Section 438.APPENDIX K   Special Requirements for Tow Trucks used in Intrastate Commerce

In addition to Appendix A through Appendix E, all tow trucks used in intrastate commerce shall comply with the following:

AGENCY NOTE:  Tow trucks used in interstate commerce are subject to the inspection criteria found in the federal Inspection Manual (49 CFR 399.appendix G).

a)         BODY MOUNTS

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Visually inspect all mounts that secure the cab and bed of the tow truck to the chassis.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Cab or bed of the tow truck is not securely attached to the chassis. 

Body mounts are cracked or missing.

b)         BODY PANELS

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Visually inspect the tow truck to determine if all body panels are securely attached and not rusted to the point where they may separate from the vehicle.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Body panels are not securely attached to the tow truck.

c)         FIRE EXTINGUISHER

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Inspect for at least one fire extinguisher that displays an Underwriters' Laboratories rating of 4BC or larger.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Fire extinguisher is missing.

Fire extinguisher does not meet minimum rating requirement of 4BC.

d)         SLING STRAPS

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Visually inspect the sling straps to determine if excessive wear is present.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Sling straps are worn to a point that could create a hazard when a vehicle is in tow.

e)         SPLASH GUARDS

It is unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle of the Second Division, except a truck tractor, upon any highway of Illinois unless such vehicle is equipped with rear fender splash guards of either the contour type or the flap type and which are so attached as to prevent the splashing of mud or water upon the windshield of other motor vehicles.

Section 12-710 of the Vehicle Equipment Law shall not apply to vehicles the construction or design of which does not require such splash guards, nor to vehicles in-transit, nor to pole trailers.  (Section 12-710 of the Vehicle Equipment Law)  (See Section 438.20 for the definitions of contour and flap type splash guards.)

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Inspect the width of the splash guard to verify it is as wide as the tread of the tire. 

Inspect for the presence of two splash guards (either contour or flap type) on both rear fenders. 

Confirm the splash guards are securely attached and not excessively damaged.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Splash guards are not as wide as the tread of the tire (if guards are required).

Not equipped with splash guards on both rear fenders (if guards are required).

Splash guards are excessively damaged or are not securely attached (if guards are required).

f)         WHEEL LIFT SWIVEL POINTS

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Visually inspect the wheel lift swivel points to determine if they are securely attached to the tow truck.  Also, visually inspect for cracks or binding at wheel lift swivel points.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Wheel lift is not securely attached to the tow truck.

Cracks are found at swivel points.

g)         WINCH MOUNTINGS

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Visually inspect the winch and winch mountings to determine if the winch is securely attached to the tow truck.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Winch mountings are loose or cracked.

Winch is not securely attached to the vehicle.