[Adopted 12-14-2020 by Ord. No. 20-31[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Art. VII, Wreckers, adopted 4-14-64, as amended in its entirety 11-28-16 by Ord. No. 16-19.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CONDITIONAL HOLD
Refers to a hold placed upon an impounded vehicle by a police officer that must be satisfied prior to the vehicle being released to the owner. In certain situations, this type of hold may be utilized to verify proof of ownership, valid license, valid registration, valid insurance, etc.
CONTRACT WRECKER
The wrecker company selected from the police tow list that submits an annual bid that is accepted by the Department of Public Safety and provides specialized pricing for all towing services that are utilized for Township-owned vehicles and police impounds that involve further police investigations and storage at the Police Impound Storage Facility.
DECOUPLING
Releasing a vehicle to its owner or operator when the vehicle has been, or is about to be, hooked or lifted by a wrecker operator, but prior to the vehicle actually having been moved or removed from the property.
HEAVY VEHICLE
Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 16,001 pounds and above.
LIGHT VEHICLE
Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 10,000 pounds or less.
MEDIUM VEHICLE
Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 10,001 pounds to 16,000 pounds.
OPERATOR
Anyone who engages in the business of operating a wrecker.
POLICE TOW LIST WRECKER LICENSE
Required of any wrecker operator who applies for and is approved to be part of the East Brunswick Police tow list. It also entitles an operator who qualifies for fatal accident wrecker response, as determined pursuant to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office guidelines, to be called by the police department for fatal and potentially fatal accidents. Any wrecker operator who successfully obtains a police tow list wrecker license shall not be required to obtain a separate basic wrecker license.
ROAD SERVICE
An emergency service involving a wrecker operator to respond to a location to provide roadside assistance, which may include fuel delivery, locksmith service, tire replacement, or a battery jump-start.
WINCHING AND RECOVERY SERVICE
The use of one or more techniques such as the use of airbags, winching, hoisting, uprighting, removing, or otherwise relocating a vehicle when the vehicle is found in such a location, state or position in which it could not remove itself from the location, state or position under the use of its own power, even if it were in complete operating condition. Winching a vehicle onto a wrecker as part of a basic towing service shall not be considered a chargeable winching service.
WRECKER
A vehicle used to tow or remove another vehicle.
Every wrecker operator who is based in the Township of East Brunswick must be licensed by the Township. In addition, every wrecker operator who applies for a police tow list wrecker license must be licensed by the Township and meet the requirements of this wrecker article.
A. 
Wrecker license applications must be obtained from the Township Clerk. Completed applications, along with a sketch of the property indicating where towed vehicles will be stored, must be returned to the Township Clerk with the appropriate fee. A photocopy of all operators' current driver's licenses must be attached to the wrecker license application.
B. 
The Township's Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer shall ensure that every East Brunswick based wrecker business location is in a zone approved for wrecker operations.
C. 
In accordance with § 135-4, wrecker license investigations shall be conducted by the East Brunswick Police Department. An officer from the Special Operations Section shall conduct the actual investigation. The investigation shall include a motor vehicle record check of all wrecker license applicants and their drivers. Each wrecker company must be personally inspected by the Special Operations officer to ensure compliance with the following requirements:
(1) 
A valid DMV registration and, if required, a valid inspection.
(2) 
A valid DMV amber light permit.
(3) 
Insurance:
(a) 
Garage liability insurance. Limit of liability insurance shall not be less than $500,000 combined single limit (bodily injury and property damage) per occurrence, including premises operations and products/completed operations.
(b) 
Automobile liability insurance. Limit of liability shall not be less than $500,000 combined single limit (bodily injury and property damage) per occurrence.
(c) 
Garagekeepers insurance. Physical damage insurance policies shall be specifically endorsed to provide direct primary insurance, where applicable, for vehicles in tow, possession of, or storage on property owned or controlled by the owner of the wrecker. Limit on said coverage shall not be less than $100,000.
(d) 
Excess umbrella insurance. Limit of liability shall not be less than $1,000,000 providing protection in excess of $500,000 garage and auto liability coverage. Note: This requirement may be waived if the limits of liability in Subsections C(3)(a) and (b) are not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit.
(e) 
Workers compensation insurance. New Jersey statutory coverage, including employers liability coverage.
(4) 
Emergency lights visible at 1/4 mile and can be seen over the towed vehicle.
