31-18-808. Towing oversize disabled vehicles.

(a) The width, height and length limitations prescribed in W.S. 31-18-802 and 31-18-804 do not apply to damaged, disabled or abandoned vehicles or combinations of vehicles in compliance with W.S. 31-18-802 or 31-18-804, while being towed by a tow truck or otherwise transported in compliance with regulations of the department. The limitation on the number of vehicles in combination imposed by W.S. 31-18-802 may be exceeded for the purpose of towing disabled or abandoned vehicles or vehicle combinations from highways to the nearest point of safekeeping where the vehicle or vehicles can safely be reduced in size to comply with W.S. 31-18-802 whereby the safety of the disabled vehicle or other traffic will be maintained.

(b) The towing vehicle shall be:

(i) Specifically designed for the operation;

(ii) Equipped with amber flashing lights; and

(iii) Capable of utilizing the lighting and braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination of vehicles if the systems are operational.

(c) The highway patrol shall be notified prior to the operation of a combination of vehicles under this section on the highways of the state.

(d) A vehicle transporting disabled vehicles other than by towing shall be equipped with amber flashing lights or be accompanied by a vehicle with amber flashing lights.

(e) The director or his authorized representative may issue a permit, effective for one (1) year, authorizing the movements of disabled or abandoned vehicles or vehicle combinations that exceed the maximum weights authorized under W.S. 31-18-802(a)(v), while being towed by a tow truck or otherwise transported in compliance with regulations of the department. The fee for an annual permit issued under this subsection shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) per tow truck.