Okla. Admin. Code § 595:25-5-2

Current through Vol. 42, No. 4, November 1, 2024

Section 595:25-5-2 - Equipment requirements for all classes of wrecker vehicles

(a)All Wrecker Vehicles. Each wrecker which is used by an operator in the performance of a wrecker or towing service shall be equipped with the following:

(1)Fire Extinguisher. One (1) or more dry chemical, B.C. rating, fire extinguisher having a minimum of ten pounds (10 lbs.) total capacity, which shall be mounted and readily accessible.

(2)Flashing light. At least one (1) amber rotating or flashing light, mounted and centered above the cab of the vehicle, visible from 360 degrees or on a light bar, and approved by an officer of the Department. The amber rotating light is for use only at the scene of an emergency or where a traffic hazard exists and there is the necessity to warn approaching vehicles, such as at a routine vehicle pickup [47 O.S. § 12-218.1]. In addition to the required amber rotating light, the wrecker may be equipped with a red or blue flashing light, or a combination of red and blue flashing lights, for use only at the scene of an emergency [47 O.S. § 12-218.1]; provided, on any wrecker vehicle approved after July 15, 2005, the red or blue light, or the combination of red and blue flashing lights, shall be on a separate switch from the amber light. Under no circumstances are any of the rotating or flashing red or blue lights intended for use when traveling on the streets or highways [47 O.S. § 12-218.1]. White rotating lights are not authorized under Oklahoma statutes.

(3)Chains. Two (2) chains of sufficient grade to assist in securing the towed vehicle.

(4)Broom. One (1) push-type broom, suitable for clearing debris from the road.

(5)Shovel. One (1) shovel, suitable for clearing debris from the road.

(6)Tire Chains. One (1) set of tire chains, mud and snow tires or other device to assist wrecker to maintain traction in mud, snow, or ice.

(7)Warning Devices. Warning devices, applicable to trucks as required in 47 O.S. § 12-407, capable of protecting the scene of a collision by day or night.

(8)Lighting for Towed Vehicle. Wreckers must be equipped to operate a towed vehicle's stop, turn and clearance lights (if applicable), or be equipped with a light bar or other lighting equipment to comply with lighting requirements for vehicles. When used, the light bar or tow lights shall be affixed securely to the towed vehicle to assure a minimum of movement while traveling on the highway and to prevent any damage to the towed vehicle.

(9)Safety Chains or Straps. Two (2) safety chains or wheel straps of sufficient capacity to keep the towed vehicle attached to the wrecker in the event of disengagement.

(10)Additional Equipment. Each operator of a roll back wrecker shall secure towed vehicles with four-point tie downs. Operators of other wrecker vehicle types shall secure towed vehicles in accordance with wrecker vehicle chassis recommendations.

(11)Approved dolly use. When a wrecker dolly is used as the lift or towing device, both the wrecker dolly and the wrecker shall first be approved and licensed as a unit by the Department. In addition to the requirements in (a) of this Section for all wreckers, a wrecker dolly towing vehicle shall also be equipped at a minimum with the following:

(A) A ball or pintle hook of sufficient size and capacity to safely control the wrecker dolly, securely fastened to the appropriate frame member of the wrecker.

(B) Two safety chains of sufficient capacity to keep the wrecker dolly attached to the wrecker in the event of hitch failure.

(12)Safety Apparel. A minimum of (1) one high-visibility safety apparel (vest, jacket or shirt), per wrecker vehicle, in compliance with 2009 MUTCD section 6D.03.

(13)Safety Apparel while in right-of-way. Each wrecker operator or driver shall wear high visibility safety apparel, in compliance with 2009 MUTCD section 6D.03, when working in any highway right-of-way.

(b)Class AA Wrecker Vehicles. Each Class AA wrecker vehicle, in addition to the equipment required by subsection (a), shall be equipped with the following:

(1)Scotch Blocks. Two (2) scotch blocks, or similar devices, capable of adding stability to the wrecker during winching. Scotch blocks shall be constructed of steel plate with a chain or cable of sufficient grade and quality to attach to the frame or body of the wrecker. Hydraulic stabilizing equipment shall be approved. (NOTE: Roll-back wrecker vehicles are exempt from this requirement.)

(2)Dollies. Dollies for the purpose of providing a method of towing a disabled vehicle which is otherwise incapable of being towed safely on either axle. (NOTE: Roll-back wrecker vehicles are exempt from this requirement.)

(3)Axe. One (1) axe.

(4)Pry-bar. One (1) pry-bar or wrecking bar capable of prying open doors.

(5)Sling and Stay-bar. One (1) sling and stay-bar, wheel lift device, or other type of device capable of safely loading and protecting the disabled vehicle while being towed.

(6)Dual Rear Wheels. At least one (1) set of dual rear wheels for stability in towing another vehicle.

(7)Winch. A winch or winches permanently mounted at the rear of the vehicle with a minimum factory rated capacity of eight thousand pounds (8,000 lbs.) and equipped with a cable to be compatible with manufacturer's specifications and be of sufficient length based on the design of the wrecker vehicle.

(8)Absorbent. An adequate supply of an absorbent capable of absorbing liquid spills from vehicles (not including cargo spills); provided, the wrecker service or wrecker operator shall not be required to pick up or dispose of the used absorbent. The Department recommends keeping at least four (4) gallons of absorbent on each wrecker vehicle.

(9)Hydraulic Jack. One (1) hydraulic bottleneck jack or floor jack with a minimum two and a half ton rating.

