Mission

The mission of the Board of Towing and Recovery Operators is to protect the public by setting standards of qualifications, training, and experience for those who seek to represent themselves to the public as towing and recovery professionals and promoting high standards of professional performance for those engaged in the practice of towing and recovery.

Announcements

September 19, 2011 - Renewal Notice - Driver Authorization Documents

The Board of Towing and Recovery Operators (“the Board”) has recently revisited the issue of fingerprinting due to questions raised regarding our procedures during renewals.  Virginia Code § 46.2-2814 requires every applicant for a tow truck driver authorization document to submit to fingerprint processing through the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Since this code section does not distinguish between initial applicants and renewals, the process is required for both.  In contrast to the Code, the Board’s regulations only require submission of fingerprint cards every third year after issuance of the original authorization.  The Board has just become aware of this conflict between the Code and the Regulations and has been diligently working to find a solution.  After significant deliberation on the matter and consultation with legal counsel, the Board has voted to follow the Virginia Code and require the fingerprinting in all renewals.

Effective October 1, 2011, all driver authorization document renewals will require the submission of a completed fingerprint card for a Federal criminal background check, along with the $37.00 background check fee required to cover the actual cost of the background check.  Applicants renewing their driver authorization document will be required to submit a total of $87.00 -- $50.00 renewal fee and $37.00 Federal background check fee.  Driver renewal applicants identified as the “Free Driver” with the free driver authorization application attached to a submitted Operator’s application, will be required to submit the $37.00 Federal criminal background check fee.  Late fees will continue to be due as appropriate.  Applications postmarked or received on or before October 1, 2011 will be processed absent the fingerprint card requirement for $50.00. 

The Board is working quickly to resolve the conflict, and has held a Board meeting and committee meetings to address this matter.  As soon as a resolution is reached, the Board will promptly notify all licensed drivers.  Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

 

June 2, 2011:  Mechanics and Storage Lien Process for the Disposal of Abandoned Vehicles - Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

For informational purposes, a new law came into effect earlier this year that redefines abandoned motor vehicles, excluding from the definition those vehicles, trailers or semitrailers left unclaimed: (1) in a self-storage unit; (2) In a garage more than ten days; or (3) for more than ten days beyond the period the motor vehicle was to remain on the property, pursuant to contract.  The new law includes in the definition any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that:

• Is left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours in violation of state or local ordinance;
• Has remained for more than 48 hours on private property without the consent of the property’s owner, regardless of whether it was brought onto the private property with the consent of the owner or person in control of the private property; or
• Is left unattended on the shoulder of a primary highway.

Towing and recovery operators are no longer allowed to use the automated abandoned vehicle process on DMV’s website to dispose of these vehicles.  Instead, the mechanics and storage lien process must be used.  To apply for a mechanics and storage lien, towing and recovery operators must fill out DMV Form VSA 41, available at www.dmvnow.com.  Please note, both the vehicle and the towing and recovery operator must be located in Virginia.

For more information please visit www.dmvnow.com, or the following link:  https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/AVP/intropage.aspx

COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES - Summary of Compliance Activities

TRIP PERMITS - Those companies in need of a three-day trip permit may contact Truck N Permits at 1.888.269.4970 or trucknpermits@aol.com from 8 AM til 7 PM daily.  Permits are $50 for each three-day period.