Ch. 496

1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

in this State unless the out-of-state tow truck operator is expressly authorized by the
State Highway Administration to tow the vehicle.

(g)] Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, while engaged in towing,
a tow truck registered under this section is subject to:

(1)     Weight restrictions imposed on restricted bridges; and

(2)     All applicable statutory weight and size restrictions under Title 24 of this
article while being operated within the limits of Baltimore City, unless the vehicle is being
operated on an interstate highway.

[(h)](G) Except for tow trucks operated by dealers, automotive dismantlers and
recyclers, and scrap processors displaying special registration plates issued under Title 13
of this article, the vehicle shall display a distinctive registration plate as authorized by the
Administration.

[(i)] (H) A person who registers a tow truck under this section or [who obtains an
annual blanket permit under subsection (f) of this section for] OPERATES a tow truck IN
THIS STATE that is registered under the laws of another state shall:

(1)     Obtain commercial liability insurance in the amount of at least $100,000
per person, $300,000 per occurrence bodily injury liability, and $100,000 per occurrence
property damage liability; and

(2)     Provide a federal employer identification number and, if applicable to
the tow truck under federal requirements:

(i) A U. S. Department of Transportation motor carrier number; or

(ii) An Interstate Commerce Commission motor carrier authority
number.

[(j)] (I) (1) Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, a
person may not operate a rollback in combination with a vehicle being towed unless the
rollback is registered as a [Class T (tow truck) vehicle under this section] TOW TRUCK.

(2) This subsection does not apply to a vehicle that is registered and
operated in accordance with § 13-621 or § 13-622 of this article.

[(k)] (J) (1) This subsection applies only to a vehicle required to be registered
in the State.

(2)     A person may not operate a tow truck for hire unless the tow truck is
registered under this section.

(3)     A person convicted of operating a tow truck in violation of this
subsection shall be subject to a fine of up to $3,000.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1996.

Approved May 14, 1996.

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