Operators
What do I do with the tow truck number plates when I sell my tow truck?
First of all you must not sell your tow truck with the TT number plates on it. You need to contact TTLC and advise in writing that you wish to either surrender the number plates or put them on hold at a nominated motor registry. It is your decision to make whether you surrender the plates or put them on hold.
The best way to do this is to send a fax to TTLC on 8849 2075. Upon receipt of your request you will be contacted by a licensing officer who will advise you if any fee is payable before the transaction is commenced. Once payment is received an authorisation to surrender/hold the number plates will be sent to the registry nominated by you. A copy of the authorisation will also be faxed to you. You can then proceed to the motor registry with your tow truck number plates.
You need to give some notice that you wish to do this. Please do not wait to contact TTLC until you are at the motor registry. If you do this you will be sent away until you can provide appropriate authorisation from TTLC. All tow truck plate transactions must first be authorised by TTLC.
What do I do if I don’t want to renew my licence?
If you do not wish to renew your tow truck operators licence you must inform TTLC in writing of this and advise which motor registry you would like to attend to surrender your number plates.
If you are selling your truck please see the information above about returning your number plates. Number plates cannot be transferred from one licensee to another.
I am buying a new tow truck. How do I get TT plates for it?
If you are an existing tow truck operator you must provide a written request to TTLC for an additional set of tow truck number plates for your new truck. If you have plates on hold at a motor registry you can request that these plates be attached to your new truck.
You also must provide a copy of the registration certificate for the truck or, if it is unregistered, an inspection report or other document (such as statement from the manufacturer) which shows the Tare, GVM and VIN of the truck. You must also provide a copy of a certificate of currency for on-hook insurance showing the new vehicle.
Once TTLC has received this documentation a licensing officer will contact you and advise you of any fees payable for this transaction. When all documentation is deemed satisfactory and payment has been made an authorisation for the plates to be issued to you for the nominated vehicle will be faxed to the nominated motor registry and a copy sent to you. You can then attend the motor registry to collect the TT number plates. You should take any plates that are already on the vehicle with you to the motor registry.
If you are a new operator you must lodge an application for a tow truck operators licence. Information about this process as well as the application form can be found on the website. Fact sheets numbers 6 and 9 will assist. If you are unsure whether you need a licence you should read fact sheet 10.
What should I do if I lose one of my TT number plates or one is stolen?
The loss or theft of a tow truck number plate or plates must be reported to the Police. You will be given an event number when you do this.
You must notify Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) TTLC of the loss or theft of a tow truck number plate and quote the Event number given to you by the Police. TTLC will contact you to organise for a new set of tow truck number plates to be issued to you. It is not possible to have the same number plates remade using the same number. Tow truck plates can only be remade when both old plates are available for surrender. Remakes are usually the result of defect notices issued by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) inspectors where plates are faded or damaged.
Drivers
What happens to my drivers certificate if I lose my driver licence?
If your driver licence is suspended, disqualified or cancelled or expires your tow truck drivers certificate is automatically revoked under section 32 of the Tow Truck Industry Act. TTLC checks the driver licence status of all tow truck drivers certificate holders each week to ensure that driver licences are current.
If your drivers certificate is revoked you will be advised by mail and asked to return your revoked drivers certificate to TTLC. Once you have done this, and your driver licence has been reinstated, you can reapply for another drivers certificate. You must lodge another application form and provide a copy of your licence, photographs and the current drivers certificate application fee.
What should I do if I lose my tow truck drivers certificate?
You can apply for a replacement drivers certificate when a drivers certificate is lost or stolen. An application form for a replacement drivers certificate is available on the website. A small fee is payable for a replacement drivers certificate. The replacement drivers certificate will have the same expiry date as the original certificate.
Contact details for TTLC
In person: Parramatta Motor Registry, 27-31 Argyle Street, Parramatta 2150
Phone: 1300 131 134
Fax: (02) 8849-2075
Email: towtrucks@rta.nsw.gov.au