2010 Maryland Code
TRANSPORTATION
TITLE 13 - VEHICLE LAWS - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
Subtitle 9 - Registration Classifications and Fees
Section 13-920 - Single unit (two or more axles): Class E (truck) vehicles - Tow trucks.

§ 13-920. Single unit (two or more axles): Class E (truck) vehicles - Tow trucks [Subject to amendment effective January 1, 2011; amended version follows this section].
 

(a)  "Tow truck" defined.-  

(1) In this section, "tow truck" means a vehicle that: 

(i) Is a Class E (truck) vehicle that is designed to lift, pull, or carry a vehicle by a hoist or mechanical apparatus; 

(ii) Has a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more; and 

(iii) Is equipped as a tow truck or designed as a rollback as defined in § 11-151.1 of this article. 

(2) In this section, "tow truck" does not include a truck tractor as defined in § 11-172 of this article. 

(b)  Registration.- When registered with the Administration every tow truck as defined in this section is a Class T vehicle. 

(c)  Permitted uses.- A tow truck registered under this section may be used to tow vehicles for repair, storage, or removal from the highway. 

(d)  Fees.-  

(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, for each vehicle registered under this section, the annual registration fee is based on the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating as follows: 
 
  
                     Manufacturer's Gross Weight                        Fee
                         Rating (in Pounds)
                                  10,000 (or less) to 26,000           $185.00
                                            More than 26,000           $550.00

(2) (i) The annual registration fee for a vehicle registered under this section that is used for any purpose other than that described in subsection (c) of this section shall be determined under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph if the maximum gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles: 

1. Exceeds 18,000 pounds and the vehicle has a manufacturer's gross weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less; or 

2. Exceeds 35,000 pounds and the vehicle has a manufacturer's gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds. 

(ii) The annual registration fee shall be the greater of: 

1. The fees set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection; or 

2. The fees set forth in § 13-916(b) of this subtitle. 

(e)  Exemption from certain weight and size restrictions.- Notwithstanding §§ 24-104.1, 24-108, and 24-109 of this article, a tow truck registered under this section, while engaged in a tow, may move a vehicle or vehicle combination on a highway for safety reasons if: 

(1) The tow truck and the vehicle or vehicle combination being towed comply with all applicable statutory weight and size restrictions under Title 24 of this article when measured or weighed separately; and 

(2) The vehicle or vehicle combination is being towed by the safest and shortest practical route possible to the vehicle's destination. 

(f)  Mandatory statutory restrictions.- Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, while engaged in towing, a tow truck registered under this section is subject to: 

(1) Weight restrictions imposed on restricted bridges; and 

(2) All applicable statutory weight and size restrictions under Title 24 of this article while being operated within the limits of Baltimore City, unless the vehicle is being operated on an interstate highway. 

(g)  Display of registration plates.- Except for tow trucks operated by dealers, automotive dismantlers and recyclers, and scrap processors displaying special registration plates issued under this title, the vehicle shall display a distinctive registration plate as authorized by the Administration. 

(h)  Insurance required; identification numbers.- A person who registers a tow truck under this section or operates a tow truck in this State that is registered under the laws of another state shall: 

(1) Obtain commercial liability insurance in the amount of at least $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence bodily injury liability, and $100,000 per occurrence property damage liability; and 

(2) Provide a federal employer identification number and, if applicable to the tow truck under federal requirements: 

(i) A U.S. Department of Transportation motor carrier number; or 

(ii) An Interstate Commerce Commission motor carrier authority number. 

(i)  Limitation on use of rollback.-  

(1) Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not operate a rollback in combination with a vehicle being towed unless the rollback is registered as a tow truck. 

(2) This subsection does not apply to a vehicle that is registered and operated in accordance with § 13-621 or § 13-622 of this title. 

(j)  Operation for hire; penalties.-  

(1) This subsection applies only to a vehicle required to be registered in the State. 

(2) A person may not operate a tow truck for hire unless the tow truck is registered under this section. 

(3) A person convicted of operating a tow truck in violation of this subsection shall be subject to a fine of up to $3,000. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 661/2, § 3-806; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1983, ch. 561; 1984, ch. 483; 1990, ch. 701; 1991, ch. 427; 1993, chs. 444, 497, 582; 1994, ch. 165, § 3; ch. 166, § 3; ch. 385; 1995, ch. 3, § 2; 1996, ch. 10, § 1; ch. 496; 2004, ch. 9; 2005, ch. 25, §§ 1, 13; 2008, ch. 36, § 6.]