Tow Truck Inspection - Useful Information
The following list are extracts from the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 44/02 - Specific Purpose Vehicle Requirements) 2006. The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for the construction of the following vehicles:
'Taxis'; 'Tow Trucks'; 'Pole-type Trailers'; LPG-fuelled Vehicles; Emergency Vehicles; Motorhomes/'Caravans'; 'Omnibuses'; The requirements of ADR 44 are related to specific requirements of the particular vehicles.
This extract has been provided by the TTA at the request of some industry operatives for information purposes only to assist tow truck operators who may need a vehicle inspection. The TTA gives no assurance or warranty nor makes any representation as to the accuracy or completeness or legitimacy of the content.
The TTA does not accept any liability for loss or damage incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the content of this document. It is recommended that you contact Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) prior to purchasing, altering or constructing a tow truck. Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) Technical Enquiries can be contacted on 1300 137 302.
44.4 'TOW TRUCKS'
44.4.1 Classification
Every 'Tow Truck' shall have a 'Load Capacity' appropriate to the gross mass of any vehicle it is required to tow in accordance with one of the following classes:
44.4.1.1 Class 1
A 'Tow Truck' of this class shall have a 'Load Capacity' of not less than 1.2 tonnes and shall be equipped with a 'Crane' with a safe working load of not less than one tonne. A Class 1 'Tow Truck' shall be limited to the lifting and carrying or towing of vehicles with a gross mass not exceeding 2 tonnes.
44.4.1.2 Class 2
A 'Tow Truck' of this class shall have a 'Load Capacity' of not less than 3 tonnes and shall be equipped with a 'Crane' with a safe working load of not less than 2.5 tonnes. A Class 2 'Tow Truck' shall be limited to the lifting and carrying or towing of vehicles with a gross mass up to 5 tonnes.
44.4.1.3 Class 3
A 'Tow Truck' of this class shall have a minimum 'Gross Combination Mass' rating of 18 tonnes and shall be equipped with a 'Crane' with a safe working load of not less than 5 tonnes. A Class 3 'Tow Truck' shall be limited to the lifting and carrying or towing of motor vehicles with a gross mass not exceeding 12 tonnes.
44.4.1.4 Class 4
A 'Tow Truck' of this class shall have a minimum 'Gross Combination Mass' rating of 25 tonnes and shall be equipped with at least the following:
44.4.1.4.1 tandem rear 'Axle Group';
44.4.1.4.2 a 'Crane' of safe working load not less than 5 tonnes;
44.4.1.4.3 a power operated winch; and
44.4.1.4.4 air brake facilities for connecting to towed vehicles.
44.4.2 'Crane'
44.4.2.1 The design, construction and marking of the 'Crane', its attachments and supporting structure shall be in accordance with the requirements of Australian Standard 1418 "Rules for Cranes", Part 1 (1977-"General Requirements") and Part 5 (1980-"Mobile Cranes") and be approved by the relevant authority supervising lifting appliances.
44.4.2.2 The 'Crane' shall be located and mounted on the vehicle in the manner directed by the said authority.
44.4.2.3 Every 'Tow Truck' shall be provided with means for supporting the load in its raised position whilst under tow.
44.4.3 General Requirements
44.4.3.1 Every 'Tow Truck' shall be fitted with dual tyres on the wheels of the rear 'Axle Group'.
44.4.3.2 Every 'Tow Truck' shall be equipped with suitable spacer bars and safety chains to enable the driver thereof to exercise efficient control over the towed vehicle whilst being towed.
44.4.3.2.1 Spacer bars shall be of such design as to minimise any damage to the towed vehicle which could be caused by the 'Tow Truck' or its equipment.
44.4.3.3 Every 'Tow Truck' shall have its class as determined by application of clause 44.4.1 clearly marked on some conspicuous part of its right-hand side. The letters shall be at least 50 mm high and 25 mm wide.
44.4.4 Additional Lamps and Warning Signs
44.4.4.1 Every 'Tow Truck' shall be equipped with:
44.4.4.1.1 a flashing amber light which shall comply with the provisions of clause 44.7; and
44.4.4.1.2 an adjustable white lamp so mounted that during the hours of darkness it will illuminate the area in which the coupling of 'Tow Truck' to any vehicle to be lifted, carried or towed is to be effected.