(5) 
One fire extinguisher (five pound carbon dioxide or dry powder).
(6) 
One broom and a debris container.
(7) 
One steering lock bar.
(8) 
The business name and location on the wrecker (N.J.S.A. 39:4-46).
(9) 
A minimum of five gallons of absorbent granules for cleaning up fluid spills.
(10) 
A reflectorized safety vest.
(11) 
Portable lighting equipment (heavy wreckers only).
(12) 
The wrecker and its equipment must be in good condition.
D. 
The results of each investigation and inspection shall be reported to the Township Council, which shall approve or reject the application within 30 days after receiving the written report of the investigation and inspection. In addition to the reasons set forth in § 135-4, wrecker license applications may be denied for any of the following reasons:
(1) 
Incomplete, inaccurate or falsified application.
(2) 
Unsafe or inadequate towing vehicles and/or equipment.
(3) 
Noncompliance with the Township's wrecker article.
(4) 
The business location is not in a zone where the use is permitted (East Brunswick locations only).
(5) 
The owner pleaded guilty or was convicted of a zoning or property maintenance violation in East Brunswick during the 12 months preceding the application date.
(6) 
Criminal or motor vehicle convictions of the owner or his employees which, in the reasonable belief of the Special Operations Section Commander, would jeopardize the safety of customers.
(7) 
Inadequate or unsecured storage facility.
E. 
Wrecker licenses shall be issued by the Township Clerk upon the approval of the application by the Township Council. All licenses shall expire on December 31 of each year.
A. 
The annual fee for a license to operate a wrecker shall be determined by the following schedule:
License Type
Annual Fee
Basic wrecker license - regular wrecker
$100
Basic wrecker license - heavy wrecker
$100
Police tow list wrecker license - regular wrecker
$250
Police tow list wrecker license - heavy wrecker
$250
B. 
Any applicant wishing to provide light- and heavy-duty towing services must fill out two separate applications and pay two separate fees.
A. 
Business location. A base of operation that is staffed during normal business hours every weekday and Saturdays, excluding holidays. The business must be clearly marked with signs identifying the name of the business and the hours of operation. The business location must include a fenced-in lot for the storage of towed vehicles. In lieu of a fence, a well-lit storage lot located within the Township of East Brunswick which can be easily observed by passing patrol cars is acceptable. However, if the Special Operations Section Commander determines at any time that the security of the lot is inadequate, he/she may require the installation of a security fence, additional lighting, and/or security cameras in order for the operator to maintain a police tow list wrecker license.
B. 
Light/medium vehicle wreckers. An operator's business location, including the storage yard, must be within 3 1/2 miles of the East Brunswick Municipal Building. All operators must also meet the response time requirements listed under § 135-51B.
C. 
Heavy wreckers. An operator's business location, including the storage yard, shall be located within East Brunswick Township, or immediately adjacent thereto, in order to ensure response time as required by § 135-51B.
A. 
Assignment of services.
(1) 
Towing services are assigned to police tow list wrecker operators on a rotational basis. However, when a need arises for an expeditious tow, the nearest licensed wrecker operator may be called. If the operator is on the rotational tow list, the call shall count as the operator's next turn. Subsequent wrecker requests shall be assigned to the operators who were skipped. When a motorist requests a specific wrecker company (customer request), and the company is on the police tow list, the requested wrecker company shall be called. This shall count as the wrecker company's next turn. Police tow logs shall be available for inspection by any licensed operator during regular business hours.
(2) 
Such additional rules and regulations regarding the rotation of wreckers, as may be hereafter promulgated by the Township Council, shall take effect immediately after service of a copy thereof on approved towing operators in the Township. Service upon an approved towing operator may be made by sending, by ordinary mail, a copy of the additional rules and regulations to the approved towing operator's business address.
(3) 
Nothing in this section shall prevent the owner, lessee, agent or driver of a vehicle which is disabled from calling a wrecker of choice to remove the vehicle unless the vehicle is obstructing traffic, affecting a restricted area or zone, or otherwise creating a hazard, and the wrecker of choice is not able to respond in a timely manner.
(4) 
When dealing with a serious or fatal motor vehicle accident, the responding wrecker company will be chosen by the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office after there are clear and definitive communications with the representatives of the agencies involved in the investigation at the time of the crash. The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office will determine the vendor to be utilized, the storage facility to be utilized, and who will be responsible for towing and storage fees incurred. If the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office determines that such services do not need to be handled by the county-contracted vendor, then the primary agency shall utilize their contracted vendor to tow the vehicle(s) and have the vehicle(s) stored in an appropriate secure facility.
