Tow Truck Drivers DMV Defense – Denials & Revocations of Your Certificate

One of the inevitable truths about driving in California is that “cars break down” ……. “Cars crash.”  If you are like most of us with terrible luck, your car will probably break down in the most inconvenient location possible. When this happens, we often will seek the aid of a tow truck driver. These professional drivers typically work for towing companies, service stations, or auto salvage businesses. Tow truck drivers operate specially designed and equipped vehicles to remove  disabled, crashed, or abandoned vehicles from the roadway in a quick and efficient manner

Tow truck drivers are expected to arrive promptly despite weather or traffic conditions and, in some instances, deal with drivers who are less than happy. If you are a tow truck driver, you know that a disabled motorist or a person recovering from an auto accident is not in the best frame of mind. It can make your job difficult. Nonetheless, we need these professional drivers to help us keep our roads safe, and these professional drivers need their license to do their job.

Losing Your License and the Need for Tow Truck Drivers DMV Defense

In most instances, the State of California will require that a tow truck driver possess a valid Class “A” or Class “B” Commercial Driver License (CDL). Additionally, the California Vehicle Code mandates that all tow truck drivers possess a valid Tow Truck Driver Certificate. Because tow truck drivers are considered professional drivers, they are held to the same high standard as any other driver holding a Commercial Driver License or Special Certificate. As such, the DMV possesses a wide range of opportunities to refuse, suspend, or revoke the Tow Truck Driver’s license or Special Certificate.

California Vehicle Code Section 12520 (a) declares, in-part:

No person employed as a Tow Truck Driver, as defined in Section 2430.1, shall operate a tow truck unless that person has in his or her immediate possession, a valid California Driver License of an appropriate class for the vehicle to be driven, and a tow truck driver certificate issued by the Department or a temporary tow truck drivers certificate issued by the Department f the California Highway Patrol, to permit the operation of a tow truck.

California Vehicle Code Section 2430.1 declares, in-part:

2430.1(a)……… “Tow Truck Driver” means any person who operates a tow truck , who renders towing service or emergency road service to motorists  while involved in freeway service patrol operations, pursuant to an agreement with a regional or local entity, and who has or will have direct and personal contact  with the individuals being transported or assisted.  As used in this subdivision, “towing service” has the same meaning as defined in Section 2436.

            2430.1(b)……….. “Employer” means a person or organization that employs those persons defined in subdivision (a), or who is an owner-operator who performs the activity specified in subdivision (a), and who is involved in freeway service patrol operations pursuant to and agreement or contract with a regional or local entity.

            2430.1(c)………. “Regional or Local Entity” means a public organization established as a public transportation planning entity pursuant to Title 7.1 (commencing with Section 66500) of the Government Code or authorized to impose a transaction and use tax for transportation purposes by the Public Utilities Code or the service authority for freeway emergencies described in Section 2551 of the Streets and Highways Code.

            2430.1(d)……… “Emergency Road Service” has the same meaning as defined in Section 2436.  “Emergency Road Service” is the adjustment, repair, or replacement by a highway service organization of the equipment, tires, or mechanical parts of a motor vehicle so as to permit it to be operated under its own power.  “Towing Service” is the drafting or moving by a highway service organization of a motor vehicle from one place to another under power other than its own.

            2330.1(e)……… “Freeway Service Patrol” has the same meaning as defined in Section 2561 of the Streets and Highways Code.  “Freeway Service Patrol” means a program managed by the Department of the California Highway Patrol, the department, and a regional or local entity which provides emergency roadside assistance on a freeway in an urban area.

Start Protecting your Special Certificate or License with Tow Truck Drivers DMV Defense

There are numerous means by which the DMV can move to refuse, suspend, or revoke a license or Tow Truck Driver’s Certificate. If you receive notice from the Department of Motor Vehicles that they intend to refuse, suspend or revoke your license or certificate, you must act quickly. To protect your privilege, contact must be made with the Office of Driver Safety (DSO) within the first 10 days following the notice of suspension. Failure to contact the DMV within that time period forfeits your right to a hearing and the suspension or revocation is automatic. You are entitled to fight for yourself and you cannot make the suspension/revocation any worse by doing so. All you can do is make the situation better.

How Can We Help A Tow Truck Driver?

Our professional team has been assisting tow truck drivers in California for decades. We understand exactly what it takes to represent you and fight for your ability to continue to hold your driver license and special certificate; this way you may continue to earn and provide for yourself and family. Our team has the resources as well as the experience to ensure that all aspects of your DMV defense are covered and that you are provided the best possible chance to maintain your professional driving privilege. Detailed research of every client’s specific situation and factors contributing to the activity in question are analyzed and a formal plan is created to provide the best possible DMV defense. DO NOT trust your case with a less experienced team as it may result in the Loss of Your Driving Privilege.