The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has established a comprehensive Tow Service program designed to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency on state highways. This initiative focuses on the prompt and safe removal of vehicles that are disabled or involved in accidents, ensuring fair pricing for the public, and supporting the operational needs of contracted towing companies. The program’s core objectives are to protect motorists, DPS officers, and tow truck operators, while minimizing the risk of secondary incidents.
In accordance with Arizona Revised Statute 41-1830.51, DPS is authorized to enter into Tow Service Agreements (TSAs) with qualified towing firms. These agreements are crucial for delivering consistent, reliable towing, storage, and roadside assistance services across Arizona.
Core Objectives of the Tow Service Program
The program is structured to effectively serve the interests of the public, the towing industry, and the Department of Public Safety, with key objectives including:
- Public Safety: Ensuring rapid and safe clearance of roadways to reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents.
- Fair Practices: Guaranteeing ethical and fair business conduct from towing companies contracted by DPS.
- Industry Support: Providing clear guidelines and a fair operational framework for towing firms working with DPS.
- Efficiency and Consistency: Maintaining uniform standards and enforcement of service terms throughout the state.
- Competent Response: Partnering with towing firms capable of responding quickly and effectively to service calls.
It’s also important to remember Arizona’s Move Over Law, designed to protect everyone on the roadside. When approaching flashing lights from emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or other service vehicles, drivers are required to move over one lane if possible. If lane changing is unsafe, drivers must slow down significantly. Violations can result in substantial fines, emphasizing the importance of this law for roadside safety.
For general inquiries about the tow service program, you can reach out via email at [email protected].
Understanding Tow Service Agreements (TSA)
For towing companies interested in partnering with DPS, the Tow Service Agreement (TSA) is the foundational document. It outlines all requirements for acceptance into the DPS Tow Program and for maintaining ongoing service standards. The TSA ensures uniformity in how the agreement is interpreted and enforced across all districts in Arizona. It also confirms that only competent and well-equipped towing firms are part of the DPS network, capable of timely responses to incidents.
Essential TSA Forms and Documents
To apply for the DPS Tow Program, towing firms need to complete and submit several key forms. These documents are critical for ensuring compliance and eligibility.
Forms To Be Completed by All Districts:
- Tow Service Agreement (TSA): The main agreement document outlining terms and conditions.
- Attachment A – Business Presence: Specific to each district, detailing the required business presence within the service area.
- Storage Yard Inspection Form (Attachment B): Ensures storage facilities meet DPS standards for security and vehicle handling.
- Tow Truck List (Attachment C): A comprehensive list of all tow trucks to be used under the TSA.
- Administrative Requirements (Attachment D): Outlines administrative and compliance obligations.
- Tow Operator’s List (Exhibit C): Details personnel resources, including tow truck operators.
Archived and Reference Documents:
- TSA Rate Sheet (Exhibit A): Provides the schedule of maximum allowable rates for tow services, varying by vehicle type and service area.
District-Specific Information and Forms:
DPS divides Arizona into districts, each with specific geographical service areas and requirements. Towing firms must apply to operate within specific districts and adhere to district-specific guidelines.
- District Maps: Visual representations of each district’s boundaries and tow service areas.
- District Specific Forms: Including Attachment A – Business Presence and Exhibit B – Tow Areas tailored to each district (Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18).
[Example Image of a Tow Truck on a Highway]
Alt text: A tow truck providing tow service on a highway, illustrating roadside assistance and vehicle recovery.
Completed TSAs, along with required attachments and exhibits, should be emailed to [email protected] for review. Crucially, selected towing firms must also provide certificates of insurance and any necessary waiver forms to the DPS Procurement Department. Failure to maintain adequate insurance will result in removal from the DPS tow list.
Requirements for Towing Firms, Trucks, and Drivers
To ensure the quality and reliability of tow services, DPS has set stringent requirements for towing firms, their vehicles, and their drivers.
Towing Firm Requirements
Each towing firm must maintain a DPS Tow Truck Company Registration Application and a DPS Tow Truck Inspection Application for every tow truck used under the TSA. These documents must be kept updated at the firm’s primary place of business.
- Tow Truck Company Registration Application: Link to Application
- Tow Truck Inspection Application: Link to Inspection Application
Tow Truck Standards
Tow trucks operating under the DPS agreement must comply with all sections of A.A.C. Title 13, Chapter 3, which sets out detailed regulations for vehicle safety and operational standards. Key requirements include:
- DPS Inspection: Each tow truck must have a completed DPS inspection application on file.
- Identification: Permanent and unique identification markings are mandatory; temporary or magnetic identifiers are prohibited.
- Maintenance: Trucks must be mechanically sound, roadworthy, and well-maintained.
- Safety Equipment: Adequate safety devices such as flares, lights, and reflective stands must be carried.
