Securing Vehicles Towed on a Wheel Lift

Towing operations are exempt from the regulation when they are responding to emergencies according to section 390.23(a)(3) and the equivalent in Canadian jurisdictions. However, several Towing operations are not done under that provision. There seems to be a lack of consistency on how to properly secure wheel lift operations. Are the means of securing vehicles towed on a wheel lift considered cargo securement, a coupling device or something else? Once this is sorted out, which requirement would apply? Options that are out there are: -Towed vehicle tires sitting in the wheel lift is sufficient, -Towed vehicle must be secured to the wheel lift, -Towed vehicle must be secured to the towing vehicle via safety chains, wires etc.

Towing operations include more than just cars, it also involves commercial vehicles. Particularly with commercial vehicle towing, the operations are often not limited to just one jurisdiction. Being legal in one jurisdiction does not guarantee they are legal in others. This topic is road safety and it involves commercial vehicles. The industry is in this predicament on a daily basis.

Find a way to regulate this type of transport at a federal level in order to attain consistency in the requirements. Our associations will offer help in determining the best resolution possible. Attached is an example of what could be in the regulation. The chains are hooked in special receptacles in the frame of the towed vehicle. They are locked on the wheel lift to prevent bouncing and then used as safety chains back to the towing vehicle. There is also straps holding the tire in the wheel lift.