39:3-84.7 Issuance of distinctive markers, license plates for tow trucks; fee.

2. a. Unless determined otherwise by the director pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the director shall issue distinctive markers for tow trucks operating under the provisions of this act. A fee of $25 annually shall be charged for such markers. The fee for such markers is in addition to the fees otherwise prescribed by law for the registration of motor vehicles and the amount received from the fees shall be annually appropriated to the department to defray costs incurred by the division in issuing the markers and implementing the provisions of P.L.1999, c.396 (C.39:3-84.6 et al.). The markers shall be available for tow trucks in two gross weight categories: light-medium duty and heavy-duty. The markers for each weight category shall have distinctive features.

b. The director may issue, in lieu of markers issued pursuant to subsection a. of this section, license plates for tow trucks operating under the provisions of this act. The license plates shall be issued for 12 months upon the filing of an application pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1999, c.396 (C.39:3-84.8) and upon payment of the registration fee. A surcharge on the registration fee shall be imposed by the director in the amount of $25 and the amount received from the surcharge shall be annually appropriated to the department to defray costs incurred by the division in issuing the plates and implementing the provisions of P.L.1999, c.396 (C.39:3-84.6 et al.). The plates shall be available for tow trucks in two gross weight categories: light-medium duty and heavy-duty. The plates for each weight category shall have distinctive features conspicuous to passing motorists.

c. A person shall not operate or offer to operate a tow truck to tow, winch, or otherwise move a motor vehicle for any direct or indirect compensation unless the tow truck displays the proper marker or valid tow truck license plate issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles pursuant to this act. The director may exempt tow trucks that meet the definition of an apportioned vehicle pursuant to section 21 of P.L.1995, c.157 (C.39:3-6.11) from the requirement to display a tow truck license plate.

L.1999,c.396,s.2.