- Recovery Gear: Essential equipment including jack stands, tire sliders, chains, slings, brooms, shovels, and debris containers are required for safe and efficient vehicle recovery and scene cleanup.
- Motorcycle Towing: Rollback or tilt-bed trucks must be equipped with motorcycle tie-down straps for secure transport.
Tow Truck Driver Standards
Drivers are equally crucial to the tow service operation and must adhere to A.A.C. Title 13, Chapter 3, Article 12, which specifies standards for tow truck operators. Additionally, all drivers utilized by DPS must complete Traffic Incident Management Training (TIM).
- TIM Training: This four-hour training, based on the SHRP2 National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training program, is mandatory within three months of TSA award or within 90 days of a driver starting work under the TSA. TIM training enhances driver safety and efficiency at incident scenes. It is available through DPS and FHWA-qualified instructors.
Tow Truck Inspections
Regular tow truck inspections are conducted by the DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement unit to ensure compliance with safety and equipment standards. DPS partners with organizations like the Arizona Professional Towing and Recovery Association to continually improve towing industry standards and safety across Arizona.
Common Ownership and Complaint Procedures
To prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fair competition, Arizona law (ARS 41-1830.51, Section F) prohibits owners with common ownership interests in multiple towing firms from applying for TSAs in the same geographic area. DPS rigorously reviews applications and addresses complaints related to potential violations of this rule.
Complaints regarding common ownership violations can be submitted via an online form: Email Complaint HERE
Information for Registered Vehicle Owners
Stolen or Abandoned Vehicle Recovery
If DPS recovers a stolen or abandoned vehicle, owners can directly contact the designated towing firm storing their vehicle without needing additional paperwork. To find out which firm is holding a vehicle, contact DPS Dispatch at (602) 223-2000.
[Image of a Vehicle Being Towed]
Alt text: Vehicle tow service in action, showing a car being lifted onto a flatbed tow truck for transportation.
Unclaimed vehicles may be subject to abandoned title procedures under ARS Title 28 Chapter 11. Vehicle owners are responsible for all towing and storage fees. If a vehicle owner believes their vehicle was improperly towed, they can request a Post Storage Hearing at (602) 223-2957.
Vehicle Release Requirements
To reclaim a towed vehicle, the registered owner or their agent must provide:
- Government-issued photo ID.
- One of the following documents as per ARS 28-4842:
- Valid certificate of title.
- Current vehicle registration (excluding restricted three-day permits).
- Repossession affidavit, hold harmless agreement, and proof of lien (if applicable).
- Insurance company release under ARS 28-4847.
- Certified motor vehicle record.
- Proof of bona fide security or financial interest in the vehicle at the time of towing.
Accepted Payment Methods and Storage Fees
Towing storage facilities under DPS contract are required to accept:
- Cash
- Credit or Debit Cards
- Money Orders
- Cashier’s Checks
Storage fees are capped at daily maximum rates based on the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). These rates are:
- Light Duty Vehicle (≤ 14,000 lbs. GVWR): $32.50/day
- Medium Duty Vehicle (14,001-26,000 lbs. GVWR): $39.50/day
- Heavy Duty Vehicle (≥ 26,001 lbs. GVWR): $57.00/day
Vehicle GVWR information can be found on the driver’s side door panel or the vehicle title.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tow Service
Q: If a heavier class tow truck is used for a lighter duty tow, are charges billed at lighter duty rates?
A: Yes, by law, charges must be based on the vehicle towed, not the class of tow truck used.
Q: Are towing firms required to charge the maximum rates?
A: No, maximum rates are a cap; firms may charge less.
Q: Do towing firms need to notify dispatch for non-DPS calls?
A: Notification is only required if a non-DPS call prevents them from responding to a DPS call.
Q: Must tow operators accept checks or bank cards?
A: They must accept cash, cashier’s checks, money orders, or major credit/debit cards. Personal checks are not required. Fees for credit/debit card use are prohibited.
Q: Are tow operators required to attend tow driver training?
A: Yes, TIM training is mandatory for all DPS-utilized tow truck drivers.
Q: Are tractor-trailers considered one or two vehicles for towing?
A: For towing and charges, they are one vehicle, though two tow sheets may be issued for ownership clarity.
Q: Can a scene manager request a non-rotation tow company if they have necessary resources?
A: Yes, if it expedites hazard clearance, the next company on the list with the right resources can be called.
Q: Can the rate structure be changed during the TSA term?
A: Yes, amendments to the TSA are possible at any time.
Q: Is e-verify required for existing employees?
A: No, not retroactively, but it is encouraged.
Q: Does a tow firm need a storage yard in each district?
A: No, storage can be in an adjacent area, district, or state, as per Attachment A.
Q: How can I find roadways in a specific tow area?
A: Exhibit B in the District Specific Forms section of the TSA Forms tab details tow areas.
Q: How is a TSA canceled?
A: Written notification to the DPS Procurement Office is required.
