GSTA Tow Truck Weight Relief Legislation

The Garden State Towman’s Association, which is the largest towing association in New Jersey and the only state towing association affiliated with and recognized by TRAA, the national Towing and Recovery Association of America, and CNTA, a Conference consisting of eight (8) Northeast Towing Association, has developed and introduced legislation that would bring relief to towers in New Jersey that are having difficulty meeting New Jersey weight and length regulations. GSTA sat down, and worked side by side with all the New Jersey state agencies that are involved in registration of trucks and regulating weight and length issues. GSTA realized that the only way we could get legislation passed that addressed this issue was to have New Jersey DMV, DOT, State Police and other related agencies support the legislation. On July 2, 1998 the process started. After many meetings and discussions with all parties involved Senate Bill S1577, sponsored by GSTA’s attorney Senator Bob Martin was introduced on December 17, 1998. The Assembly Bill A2871 is sponsored by Assemblyman Alex DeCroce. At this time, the legislation has passed the Senate Committee and on June 21, 1999 the legislation passed the Senate. Legislation is presently waiting to be passed by the Assembly Transportation Committee before heading to the Assembly Floor. On June 21, 1999, GSTA , along with many other New Jersey State agencies were at the Assembly before the Legislators broke for Spring Break. Unfortunately, New Jersey Motor Truck Association blocked the Legislation, which in turn held the Legislation from moving forward in an expedient manner.

S1577 and A2871 would allow tow trucks for hire to move vehicles that are over weight, over length, and over axle weight. The tow truck towing vehicles up to 150 thousand pounds combined unit would be able to transport these vehicles within a 75-mile radius from their disablement. A heavy-duty tow truck towing a combination that weighs or exceeds 80 thousand pounds cannot go faster that 45 m.p.h. Any combination of tow trucks and units being towed that exceed 150 thousand pounds would require a special heavy load permit from New Jersey, which is already in effect in New Jersey for transporting heavy loads.

At time of registration New Jersey DMV would issue markers that consist of decals, medallions, or license plates that would identify tow trucks for hire with proper insurance. The insurance requirements would consist of garage keepers legal liability and/or on-hook coverage to protect the vehicle that you are towing or vehicles which are around you when towing, and/or transporting vehicles. Light duty liability coverage would be $750,000.00 limit and heavy-duty liability limit would be $1,000,000.00. At present, when you register your tow truck for license plates you only have to show proof of liability on the tow truck. Liability insurance on the tow truck does not protect the customer and/or public if an incident were to occur.

A surcharge fee at time of registration would be $25.00 per vehicle. The $25.00 fee has been written into the legislation as agreed by all state agencies involved. The fee is not to exceed $25.00 per vehicle.

GSTA believes this legislation protects and serves all parties involved. It provided the consumer and Law Enforcement Agencies a means to identify properly insured and legitimate towers. It provides the tower with an exemption for over weight over length, and over axle weight that the tower cannot meet because of the type of vehicle he must tow and because of the new type of towing devices being used today.

New Jersey Motor Truck has introduced a similar bill that has complicated the legislation process. They introduced their bill early this year, but it has not passed the Assembly or the Senate. GSTA has tried to work with New Jersey Motor Truck on this issue and many others in the past, but keeps being confronted with resistance and lack of support. I question what they are trying to accomplish and who they really are trying to work for.

As President of GSTA, and the Executive Board we have always tried to develop and pass legislation that was good for a the tower, the public, Law Enforcement and all other parties involved with towing. GSTA has the full support of all New Jersey Agencies and Legislators that are involved in Senate Bill 1577 and Assembly Bill A2871.

All towers, small businesses and large businesses should be able to meet insurance requirements and accept a $25.00 registration fee to protect the tower from large overweight, length and restrictive summonses that range from $2000.00 to $6000.00

These bills reflect a format that is very similar to many other states that are trying to adopt legislation that deals with tow truck and over length issues. This bill also reflects the direction that the Federal Highway Administration directs states to deal with overweight and length issues that apply to tow truck moves. This legislation would be very beneficial to the trucking industry, allowing their trucks and cargo to be delivered to their destination in a timely, cost effective manner. Towers and towing associations around the country are interested in seeing New Jersey pass this legislation so they can help move to resolve their states overweight and length issues.

I am truly disappointed that New Jersey Motor Truck and GSTA could not work together to resolve this very important issue. If New Jersey Motor Truck had not blocked the Bill in June the sponsors of the Bills feel they could have passed the Legislation by the end of July which would have ended the towers over weight and axle tickets.

I want to thank you for your time, and look forward to discussing this issue and any other issues that you may have in the near future.

Yours truly,
John H. Glass
President