OOSC, Part II, Item 3. Coupling Devices, g. Hitch Systems - Driveaway/Towaway Combination
| Entry Date | November 30, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Issue Number | 20-030-VEH |
| Name | Alexis Crockett |
| Agency | Garland Police Dept |
| Address | 1891 Forest Lngarland, TEXAS, 75042United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab) |
| Phone | 9722054061 |
| Fax | (972) 485-4840 |
| [email protected] | |
| Committee | Vehicle Committee |
| Status | Closed |
| Summary of Issue | 393.71(a)(2) states that no more than one tow-bar or ball-and-socket type coupling device may be used in any combination when dealing with drive away / tow away operations. Transmigrant carriers routinely move combinations of three passenger cars / trucks from the interior of the U.S. down towards the Los Indios port of entry. These operations routinely use two or more ball and socket type coupling devices. I have also seen them used with two tow bar coupling devices. The operation of these vehicles can put them in a g.v.w.r. range that is greater than 10,001 lbs which would make them subject to the regulations. |
| Justification or Need | Although 393.71(a)(2) prohibits the use of two or more tow bar or ball and socket devices on drive away / tow away operations, there is no mention of this in the out of service criteria that would allow roadside inspectors to place these vehicles out of service for it. |
| Request for Action | Please add an out of service item for the use of two or more tow bar / ball and socket coupling devices when used in drive away/tow away operations to the out of service criteria. |