Montana tow companies would meet equipment and police-call requirements

Commercial tow trucks would have to meet equipment ratings for light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty work. These standards would cover commercial tow trucks and car carriers in Montana. Tow trucks would need minimum boom ratings of 8, 16, or 25 tons for the three classes, along with class-specific truck and lifting capacities. Car carriers would have separate truck and bed ratings. Heavy-duty trucks and carriers would need air brakes. Previously qualified trucks could keep their earlier rating while continuously inspected and approved. An inspection lapse of six months or longer would require meeting current standards before returning. The continued-eligibility provision refers to trucks continuously inspected and approved for service as of January 1, 2026.

Tow companies would have their drivers complete recognized training. Companies seeking police towing calls would also need ongoing driver testing and traffic-control resources. The general training requirement would cover commercial tow businesses other than individual operators. Further training and traffic-control rules would apply to companies seeking police towing calls. Training would come from an outside provider recognized by the Montana tow truck association. Training for police towing work would include classroom lessons, hands-on practice, safe work with emergency crews, and a test. Companies on police call lists would need two reflective traffic signs measuring three feet by three feet and state-certified workers who direct traffic. Drivers would complete training for their class within one year of hire. Drivers doing police towing work would take later classes and tests needed to keep their certificates valid.

Tow companies would need class-specific fleets to join police lists that take turns receiving towing calls. Separate heavy-duty lists would cover routine towing and recovery work, such as winching vehicles after crashes. Recovery booms would need to be commercially made and permanently mounted. Light-duty companies would need two wreckers or a wrecker and a car carrier. Each wrecker would need dollies to support vehicles that cannot roll. Medium-duty companies would need two wreckers, or one medium-duty wrecker if they also held a light-duty or heavy-duty place in the same area. Heavy-duty towing would require one heavy-duty wrecker. Heavy-duty recovery would require two and written agreements giving access to specified hauling and cargo-handling equipment. Detachable towing units could qualify for heavy-duty towing if they met truck-frame and wheel-lift requirements, but could not qualify for heavy-duty recovery. A company that failed its area's requirements would be removed for at least 30 days and would have to show compliance before returning.

Tow businesses seeking police towing calls would have to operate independently, unless the Montana Department of Justice granted an allowed waiver. The rules would govern businesses applying for state permission to receive police towing calls. Some requirements could be waived where local towing service was inadequate. Companies with shared ownership or a financial interest in one another could not qualify in the same area. A company could not hire another party to operate its business. Companies would need independent equipment and facilities, separate financial accounts and insurance, and separate business records. Offices would need a permanent foundation and fixed power, water, and sewer service. A waiver would require inadequate local towing service, approval from the highway patrol district commander, and a reasonable request. It would end when another fully qualified operator received approval in that area.

Tow companies receiving police calls would keep vehicles in authorized storage areas. Commercial tow trucks would receive annual safety inspections. Storage rules would cover companies qualified for police towing calls. Inspection rules would cover commercial tow truck equipment. Vehicles towed through police call lists would stay in authorized storage until payment, payment arrangements, or removal for final disposal. Fenced storage lots would need their own entrance and fencing sufficient to deter trespassing or vandalism. Montana highway patrol and motor carrier services officers would conduct inspections and check proof of required insurance. Commercial tow truck equipment would require a safety inspection each year.