a license under this chapter shall complete, sign and verify a written application on the forms furnished by the Borough of Cliffside Park. At the time of submission of said application, a fee in the amount of $1,500 shall be paid which fee shall be nonrefundable and shall be used to defray the costs incurred by the Borough in connection with the investigation of and action on the application submitted.
b. 
The application shall state:
1. 
The name and address and social security number of the applicant and its employees and, if a corporation, LLC or partnership, the name and address and social security number/EIN of each shareholder, officer and director member thereof;
2. 
The name and address and social security number of the owner(s) of the tow trucks, if other than the applicant;
3. 
The serial numbers and registrations of each wrecker and flatbed to be operated by the applicant;
4. 
The exact location of storage areas for the equipment, such as wreckers, flatbeds, cars and other vehicles, and the amount of available space for the storage of vehicles towed;
5. 
The name, address and policy number for all insurance required by this chapter (inclusive of insurance cards);
6. 
Power to appoint the Clerk attorney-in-fact for acknowledging service of process in connection with the ordinance licensure;
7. 
Consent by the applicant and each of its officers, agents and employees employed by the licensee to conduct a background check, including but not limited to criminal and motor vehicle records with the local, state and federal authorities. Further, the licensee shall, after the issuance of the license, notify the Clerk and the Police Chief in writing within two days after the employment of any new employees or change in officers or agent, at which time the licensee shall comply with the requirements set forth in this chapter;
8. 
The location or locations of premises at which the wreckers are domiciled or garaged;
9. 
The location or locations of the premises to which vehicles will be towed, a map or diagram accurately drawn depicting the proposed layout and size of the vehicle storage spaces, and fire lanes and the maximum number of vehicles to be stored at such premises;
10. 
A complete list of all criminal convictions, except minor traffic violations, of the applicant or owner, partner, officers or local office administrator of applicant;
11. 
Whether the wrecker is to be used solely as an accessory use to a gasoline service station;
12. 
Acknowledging that the towing company will be included on the rotating police tow list;
13. 
The applicant's primary place of business, registered with the State of New Jersey, located in the State of New Jersey within two miles of the Borough;
14. 
A copy of the Certificate of Occupancy issued by the municipality for its primary place of business;
15. 
Evidence that the applicant has at least three years' experience in providing properly insured towing services;
16. 
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to tow at least two vehicles at the same time for light-duty towing calls;
17. 
The applicant shall file the completed application forms with the Police Department annually after November 1 and before November 30 of each year. Applications presented for filing after November 30 date shall not be considered and shall be regarded as failure to meet the filing date requirement;
18. 
The Chief of Police shall make a recommendation to the Borough Council either:
(a) 
Accepting the applicant; or
(b) 
Rejecting the applicant; or
(c) 
Upon written notification to the applicant of the existences of any deficiencies in the application, the applicant shall have 10 days from the date of notification to cure such deficiencies and submit same to the Clerk and the Police Chief for review. In the event that the applicant fails to properly cure any deficiencies in the notice within the ten-day period, the application shall be regarded as incomplete and will be deemed rejected.
19. 
All licenses shall expire yearly on December 31 of each year;
20. 
The Clerk shall send a copy of the license to the Police Department for filing and shall keep a permanent record of all licenses issued;
21. 
The towing license fee shall be established annually by Council Resolution.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
a. 
A license issued under this chapter shall not be transferable, and only one license shall be granted to an applicant. The applicant who obtains a license shall not have any interest, direct or indirect, in any other Cliffside Park towing license. In the event that it is determined that a licensee does have an interest in another towing license, that licensee shall immediately forfeit their respective licenses.
b. 
Each licensee shall produce his license whenever called upon to do so;
c. 
The assigned towing vehicle must be registered or leased for one year to the applicant. The registration card or lease must be submitted to the Borough with the application.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01; amended 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-08]
a. 
Equipment.
1. 
Applicants for a license under this chapter shall own, at a minimum, the following equipment:
(a) 
One light-duty flatbed (rollbacks) with wheel lift;
(b) 
One light-duty wrecker with wheel lift.