44.4.4.2 Every 'Tow Truck' shall have equipment which can be placed on the towed vehicle and connected electrically to the 'Tow Truck' so as to enable the requirements of ADR 13/... to be complied with.
44.4.4.3 Every 'Tow Truck' shall be equipped with not less than 3 portable warning devices complying with the Standard Specification for warning signs set out in AS E38-1962 " Portable Warning Signs for Motor Vehicles", including Amendment 1.
44.4.5 Fire Extinguisher
Every 'Tow Truck' shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher of not less than 4.5 litres capacity, selected in accordance with AS 2444 - 1985 "Portable Fire Extinguishers - Selection and Location".
44.5 'POLE-TYPE TRAILERS' AND THEIR DRAWING VEHICLES - SPECIAL LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS
44.5.1 On every 'Pole-type Trailer' there shall be the following:
44.5.1.1 on each side of the rearmost bolster, one 'Side Marker Lamp'; and
44.5.1.2 one front reflex reflector, non-triangular on each side of the front facing section of the foremost bolster.
44.5.2 Drawing Vehicles for 'Pole-type Trailers'
44.5.2.1 On every motor vehicle fitted with one or more bolster, i.e. a motor vehicle designed to draw a 'Pole-type Trailer', there shall be the following:
44.5.1.1.1 on each side of the rearmost bolster, one 'Side Marker Lamp'; and
44.5.1.1.2 one front reflex reflector, non-triangular on each side of the front facing section of the foremost bolster.
44.6 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) FUELLED VEHICLES
44.6.0 All motor vehicles manufactured to use LPG as a fuel shall meet the following requirements.
44.6.1 The LPG fuel system shall at least meet the Australian Standard 1425-1989 "SAA Automotive LP Gas Code".
44.6.2 The LPG storage cylinder(s) comply with AS 3509-1988 "LP Gas Fuel Vessels for Automotive Use".
44.6.3 The vehicle shall be clearly and permanently marked in a conspicuous position within the engine bay with the following:
44.6.3.1 a statement that the LPG fuel system has been installed in accordance with the document referred to in clause 44.6.1.
44.6.3.2 the identification of the licensed or approved person or organisation which installed the LPG fuel system; and
44.6.3.3 the date of installation.
44.6.4 The vehicle, to indicate that it is equipped to use LPG as a fuel, shall carry affixed to the front and rear registration plates, an external label of durable material conforming with at least the following specifications:
44.6.4.1 size, not less than 25 mm square; and
44.6.4.2 colour, reflective red conforming to Australian Standard 1742-1975 "Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices" Appendix C, Class 2.
44.7 EMERGENCY COMMUNITY SERVICE VEHICLES - LAMPS
44.7.1 Any motor vehicle used as an ambulance may be equipped with a lamp or lamps which when lighted show the word "AMBULANCE" or illuminate a sign recognised as that of an ambulance service.
44.7.2 Flashing warning lamps
Vehicles operated by ambulance, fire fighting and police authorities or organisations providing emergency community services which may require priority travel when engaged on emergency work may be equipped with a flashing lamp or lamps. Such lamps shall meet the following provisions:
44.7.2.1 At least one lamp shall be mounted on top of the vehicle and when lighted, shall be visible in normal daylight up to a distance of not less than 200 metres to vehicles approaching from any direction.
44.7.2.2 The colour shall be:
44.7.2.2.1 blue in the case of police vehicles;
44.7.2.2.2 red in the case of ambulance, or fire fighting vehicles; or
44.7.2.2.3 amber in the case of other emergency community service vehicles.
44.7.3 In the case of vehicles permitted to display flashing warning lamps, additional lamps may be mounted in any position on the vehicle provided that no part of the lens of the lamps is visible either directly or indirectly to the driver when seated in the normal driving position.
44.7.4 All flashing warning lamps fitted to a motor vehicle and under the provisions of this clause shall be of the same colour.