(10)Basic equipment list:

(A) First Aid kit

(B) Trash bags (33 gal. min.) or 5- gallon buckets (2)

(C) Flashlight

(D) Wire/Cable cutter pliers (8")

(E) Jumper cables or Jumper Box

(F) Safety glasses (1pr)

(G) Traffic cones (3) MUTCD compliant

(H) Adjustable pliers

(I) Rubber gloves and or work gloves (PPE gear)

(c)Class AA-TM Wrecker Vehicles. Each Class AA-TM wrecker (medium truck wrecker), in addition to the equipment required by subsection (a and b), shall be equipped with the following:

(1)Minimum Vehicle Requirements.

(A)Air Brakes. Factory or certified installed full air brakes with a full tractor package (hand control, in line foot valve, air hoses and trailer emergency valve) capable of releasing the air brakes on a tractor-trailer and capable of operating the brakes of the towed vehicle with the same application as the towing vehicle.

(B)Parking Brake. Air-activated spring parking brake.

(C)GVWR Compatibility. Wrecker body and equipment shall be compatible with the chassis GVWR in size and shall be suitable by design to operate under emergency conditions.

(i) Vehicle body must be capable of safely anchoring scotch blocks.

(ii) Vehicle must be designed to adequately anchor snatch blocks.

(2)Equipment Requirements.

(A)Winch. A winch or winches permanently mounted at the rear of the vehicle with a minimum factory rated capacity of thirty thousand pounds (30,000 lbs.) and be equipped with a cable to be compatible with manufacturer's specifications and be of sufficient length based on the design of the wrecker vehicle.

(B)Boom. A boom or booms constructed so as to be compatible with winch rating.

(C)Snatch Blocks. A minimum of two (2) snatch blocks compatible with winch cable size and cable rating.

(D)Sling and Stay-bar. One (1) sling and stay-bar, wheel lift device, or other type of device capable of safely loading and protecting the disabled vehicle while being towed.

(d)Class AA-TL Wrecker Vehicles.

(1)Minimum Vehicle Requirements.

(A)Air Brakes. Factory-installed or certified installed full air brakes with a full tractor package (hand control, in-line foot valve, air hoses, and trailer emergency valve) capable of releasing the air brakes on a tractor-trailer and capable of operating the brakes of the towed vehicle with the same application as the wrecker.

(B)Parking Brake. Air-activated spring parking brake.

(C)Axle and Suspension.

(i) Minimum front axle and suspension of twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.). (Note: GVWR rating are altered or affected by tires, springs and axles.)

(ii) Minimum rear axle and suspension combination of thirty-two thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.).

(iii) Be equipped with full-driven tandem axle (NOTE: A drag axle or pusher axle is not acceptable).

(D)Wheel Base: Chassis must have a minimum Wheel base of 280 (two hundred and eighty) inches. 200 inches will be allowed on vehicles previously licensed if they have a hydraulic wheel lift, spades and an additional operator.

(E)GVWR Compatibility. Wrecker body and equipment shall be compatible with chassis GVWR and size and shall be suitable by design to operate under emergency conditions.

(i) Body must be capable of safely anchoring scotch blocks.

(ii) Must be designed to adequately anchor snatch blocks.

(2)Equipment Requirements.

(A) Winches must be maintained with at least 75% capacity of the manufactures recommended length of wire or synthetic rope. Must have at least 2 (two) winches with a minimum combined capacity of 40,000 (forty thousand) lbs.

(B) Boom(s): Wrecker unit must have a factory built or certified 25 (twenty-five) minimum ton boom rating that is an elevating and telescoping recovery boom.

(C) Wrecker unit must have a factory built or certified hydraulic telescoping wheel lift.

(D) Large truck requirements:

(i) 2 or more air hoses 3/8", with combined minimum length of 100' (feet)

(ii) Cage Bolts (8)

(iii) Two Air outlets on the wrecker for emergency and service line activation

(iv) Metric and Standard end wrench sets with minimum 3/8" 1/4" to 1" and 8mm to 19mm

(v) Metric and Standard 1/2" drive socket set and ratchet with minimum 1/4" to 1" and 8mm to 19mm

(vi) Hydraulic or pneumatic jack with 10-ton min. rating

(vii) 10 gallons of absorbent material

(viii) 2.5 lb. Sledge/shop hammer

(ix) 2 pr. Locking pliers

(x) 4 axle covers

(xi) 5 traffic cones (MUTCD compliant)

(xii) Saddle Tank fluid mitigation compound (Plug and Dyke or other similar product).

(xiii) Minimum of 4 (four) snatch blocks that are recommended for the size of rope contained on the winches.

(xiv) Minimum of sixty feet (60') of one- half inch (1/2 ") Grade 80 Recovery Chain with hooks.

(xv) 2 (two) - one- inch (1") screw pin clevises.

(xvi) 2 (two) - one- half inch (1/2") screw pin clevises

Okla. Admin. Code § 595:25-5-2

Amended at 13 Ok Reg 2821, eff 6-28-96; Amended at 15 Ok Reg 3311, eff 7-13-98; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 3158, eff 7-12-99; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 3011, eff 7-25-04; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 2700, eff 7-25-05; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2777, eff 8-15-07; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 2801, eff 9-12-08; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 303, eff 10-19-10 (emergency); Amended at 28 Ok Reg 2089, eff 7-15-11

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 34, Issue 24, September 1, 2017, eff. 9/11/2017

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 35, Issue 24, September 4, 2018, eff. 9/17/2018

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 36, Issue 21, July 15, 2019, eff. 7/25/2019

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 40, Issue 22, August 1, 2023, eff. 8/11/2023