B. 
Response times.
(1) 
From the time of dispatch by police headquarters, wreckers shall arrive on the scene within the following time limits:
(a) 
Light/medium vehicle wrecker:
[1] 
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: 20 minutes.
[2] 
6:01 p.m. to 7:59 a.m.: 25 minutes.
(b) 
Heavy vehicle wrecker:
[1] 
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: 25 minutes.
[2] 
6:01 p.m. to 7:59 a.m.: 35 minutes.
(2) 
When a police tow list wrecker operator's response time exceeds the time limits, the wrecker may be cancelled, which would result in the loss of a turn on the rotational tow list. The next operator on the police tow list may then be dispatched. Prevailing weather and road conditions should be considered prior to cancelling a wrecker for excessive response time. In addition to losing a turn on the rotational tow list, police tow list wrecker operators who exceed the response time limits shall be subject to the penalties set forth in § 135-56 for each violation.
C. 
Availability. All police tow list wrecker operators must provide twenty-four-hour, seven-day per week service. In addition, they must respond to a minimum of 80% of their calls each month. The Special Operations Section will monitor compliance by conducting a monthly review of the Police Department's tow records.
D. 
Routine tows without police holds. Vehicles towed shall be immediately taken to the wrecker operator's business location unless the driver of the vehicle or the police request otherwise. Vehicles shall be locked and parked in the secure area of the operator's business location. If any of the vehicle's windows are broken, a tarp or other nonporous material shall be applied to protect the vehicle's interior from the elements.
E. 
Impoundment of vehicles with conditional holds.
(1) 
Impounded vehicles shall be immediately taken to the wrecker operator's business location unless the police request otherwise. Vehicles shall be locked and parked in the secure area of the operator's business location. If any of the vehicle's windows are broken, a tarp or other nonporous material shall be applied to protect the vehicle's interior from the elements.
(2) 
The officer authorizing the impoundment of the vehicle shall advise the wrecker operator at the scene that the vehicle has a conditional hold. The owner of the motor vehicle shall be required to satisfy the requirements of the hold and obtain a release authorization form from the East Brunswick Police Department. A release authorization form shall be available to pick up from the East Brunswick Police Department 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, provided the hold has been satisfied. The signed release authorization form must be submitted to the wrecker company prior to the release of the impounded vehicle.
(3) 
In certain situations when an owner of a vehicle fails to satisfy the conditional hold, he or she may elect to arrange for a private tow company, at his or her own expense, to tow the vehicle from the impound location to private property that he or she has ownership or legal control over. The owner shall obtain a release authorization form from the East Brunswick Police Department after indicating what wrecker company will be retrieving the vehicle and where it will be taken. The officer completing the release authorization form will verify the information and indicate it on the form itself. The signed release authorization form must be submitted to the wrecker company prior to the release of the impounded vehicle.
(4) 
Impounded vehicles will only be released to the registered owner. In the event a registered owner is unable to obtain the release authorization form and pick up the vehicle, he or she may submit a notarized letter designating an alternate person.
F. 
Impoundment of vehicles requiring further police investigation.
(1) 
Vehicles that require impoundment and are subject to further police investigation, such as but not limited to search warrants, evidence, or forfeiture proceedings, shall be impounded utilizing the contract wrecker.
(2) 
Impounded vehicles requiring further police investigation shall be immediately taken to the East Brunswick Police Impound Storage Facility. If any of the vehicle's windows are broken, a tarp or other nonporous material shall be applied to protect the vehicle's interior from the elements unless the vehicle is secured indoors.
(3) 
The Investigative Division Commander or his/her designee will be responsible for authorizing the release of any vehicle secured at the East Brunswick Police Impound Storage Facility.
G. 
Storage of vehicles; notification to owner; auctions.
(1) 
Vehicles that are towed to a wrecker operator's business location shall remain there until which time the vehicle is retrieved by the owner/lienholder or until the vehicle is sold at public auction.
(2) 
The maximum number of vehicles which may be stored on an East-Brunswick-based operator's property shall conform to the sketch approved by the Township's Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer.