(c) 
One heavy-duty wrecker with wheel lift (minimum capacity of 25,000 pounds). Heavy-duty wreckers must be a minimum gross vehicle weight of 33,001 pounds with air brakes and must be full hydraulic.
2. 
In addition, if the licensee owns any of the following equipment, the licensee shall submit all proper documentation with their original license:
(a) 
One heavy-duty wrecker with wheel lift (minimum capacity of 25,000 pounds). Heavy-duty wreckers must be a minimum gross vehicle weight of 35,000 pounds with air brakes and must be fully hydraulic;
(b) 
One Landoll-type trailer;
(c) 
One tractor.
3. 
It is highly recommended that all licensees shall have a:
(a) 
It is required that all licensees shall have a filing system to track towed vehicles.
b. 
Insurance requirements:
1. 
Each application for a license shall be accompanied by certificates of automobile and garage keeper's liability insurance, issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of New Jersey, with policy limits of not less than the following:
(a) 
$1,000,000 of general liability;
(b) 
$1,000,000 of automobile liability, endorsed to provide collision coverage per tow;
(c) 
$3,000,000 of umbrella coverage.
2. 
All Insurance policies shall name the municipality as an additional insured and shall indemnify and hold harmless the municipality from any claims for injury or property damage arising out of, or in any way related to, the operation of a tow truck or wrecker or storage yard, pursuant to this chapter.
c. 
The municipality reserves the right to annually by resolution modify the insurance coverage amounts.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01; amended 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-08]
a. 
Each applicant for a new license must meet and provide, and continue to provide during the licensing year, the following storage requirements for vehicles:
b. 
All licenses must have sufficient storage areas on premises owned by them or leased directly to them under a written lease. The written lease shall be submitted annually with the application and shall contain an endorsement, by the owner, indicating that the leasehold remains in effect. The written lease shall contain a restriction that the leased premises shall be solely occupied by the tenant/licensee, and said premises shall be occupied by no other person or entity; subleasing shall not be permitted. The lease shall be for a term of at least 18 months and shall provide a notification provision to the Clerk if termination occurs while a license under this chapter is outstanding.
c. 
Attached to the lease shall be scaled drawing on eight-and-one-half-by-eleven-inch paper, of the area which shall include any structure or improvement and each point of ingress and egress for vehicles.
d. 
Vehicle storage spaces and lots shall conform to all requirements of the applicable municipal building and fire codes, and shall confirm to the ordinances of the respective municipal jurisdiction where the storage space is located.
e. 
If the storage area is not situated within the boundaries of the Borough, a current and valid certificate of occupancy or other proof of the legal use of the premises to store vehicles must be presented with the application.
f. 
The exterior of each storage location must be fully fenced-in, with a fence not less than six feet in height covered in such a manner so as to prevent visibility of stored vehicles from the street. Gates shall be locked when the location is not attended and it shall be continuously lighted from dusk until dawn so as to safeguard vehicles from vandalism and/or theft.
g. 
No licensee shall be permitted to pile vehicles.
h. 
It being the intention of this chapter to provide persons with a readily accessible and secure storage area for their vehicles, all vehicles towed pursuant to this chapter must be stored in the aforesaid location. No vehicles may be stored on any public thoroughfare, right-of-way or roadway.
i. 
The Borough shall have access to any part of designated storage location, exterior and interior, at any time of the day or night for the purpose of inspection and/or investigation. However, during the periods the licensee is not the regularly scheduled licensee, access to the yard for purposes of inspection shall be during the licensee's regular business hours.
j. 
Licensee shall prevent and prohibit any unescorted access to the storage area by the public. Vehicles which are impounded by the Police or other police authority and which are required to be maintained as evidence shall be maintained in a secure indoor facility and shall be properly roped off from other vehicles in an area which shall be kept non-accessible to any person, including employees of the licensee, other than a policy authority.
k. 
Vehicles which have been impounded or confiscated by the Police Department or any other duly authorized law enforcement agency shall not be released without proper authorization from the Police Department.
l. 
Vehicles shall be released between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays or holidays, subject to an additional $85 charge for after hour release for retrieval of vehicles, Sundays, holidays, or Monday through Saturdays after or before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. are subject to this surcharge.
m. 
(Reserved)
n. 
