• Virginia regulates how tow truck operators can work.towing truck image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
  
  Whenever a car or truck breaks down, a tow truck is often needed to safely remove the vehicle. Like every other state, Virginia regulates motor vehicles with its own set of state laws. The use of tow trucks, both in private and public service, is also covered by various state and local laws.
  
  

Classes

• All tow truck operators in the state of Virginia, whether they are employed privately or contracted for public service, must meet the state regulations for tow truck operators. Tow truck operators are generally classified as either Class A or Class B operators. Class A operators can know any vehicle with respect to gross vehicle weight. Class B operators are limited to vehicles with a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or less. Class A operators must pay a yearly license renewal fee of $500, while Class B operators must pay $250 for up to two trucks, plus $50 for each additional trucks, up to a maximum of $500.
  
  

License

• All tow truck operators must be licensed by the state. The licensing requirements include registering the name of the business with the state, the name and address of the owner and the principal place of business, and listing any criminal convictions any manager or owner of the company may have. The Board of Towing and Vehicle Recovery Operations will determine whether or not criminal convictions will bar the applicant from being licensed.
  
  

Government Use

• Any tow truck operated directly and solely by government entity, be it a state, federal or local agency, is exempt from the regulations that apply to private owners. State or local law enforcement agencies may request the services of tow truck operators in Virginia, but tow truck operators are not required to provide public safety towing or recovery services.
  
  

Public Safety

• The Board of Towing and Vehicle Recovery Operations can set standards on what operators are allowed to provide public safety towing and recovery services. The board maintains a list of readily available state and local Class A and Class B operators who meet the board's selection criteria for providing these towing services. State requirements can include driving qualifications, standards, equipment and public safety concerns that are necessary and appropriate to providing public towing services.