R909-19-8. Certification

  There are three (3) certifications required by the Department.

  (1) Tow Truck Operator Certification.

  (a) Effective July 1, 2004 all tow truck operators will be tested and certified in accordance with Towing and Recovery Association of America Inc (TRAA) standards and carry evidence of certification for the appropriate level of vehicle they are operating. These standards of conduct and proficiency may be tested and certified through an accepted program approved by the Department.

  (i) Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) Testing Program;

  (ii) Wreckmaster Certification Program;

  (iii) Utah Safety Council; or

  (iv) Other driver testing certification programs approved by the Department to meet certification requirements, however, the tow truck motor carrier must obtain prior approval in writing from the Motor Carrier Division Administrator or Division representative by calling [phone].

  (b) Information on qualified certification programs may be obtained by contacting the Motor Carrier Division at [phone].

  (c) Tow truck motor carriers shall ensure that all tow truck operators:

  (i) are properly trained and certified to operate tow truck equipment;

  (ii) are licensed, as required under Utah Code Sections 53-3-101, through 53-3-909 Uniform Driver License Act;

  (iii) are complying with the requirements under Utah Code Sections 41-6a-1406 and 72-9-603;

  (iv) have cleared the criminal background check required in Subsections 72-9-602(2) and (3). In addition, a tow truck motor carrier must notify the department of a tow truck operator whom is not in compliance with 72-9-602(3) within two business days of obtaining knowledge from the Bureau of Criminal Identification.

  (v) obtain and maintain a valid medical examiner's certificate under 49 C.F.R Sec 391.45.

  (2) Tow Truck Vehicle Certification.

  (a) All tow trucks shall receive and pass a tow truck certification inspection biannually.

  (b) All tow trucks must be equipped with required safety equipment. Safety Equipment List can be found at https://www.udot.utah.gov/main/f?p=100:pg::::1:T,V:396 or by calling 801-965-4892.

  (c) Upon vehicle certification, a UDOT certification sticker will be issued and shall be affixed on the driver's side rear window.

  (d) Documentation of UDOT tow truck vehicle certification shall be retained and available upon request by Department personnel.

  (3) Tow truck motor carrier Certification.

  (a) Tow truck motor carriers shall be certified biannually to ensure compliance as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Utah Code Annotated, and local laws where applicable.