N.M. Admin. Code § 18.19.8.52 - WRECKER SERVICE - MULTIPLE-TRIP SPECIAL PERMIT

A. A multiple-trip special permit may be issued to a wrecker service, commensurate with the class of service authorized. A commercial motor carrier that operates wreckers for towing its own vehicles may also apply for this multiple-trip special permit.

B. A multiple-trip special permit for a wrecker service authorizes continuous movement and movement on holidays and during inclement weather on an emergency basis. The multiple-trip special permit may exclude movement over certain highways or structures.

C. The maximum width allowed when towing vehicles under a multi-trip special permit is 12 feet, including towing on a dolly. This limit includes the width of the towed vehicle plus all load binders or other equipment required to tie or hold the unit together.

D. The maximum height allowed when towing vehicles under a multi-trip special permit is 14 feet. If damage to the wrecked or disabled vehicle causes protruding pieces that cannot be reasonably removed before towing, a height up to 15 feet is allowed.

E. A disabled or wrecked vehicle that exceeds the maximum width or height provided in this section shall not be moved under a multiple-trip special permit. A single-trip special permit shall be obtained for the movement. The DOT may require an escort as a condition of the single-trip special permit.

F. In addition to any other restrictions, the following apply to a wrecker service operating under a multiple-trip special permit:

(1) the towing of one motor vehicle and one trailer in combination is allowed;

(2) a second trailer of a three-unit combination may be towed in combination to the nearest point of safety where it shall be disconnected from the combination being towed;

(3) movement during inclement weather is restricted to movement from the site of disablement or crash to the nearest point of safety;

(4) when towing a single vehicle or combination of vehicles, the driver shall comply with all safety regulations with respect to both the equipment and the driver;

(5) when towing a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles, the wrecker vehicle and the towed vehicle or combination shall be properly flagged and equipped with oversize load signs and any other required warning devices;

(6) unless the towed vehicle or combination has been issued a valid oversize or overweight special permit, the combined weight of the wrecker and the towed vehicle or combination shall not exceed the weight of the wrecker plus 86,400 pounds and the overall length shall not exceed 125 feet.

(7) if the towed vehicle or combination has been issued a valid oversize or overweight special permit and the combined length of the vehicle or combination plus the length of the wrecker exceeds 125 feet or the combined weight of the towed vehicle or combination and the wrecker exceeds the weight of the wrecker plus 86,400 pounds, the vehicle or combination may be towed only to the nearest point of safety. Towing such a vehicle or combination beyond the nearest point of safety requires a single-trip special permit to be issued based on the combined length and weight of the wrecker and the towed vehicle or combination.

G. This section does not authorize trespass on private property.

H. The provisions of this section apply to all classes of wreckers and wrecker services.

I. As used in this section:

(1) "movement on an emergency basis" means the towing from a highway or right-of-way of a wrecked or disabled vehicle that cannot be moved under its own power, when such movement is necessary for the safety and convenience of the public, or when directed by a police officer. Unless other laws or regulations provide otherwise, "movement on an emergency basis" includes the movement of the vehicle from the site of the crash or disablement to the vehicle owner's premises, a repair facility or a storage facility operated by the wrecker service; and

(2) "nearest point of safety" is the closest area where the vehicle or combination can be temporarily parked clear of any motor vehicle traffic and at least 30 feet from the outer edge of the nearest traffic lane of any road or highway at the closest point. Private land shall not be used as the nearest point of safety without permission of the owner.

Notes

N.M. Admin. Code § 18.19.8.52

10/14/92, 9/15/98; 18.19.8.52 NMAC - Rn, 18 NMAC 19.8.14.15, 9/14/00, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVII, Issue 03, February 12, 2016, eff. 2/12/2016, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10, May 24, 2022, eff. 6/1/2022