The owner of an impounded vehicle shall be entitled to remove personal property from such vehicle upon reasonable notice to the tow service provider and upon appointment if said company requires same. A person's personal property, excepting the automobile, shall not be unreasonably withheld pending payment of fees or for any other cause without written authorization from a police officer having a rank of sergeant, lieutenant, captain or chief.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
Each employee or agent of licensees under this chapter who operates a wrecker within the municipality shall be registered upon the request of the Police Department. The registration shall include at least the name and address of the employee; the name of the employer; criminal convictions, if any, of the employee; the length and type of the employee's experience in the wrecker business and with the employer; and such other information as may be prescribed by the Chief of Police.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01; amended 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-08
a. 
The governing body hereby designates the Police Department as its designee to supervise the enforcement and provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted hereunder.
b. 
No individual, owner or operator of a wrecker shall respond to the scene of an auto accident except upon notification by the officer in charge of the police investigation.
c. 
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent an owner or person in charge of a motor vehicle from calling a garage or tow truck operator of his or her choice, unless the vehicle is to be or has been towed under the authority of or impounded by the Borough and any of its agencies including the police department or any other duly authorized law enforcement agency.
d. 
The Chief of Police, upon recommendation to the Council after Service of Notice with the opportunity to be heard, can recommend that the Towing Operator's license be suspended from the Call Duty list. Suspensions shall occur, upon Due Process before the Council or its designated hearing Officer, if deemed in violation of this chapter, the Towing Operator shall be subject to the following suspensions.
1. 
First Offense: Thirty-Day Suspension-for failing to comply with any section of this chapter;
2. 
Second Offense: Ninety-Day Suspension-for failure to comply with any section of this chapter.
3. 
Third Offense: One-Year Suspension-for failure to comply with any section of this chapter.
The Chief of Police or his designee shall investigate all complaints made by Property Owners for losses to their vehicles, complaints for excess of charges and/or incomplete clean up, pursuant to this chapter.
e. 
All Towing Operators who have been served Notice of any type from the Borough pertaining to this chapter, are required to formally respond to the Municipality within five (5) calendar days of receipt of the correspondence. Failure to formally respond to the Borough’s notice shall be grounds for the commencement of a Disciplinary Proceeding, which could result in the Suspension of the Towing License pursuant to this chapter.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
a. 
Within five business days after a licensee is requested to render service by the municipality the licensee shall file a report with the Police Department setting forth the following information:
1. 
The make of the vehicle;
2. 
The license number of the vehicle;
3. 
The vehicle identification number;
4. 
The number of tires on the vehicle;
5. 
A description of all tools and other personal property which are found in the vehicle;
6. 
A description of the general condition of and any damage to the vehicle;
7. 
If the vehicle was towed, the place from which it was towed and the place to which it was towed;
8. 
If the vehicle was stored, the place where it was stored;
9. 
All other necessary and pertinent information requested by the Police Department.
b. 
In the event that the Police Department has implemented a procedure that satisfies the requirements of this section, then, in that event, the licensee shall not be required to comply with the filing requirement set forth in this section. However, upon notice to the licensee that the Police Department no longer is implementing said procedure, then the licensee shall be required to comply with the filing of a report in accordance to this section.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
a. 
No licensee shall maintain a police frequency radio receiver set for the purpose of intercepting police calls in regard to disabled vehicles except if authorized by the Chief of Police in writing.
b. 
At least two amber rotating beacons or strobe lights mounted on the highest practical location of the vehicle, visible from 360° when in use and visible at a minimum distance of 500 feet during daylight hours. An amber light permit, as required by the State of New Jersey, must be filed by the licensee in the office of the Chief of Police.
c. 
Safety tow lights or magnetic tow lights to be mounted upon any vehicle being towed.
d. 
At least one heavy-duty broom, shovel, crowbar or pry bar, a set of jumper cables, flashlight, one two-pound or larger fire extinguisher or dry chemical type, one dozen flares or similar warning devices for placement at the scene of an accident or disabled vehicle, at least 40 pounds of dry sand or a drying compound for gasoline and oil spilled onto a roadway and a sufficient quantity and types of tools to enable the tow operation to perform proper and adequate emergency repair services for the tow.
e. 