(3) 
After a vehicle is stored and unclaimed for 15 business days, the wrecker operator's business location shall make notification to the Special Operations Section via telephone, mail, facsimile, or email indicating that the vehicle in question has not been claimed. The Special Operations Section will then send a notice by first-class mail, with a certificate of mailing, and shall include a schedule of the costs imposed for storing the motor vehicle and instructions explaining how the owner and/or lienholder of the vehicle may reclaim the vehicle.
(4) 
After five business days from the date the owner and/or lienholder received the notification letter as indicated on the first-class mail certificate of mailing, the Special Operations Section may apply to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for an abandonment title for the vehicle in question with the intention of selling it at the next scheduled public auction.
(5) 
The Township of East Brunswick shall reserve the right to hold public auctions of motor vehicles that have been deemed abandoned pursuant to the terms and regulations set forth in N.J.S.A. 39:10A-1.
(6) 
Prior to the time of any public auction, wrecker operators shall allow the public to inspect the vehicles to be sold at such public auction during the publicized inspection dates and times. Inspections of vehicles are limited to visual inspections only. Any wrecker operator who takes any actions to impede, delay, defer, prohibit or interfere with an inspection of a vehicle that is publicized for public auction shall be subject to penalty.
(7) 
The opening bid for vehicles being auctioned shall be the sum of the towing and storage fees accrued. Any vehicle that fails to sell at public auction will have its abandonment title turned over to the wrecker operator that has the outstanding lien for towing and storage charges in lieu of any payments.
A. 
As of January 1, 2021, the maximum rates that can be charged by any licensed wrecker operator are as follows:
(1) 
Road service.
(a) 
Light vehicles: $125 per hour plus parts.
(b) 
Medium/heavy vehicles: $175 per hour plus parts.
(2) 
Towing - basic.
(a) 
Light vehicles (up to 10,000 pounds GVW): $150.
(b) 
Medium vehicles (10,001 pounds to 16,000 pounds GVW): $250.
(c) 
Heavy vehicles (16,001 pounds GVW and above): $500.
(d) 
Decoupling (if tow is not performed): 1/2 of basic rate.
(3) 
On-hook extra mileage.
(a) 
Within the Township of East Brunswick: no charge.
(b) 
Outside of the Township of East Brunswick: $6 per mile.
(4) 
Winching and recovery service.
(a) 
Light/medium vehicle: $100 per 1/2 hour.
(b) 
Heavy vehicle: $200 per 1/2 hour.
(5) 
Specialized recovery equipment.
(a) 
Rotator/crane recovery unit: $1,200 per hour.
(b) 
Tractor with landoll trailer: $450 per hour.
(c) 
Air cushion unit: $1,000 per hour.
(d) 
Light tower: $250 per hour.
(e) 
Pallet jack: $200 flat rate.
(f) 
Rollers: $200 flat rate.
(g) 
Forklift: $300 per hour.
(6) 
Labor.
(a) 
Accident cleanup (reasonable and customary): no charge.
(b) 
Significant accident cleanup (documentable): $75 per hour.
(7) 
Storage.
(a) 
Light/medium vehicles: $35 per day.
(b) 
Heavy vehicles: $100 per day.
(8) 
Additional services.
(a) 
Absorbent material/speedy dry (up to five gallons): $45.
(b) 
Haz-mat/cargo spills cleanup/disposal: time and material.
(c) 
Tarping/wrapping light/medium vehicles: $90.
(d) 
Tarping/wrapping heavy vehicles: $250.
B. 
After the first hour, all hourly billable rates will be charged in half-hour increments.
C. 
Storage fees shall be assessed against the owner or responsible party by the wrecker operator beginning the first business day after the vehicle was towed. Storage fees shall not be assessed for the day of pickup or any other day that the business location was closed to the public.
D. 
Storage fees may only be assessed for a maximum of 20 business days.
E. 
Storage and towing charges shall be clearly indicated by the wrecker operator on a Township-provided receipt form.
F. 
Any additional charges must be justified by a documented need for additional personnel, equipment, and/or supplies.
G. 
A wrecker operator and a motorist may agree to the payment of a fee in excess of the amount specified in this section when unusual difficulties and/or distances are involved. Such agreements shall be without prejudice to the right of the motorist to apply to the Chief of Police for a refund of part of the fee paid on the grounds that it was exorbitant or that the motorist was induced to pay it by reason of misrepresentation, duress or some other unfair conduct by the wrecker operator.
