OAR 735-154-0040: Minimum Safety Standards

(1) At the time of original application, the applicant shall certify the tow or recovery vehicle is in compliance with the minimum safety standards required by this rule. These standards only apply to tow and recovery vehicles registered under OAR 735-154-0000 through 735-154-0050. (2) The Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division of the Department of Transportation (DMV) may make random safety-related inspections without notice to ensure compliance. (3) No motor vehicle shall be used for tow or recovery services unless the following safety requirements are met: (a) The vehicle is in compliance with equipment and lighting requirements of the Oregon Revised Statutes; (b) The vehicle is in compliance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 570.4, 570.5, 570.6, 570.7 (except paragraph “d”), 570.8, 570.9, 570.10, 570.54, 570.55, 570.56, 570.57, 570.58, 570.59 (except the combination of vehicles and truck tractors must stop in a distance of not more than 35 feet), 570.60 (except paragraph “d”), 570.61, 570.62 and 570.63. (4)(a) Cables or wire ropes shall have a minimum diameter of 3/8 inch and be free from the following defects or conditions: (A) More than six randomly-distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or more than three broken wires in any one strand in one rope lay; (B) Evidence of any heat damage from any cause; (C) Core protrusion along the main length of the cable unless tension applied to the cable restores proper rope structure; (D) End attachments that are cracked, deformed, worn or loosened. (b) Where a wire rope is attached to a hook with clamps instead of being swagged, a minimum of three clamps shall be used. Clamps shall be spaced at least six rope diameters apart and attached with the base or saddle of the clamp against the longer or “live” end of the rope. The “U-bolt” shall be placed over the short or “dead” end of the rope. (5) All booms, lift equipment, hydraulic hoses, connections, and any other equipment mounted or used on the tow or recovery vehicle shall be maintained in proper working order as recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment. (6) All equipment, cable or wire rope, connectors, slings, or any other tow or recovery equipment used in conjunction with the basic vehicle and vehicle-mounted equipment shall be commensurate with the manufacturer’s basic load and boom rating for each vehicle or vehicle-mounted equipment.