Every tow truck shall, at all times, comply with any and all state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to safety, lighting and towing equipment requirements and shall be subject to inspection by representatives of the Borough, including the Chief of Police or his designee, at any time. Where applicable, all permits required by any governmental authority relating to the equipment shall be provided to the Borough upon its request.
f. 
Every tow truck shall have the name, address and telephone number of the official tower, by a permanently affixed or painted sign, prominently displayed on the vehicle in such manner and of such lettering as conforms to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:4-46 on the outside door panels of both sides of the vehicle. Temporary, magnetic or other easily removable signs are not acceptable.
g. 
The licensee must be able to respond to the scene where its services are required within 30 minutes from the issuance of a telephone notice at any time of the day or night.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
No police officer, agent or employee of the Borough shall be paid, receive or accept any commission, fee money or anything of value in connection with the removal of any vehicle from a street or road or highway under the jurisdiction of the Borough; however, nothing in this section is intended to prohibit any police officer, agent or employee of the Borough from obtaining a license to operate a tow truck or conduct any towing services within the Borough and to collect such fees which are permitted by this chapter.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
Persons who own or are in responsible charge of "private property" may have a need to summons and have certain vehicles removed from their property. The following policy shall be adhered to:
a. 
The person wishing to have said vehicle summonsed and/or removed from the property shall notify the police department;
b. 
A police officer will be dispatched;
c. 
The person in responsible charge of the property may sign a summons;
d. 
If a summons is issued the person in charge may request that the vehicle be removed;
e. 
The police department shall provide the person in charge the phone number for a "tow service provider."
f. 
The person in charge of the property shall be advised that they may use any Borough licensed tow service provider.
g. 
No attempt to gain entry in the vehicle shall be made unless extenuating circumstances exist, and in police presence.
h. 
The licensed or private tow service provider may only charge fees as per the municipal ordinance fee schedule.
i. 
Department of Community Affairs Public Sign as noted in Exhibit 'A'[1] must be affixed or posted on the property.
[1]
Editor's Note: Exhibit A may be found in the Borough offices.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01; amended 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-08]
a. 
No owner or driver of a tow truck vehicle covered by this chapter may charge in excess of the following rates for towing, conveying, repairing, servicing, or storage of vehicles.
b. 
A vehicle shall be considered "towed" when the tow truck has hooked up to and lifted the vehicle or part of, from the ground.
c. 
If the vehicle has not yet been towed but the towing service has already responded to the scene then the tow service provider is authorized to charge the "road service" fee.
d. 
Fees for towing and storage of private passenger vehicles damaged in an accident or recovered after being stolen, may not exceed the fees established by the Garden State Towing Association, Inc.
e. 
Pursuant to law, the fee schedules are reviewed by the Garden State Towing Association, Inc. on an annual basis and may be revised if necessary. In the event that the fee schedules are revised by the GSTA, the revised fees shall be the maximum fees that may be charged by official towers, and this chapter shall be amended accordingly.
f. 
If the towing operator is called to the scene by the Police Department of the Borough of Cliffside Park in accordance with this chapter, fees for towing and storage of private passenger vehicles, those damaged in an accident or recovered after being stolen, shall be set forth in ww.gsta.org/statepolicerates.html.
g. 
Fees for other types of vehicles other than private passenger vehicles, pursuant to paragraphs a and b of this section, shall be determined in accordance with this section.
1. 
The following maximum fee schedule for towing services shall be as set forth in www.gsta.org/statepolicerates.html.
2. 
The fee for storage services shall be as set forth in www.gsta.org/statepolicerates.html.
3. 
The fees set forth for non-passenger vehicles in this section are maximum charges that shall apply for basic towing services. The towing operators, however, shall be allowed for winching and wrecking services over and above the basic towing services additional fees per hour for light-duty wrecker, per hour for medium wrecker and per hour for heavy-duty wrecker, as set forth in www.gsta.org/statepolicerates.html. There shall be no additional charges for any other services, including but not limited to waiting time, clean-up costs and additional labor when only basic towing services, as defined, are provided, www.gsta.org/statepolicerates.html.
h. 