Q: How long must business records be kept?
A: Five years from TSA termination.
Q: Who to notify about suspected common ownership violations?
A: Contact DPS if you suspect a violation.
Q: Is Worker’s Compensation Insurance needed for sole proprietors?
A: No, but a Sole Proprietor Waiver is required.
Q: What happens if a towing firm’s insurance is canceled?
A: TSA is nullified, and the firm may be suspended.
Q: What if there’s a disagreement on extra labor needs at a scene?
A: The trooper assesses reasonableness on-site; unresolved issues can be referred to the District Captain.
Q: If a tow firm is bought, can the new owner stay on the tow list?
A: Yes, subject to passing inspections and TSA requirements, a new TSA can be signed.
Q: Is it a violation if a vehicle can’t be released after hours?
A: Yes, firms must be able to handle vehicle releases at all times.
Q: Is the tow rate per vehicle deployed?
A: Yes, unless extra vehicles are deemed unnecessary by the scene commander.
Q: Is there a definition of light, medium, and heavy duty for vehicle types?
A: Yes, based on GVWR: Light duty ≤ 10,000 lbs, medium duty 10,001-26,000 lbs, heavy duty ≥ 26,001 lbs. (Note: original article uses slightly different light duty definition – corrected here for clarity based on standard classifications).
Q: Who is responsible for scene cleanup with multiple tow firms?
A: The scene commander assigns cleanup responsibilities. Document any issues for DPS.
Q: Can a towing firm add a different class of truck during the agreement?
A: Yes, if deemed necessary by the District Commander for safety or efficiency.
Q: Can a firm be added to the tow list mid-term?
A: Yes, if needed by the District Commander, through open enrollment if necessary.
Q: Can a firm call additional resources from another firm?
A: Yes, with scene manager approval for traffic incident management.
Q: Can storage yard locations be changed mid-term?
A: Yes, with District Commander approval and proper notification to vehicle owners.
Q: Can a firm subcontract trucks/equipment?
A: Yes, if approved in the TSA by the District Commander.
Q: Can a firm assign a call to another firm if unable to respond?
A: No, decline the call so dispatch can contact the next firm.
Q: Can a lien be placed on personal property in a towed vehicle?
A: No, personal property must be released to the owner upon request during business hours at no charge.
Q: Can a tow operator serve in multiple DPS districts?
A: Yes, with approval from each District Commander.
Q: Must storage yards have separate areas for DPS towed vehicles?
A: Yes, DPS vehicles must be stored separately from other work areas.
Q: Must tow firms tow to the closest storage facility?
A: Yes, unless directed otherwise by the owner or scene commander.
Q: What is the TSA term length?
A: Currently two years, but subject to change.
Q: What are Saturday storage yard access requirements?
A: Yards must be accessible on Saturdays between 8 AM and 12 PM for vehicle retrieval without after-hours fees. Phone numbers must be posted for access. This also applies to Monday-Friday 5-6 PM.
Q: What happens if one TSA firm acquires another?
A: Both TSAs remain valid for one year post-acquisition, then the acquired firm’s TSA terminates.
Q: Who is liable if a tow truck rolls over during a tow?
A: The tow truck company and its insurance are responsible.
Q: Will DPS do background checks on new drivers?
A: No, tow firms are responsible for driver background checks, which DPS may audit.
Relevant Arizona Statutes
For further details, refer to these Arizona Revised Statutes related to towing services:
- ARS 41-1830.51 – Vehicle towing; rules; contractual agreement for towing services; weight exemption
- ARS 41-1830.52 – Department of public safety contractual agreements; towing; maximum allowable rates
- ARS 41-1830.53 – Heavy-duty rotator recovery vehicle classification; rates and guidelines; definition
- ARS 28-674 – Traffic accidents; quick clearance
- ARS 28-775 – Authorized emergency vehicles; approaching; following fire apparatus; passing stationary vehicles; defensive driving schools; driver license examinations
- ARS 28-872 – Removal of vehicles; notice; liability for costs; hearing
- ARS 28-3512 – Release of vehicle; civil penalties; definition
- ARS 28-4805 – Towing company; reimbursement
- ARS 28-4834 – Vehicle removal
- ARS 28-4836 – Towed vehicles; notification; Arizona crime information center database; violation; classification
- ARS 28-4837 – Towing and storage costs
- ARS 28-4841 – Abandoned vehicle; notice of intent to transfer vehicle
- ARS 28-4842 – Unclaimed vehicle; transfer of ownership; immunity
- ARS 28-4847 – Insurance companies; release; fees; vehicle repair facilities; applicability; local laws violation; classification; definitions
- ARS 28-4848 – Access to vehicle; ignition interlock device installer; lienholder; fee prohibited; violation; classification
- ARS 28-4882 – Junk vehicle; disposition
For more detailed information, please visit the Arizona State Legislature website.