H. 
If a motorist requests to have his or her vehicle taken to a location within the Township other than the wrecker operator's business location, and there is no conditional hold, the wrecker operator shall comply if the motorist has either cash or a credit card to pay for the tow charges. There shall be no additional charge for towing a vehicle to any location within the Township of East Brunswick.
I. 
If the wrecker operator's business location is based outside of the Township of East Brunswick, there shall be no additional charge for towing a vehicle to the operator's business location.
J. 
If a motorist requests to have his or her vehicle taken outside the Township, but within Middlesex County, and the wrecker operator is able to comply with the request, there will be an additional per-mile fee for each mile outside of the Township of East Brunswick. The motorist shall be responsible for negotiating the terms of a tow beyond the boundaries of Middlesex County if the wrecker operator can accommodate the request.
K. 
No wrecker operator shall request, demand or receive any commission, gratuity or other payment other than the established or agreed-upon fee for towing a vehicle.
L. 
No wrecker operator shall refuse to accept Mastercard, Visa or cash as payment for services. In addition, the motorist shall not be required to respond to the business location to complete the transaction.
M. 
Wrecker operators shall provide every customer with a Township of East Brunswick wrecker bill, which shall serve as a receipt for the towing and storage fees assessed and paid. Blank receipt forms are available from the Special Operations Section at no charge to licensed wrecker operators. The receipts shall explain the right to appeal to the Chief of Police if a customer feels the charges are excessive.
The application to the Chief of Police provided for in § 135-52G shall be made within 30 days of the incident. It shall be in writing and contain sufficient information to properly identify the date, time and place, as well as the parties involved in the incident. Upon receiving the application, the Chief of Police shall set a date for a hearing and notify all parties involved. The hearing shall be conducted in the manner provided in Article XVII of Chapter 3, Administration of Government, of this Code. The Chief of Police shall determine what part, if any, of the fee was exorbitant or was paid as a result of misrepresentation, duress or other unfair practices. The amount determined by the Chief of Police shall be immediately refunded to the complainant by the wrecker operator. Failure to immediately refund the overcharge will subject the operator to license revocation proceedings in accordance with § 135-56.1.
In addition to the information required by § 135-2, applicants shall submit a signed application as follows.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The application form for a wrecker license is included as an attachment to this chapter.
A. 
The following information shall be prominently displayed on the driver's side of every licensed wrecker:
(1) 
The Township of East Brunswick wrecker license number.
(2) 
The name, address and telephone number of the owner.
(3) 
The date of inspection of safety equipment.
B. 
No driver or owner of a wrecker shall attempt to divert patrons of one garage to another garage or repair facility.
C. 
No driver of a wrecker shall engage in "cruising," as defined in § 135-46, or otherwise interfere with the progress of traffic on public highways.
D. 
All wrecker operators and their agents and/or employees are required to wear ANSI traffic vests with adequate reflective material for night use when working in the roadway.
E. 
All wrecker operators and their agents and/or employees shall comply with § 209-17.1, regarding the parking of trucks and commercial vehicles on East Brunswick Township streets between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. In addition, they shall also comply with § 228-224C(2) at all times in residential areas, including private driveways, if the vehicle dimensions exceed the limits specified in the chapter.
F. 
All wrecker operators and their agents and/or employees shall perform reasonable cleanup of all debris associated with an accident or breakdown. All debris and fluid spills shall be removed from the scene and disposed of properly by the wrecker operator and/or his employee. All licensed wreckers shall carry a minimum of five gallons of absorbent granules for motor vehicle fluid spills.
G. 
All wrecker operators and their agents and/or employees shall be experienced in the towing of vehicles. Unsafe or improper towing methods may result in immediate suspension from the police tow list. A basic wrecker license may be revoked by the Township Council after notice and hearing in accordance with § 135-8.
H. 
All wrecker operators are responsible for ensuring that their agents and/or employees are familiar with this article. Wrecker operators shall be held responsible for any violations of this ordinance by their agents and/or employees.
I. 
Before a new driver may operate a licensed operator's wrecker, he must first be investigated and approved in accordance with § 135-48A and D(6).
J. 
Every year, typically during the month of December, a meeting will be held at police headquarters for all licensed wrecker operators. A representative of every licensee shall be present at the annual meeting.
A. 