All towing operators shall post the fees for such services in a prominent and visible location at the storage facility and shall accept as payment cash, credit card, debit card, charge card or insurance company check for all services.
i. 
The following Fee Schedule will apply to all Borough-owned vehicles and any vehicle designated as "exempt vehicle" by the Chief of Police. These vehicles will be exempt from the fee schedule set above and the following fee schedule will be applied.
1. 
Exempt Vehicle Tow within 10 miles: $0 per hour.
2. 
Exempt Vehicle Tow over 10 miles: $100 per hour.
3. 
Exempt Vehicle Tow over 10,001 pounds: $275 per hour.
4. 
Exempt Vehicle Storage: $0 up to 10 days; $25/day starting on 11th day.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
Every owner and operator of a tow truck shall maintain a written schedule of all rates and charges in compliance with the limitations set forth in this chapter and shall make the schedule or rates available to any person requesting them at any time. Every tow truck operator shall have conspicuously displayed on their vehicle or at the storage facility the following statement: "Service, towing and storage charges are regulated by municipal ordinances and will be made available upon request."
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01; amended 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-08]
a. 
An abandoned vehicle means any vehicle so designated by an authorized representative of the police department. Removal is to be performed under the direction and supervision of the police department 24 hours a day, seven days a week, anywhere within the municipality.
b. 
All abandoned vehicles must be removed by the tow service provider called by the police department within one-half hour after notification by the police department. Failure to do so will be documented and filed with the traffic bureau.
c. 
The municipality shall retain the right to have abandoned vehicles towed to its own property and retain the vehicle and/or monies realized from the sale of such vehicles. If the municipality should take possession of said vehicle or dispose of the vehicle the tow service provider would be entitled to fee per this chapter, not to exceed $1,250.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
Every licensee shall, upon removal or towing of any vehicle without the express consent of the owner or driver thereof, immediately notify the police department, of the year, make, model and license number of the vehicle, the location from which the vehicle was removed and the location which the vehicle was removed to and the place of storage thereof.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
Licensees shall notify the Police Department, Traffic Bureau within five calendar days of the towing of any vehicle.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01]
a. 
The municipality shall limit the issuance of towing licenses to no more than six licenses per year. The Borough of Cliffside Park shall maintain a list of applicants on a first-come-first-served basis to be contracted in the event that an existing license becomes available for issuance, at which time an application may be filed in accordance to this chapter.
b. 
All licenses issued and existing at the date of adoption of this chapter shall continue to be in full force and effect and shall be considered as having priority for renewal and reissuance as long as there has been no violation of this chapter by the licensee which would cause a forfeiture of the existing license, and all requirements of this chapter shall be complied with by the licensee for reissuance of said license.
c. 
Should any existing licenses be forfeited or not renewed by the Council as a result of abandonment, forfeiture or noncompliance with this chapter as amended, then such licenses that exceed the number specified herein at the Council's discretion, be retired or reissued.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01; amended 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-08]
a. 
The police department shall establish and publish a call list for all licensees selected by the Council for the performance of towing services with the municipality. Each licensee agrees with the municipality to provide 24 hours; towing and other emergency services upon such terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. The call list shall be in alphabetical order and shall be rotated so as to provide equal treatment to all licensees. Any licensee shall be removed from the call list upon:
1. 
Written request from the licensee; or
2. 
Failure to comply with the aforesaid terms and conditions as established by this chapter; or
3. 
Revocation of towing license.
b. 
No Shows.
1. 
If during normal business hours the tow truck does not arrive on scene within 20 minutes of request, 20 minutes after business hours, (on "Call-Day"), and the desk officer shall make a second call to that company. If the called tow service provider does not arrive on scene within 10 minutes of that second request, the desk officer shall formally advise the department’s traffic officer who will note the same in the municipalities’ "Tow Log." The Police Department shall call the next listed tow service provider. This procedure shall also apply to the tow service provider called on an "off day."
2. 
The Borough reserves the right to revoke the tow license from non-complaint towing companies.
[Added 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-01; amended 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-08]
All fees shall be established annually by resolution and shall be incorporated herein as if set forth in their entirety.
a. 
Annual application fee: $2,000.