Hold harmless. The owner and/or operator of the wrecker shall agree, in writing, to assume the defense of and indemnify and hold harmless the Township, its elected officials, boards, commissions, officers, employees and agents, from all suits, actions, damages or claims, fees, costs, expenses, fines or penalties to which the Township may be subjected of any kind and nature whatsoever resulting from, caused by, arising out of or as a consequence of the provisions of towing, wrecking, storage and/or emergency services provided at the request of the Township pursuant to this section. Wrecker companies shall enter into a hold harmless agreement in a form prepared by the Township prior to being included on the police tow list.
B. 
Insurance.
(1) 
The owner of each licensed wrecker shall maintain, during the life of the approval, insurance policies of the type and with the minimum limits indicated below and in a form satisfactory to the Township. The owner and/or operator of each approved wrecker shall provide a certified copy of the policies and/or certificates of insurance satisfactory to the Township prior to commencement of work. All policies and/or certificates shall be submitted to the Township risk management consultant 30 days in advance of work by the owner and/or operator of a wrecker for review and approval.
(2) 
On all liability policies, the Township shall be added as an additional insured, and insurance policies and/or certificates shall indicate such coverage as primary coverage notwithstanding any insurance carried by the Township.
(3) 
Each insurance policy or certificate of insurance shall contain a provision that it is not subject to material change, cancellation or nonrenewal unless 30 days' prior written notice via certified mail/return receipt shall have been given to the Township by the insurance company of the owner and/or operator of the wrecker, except that 10 days' prior written notice shall have been given in the event of cancellation due to nonpayment of premium (hereinafter the "wrecker's insurance company").
(4) 
The providing of any insurance required herein does not relieve the wrecker company of any of the responsibilities or obligations assumed by the owner of the wrecker for which the owner of the wrecker may be liable by law or otherwise.
(5) 
If any policies contain deductible or copayments, it shall be the responsibility of the owner and/or operator of the wrecker company to pay such sums at the same time a claim is settled by the wrecker company's insurance company.
(6) 
If any policies contain limits of liability with an aggregate limit, the owner and/or operator of the wrecker company or the wrecker company's insurance company shall provide the Township, quarterly during the policy period, a statement evidencing the limits of liability required under the contract to be in force.
(7) 
Failure to provide and continue in force such insurance as required above and as specified in § 135-48C(3) shall be deemed a material breach of the license and shall cause an immediate termination thereof.
(8) 
All policies shall be written in either a company licensed to do business in the State of New Jersey or a New Jersey eligible Surplus Lines Company with a minimum Best A-VII (A minus seven). They shall be written on an ISO (insurances service office) form or better.
A. 
No person shall be liable to any person who tows or stores a private passenger automobile which was damaged in an accident or recovered after being reported stolen for any fees in excess of those permitted by the towing and storage fees schedule contained herein and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 11:3-38.4; and
B. 
The fees set forth for towing and storage are the maximum rates allowed for a vehicle towed by a wrecker company as a result of an accident or theft recovery or crime investigation. There shall be no additional charges other than those provided in this section in accordance with N.J.A.C. 11:3-38, including but not limited to flat-bedding, waiting time, winching, uprighting, cleanup cost, and additional labor.
A. 
No approved operator shall solicit, demand or receive from any person, any pay, commission or employment whatever, except the proper fee authorized for transporting the disabled or damaged vehicle in accordance with the schedule of towing rates and other charges in § 135-52, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 11:3-38.6.
B. 
An approved wrecker company shall keep and maintain towing equipment which is adequate to perform such towing in reasonably workmanlike manner.
C. 
Each approved wrecker company shall record in a book, kept solely for such purpose, the details of each vehicle towed in the Township of East Brunswick, serviced or transported by him or his designee or servants or employees, together with full information concerning the details surrounding the hire, the name of the owner of the towed vehicle and of the patron engaging him. The book shall be kept open for inspection at all times to a duly authorized representative of the East Brunswick Police Department.
D. 
Each approved wrecker company must adhere to all state laws and regulations governing towing services.
E. 
Each approved towing operator shall treat vehicle owners, operators and passengers courteously.
F. 
Each approved towing company shall require that the driver of a wrecker shall provide each customer with a receipt showing all fees paid by that customer.
G. 
Each approved wrecker company must permit retrieval of a vehicle by any authorized party, including but not limited to an insurance adjuster, the owner, or the owner's designee.
H. 
Each approved wrecker company shall display, at the cashier's counter, a clearly visible sign that shall include the Township of East Brunswick storage fees and rates pursuant to § 135-52 and shall also include a contact number for the East Brunswick Police Department for any complaints.
A. 
The East Brunswick Police Department generally, and the Chief of Police or his/her designee particularly, are hereby designated as the supervising authorities to enforce the provisions of this section.
B. 
Suspension. The Chief of Police or his/her designee is hereby empowered to temporarily suspend for cause any wrecker company's approval and rights to operate thereunder.
C. 
Grounds for suspension. Violations of any provisions of this article, any other applicable law, regulation, or Township ordinance, illegal, improper, or fraudulent activity, or substandard performance or service shall constitute grounds for suspension.
D. 
Procedure for suspension. Upon a determination that appropriate grounds exist and that suspension is warranted, the Chief of Police or his/her designee shall issue written notice thereof to the offending wrecker company. The notice shall advise of the suspension, state the basis and duration thereof, establish the conditions for reinstatement, and inform the offending wrecker company of the right to appeal the suspension in accordance with § 135-56.1.
E. 
For a violation of any provision of this wrecker article, except § 135-51B (wrecker response time limits), police tow list wrecker licensees shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) 
First violation in any given calendar year will result in a warning letter.
(2) 
Second violation in any given calendar year will result in a fifteen-day suspension from the police tow list.
(3) 
Third violation in any given calendar year will result in a thirty-day suspension from the police tow list.
(4) 
Fourth violation in any given calendar year will result in a suspension from the police tow list for the remainder of the calendar year, or for 90 days, whichever is greater.
F. 
For a violation of any provision of this wrecker article, including § 135-51B (wrecker response time limits), basic wrecker licensees shall be subject to possible license revocation in accordance with § 135-8.
G. 
For a violation of § 135-51B (wrecker response time limits), police tow list wrecker licensees shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) 
First violation in any given calendar year will result in a warning letter.
(2) 
Second violation in any given calendar year will result in a seven-day suspension from the police tow list.
(3) 
Third violation in any given calendar year will result in a fourteen-day suspension from the police tow list.
(4) 
Fourth violation in any given calendar year will result in a twenty-eight-day suspension from the police tow list.
(5) 
Fifth violation in any given calendar year will result in a suspension from the police tow list for the remainder of the calendar year, or for 56 days, whichever is greater.
A. 
Right to appeal. The rejection of a towing application submitted, or suspension or revocation of a towing approval issued, pursuant to this section may be appealed to the East Brunswick Police Department Chief of Police or his/her designee.
B. 
Time for appeal. Appeals must be filed no later than 45 days from the date of the rejection, suspension, or revocation challenged.
C. 
Procedure for appeal. Requests for an appeal must be timely submitted, in writing, to the Chief of Police or his/her designee. The request must clearly identify the action challenged and include a statement of reasons in support of reversal. The appeal may be decided on the written record or a formal hearing may be conducted, which must be specifically requested. Upon receiving such a request, the Chief of Police or his/her designee shall, within reasonable time, schedule a mutually agreeable date for a hearing.
D. 
Conduct of hearing. The hearing authorized by this section shall be conducted before a three-person panel composed as follows:
(1) 
A superior officer of the East Brunswick Police Department; and
(2) 
The East Brunswick Township Business Administrator; and
(3) 
The East Brunswick Township Mayor's designee.
E. 
Disposition of appeal. After reviewing the aggrieved wrecker company's written submissions and the record of the formal hearing, if any, the panel shall issue a written decision upholding, reversing, or modifying the original determination.
(1) 
If the panel recommends a reversal of a rejection or revocation, its decision shall be forwarded to the Township Council, which, if in agreement, shall adopt a resolution to that effect. Notice of the reversal, together with a copy of the panel's decision and Township Council resolution, shall be sent to the aggrieved party.
(2) 
If the panel recommends reversal or modification of a suspension, it shall so notify the aggrieved party. The notice shall include a copy of the panel's decision and state the conditions for reinstatement, if any.
(3) 
If the original determination is upheld, the panel shall so notify the aggrieved party and provide a copy of its written decision.
The municipal officers and/or agencies designated to enforce the provisions of this article in accordance with due process of law are the East Brunswick Township Police Department's Special Operations Section Commander and the East Brunswick Township Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer, where applicable.