2026 6 16 PACKET Regular Session Council

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ORDINANCE NO. 1156 
Page 7 of 10 
 
(a) The requested towing company is not available, refuses the call, or cannot respond 
within 20 minutes, or within 30 minutes for a Class C heavy-duty tow, unless a longer 
time is approved by the Police Department officer in charge; 
(b) The vehicle presents an immediate traffic hazard or public safety risk requiring prompt 
removal; 
(c) The requested towing company lacks the equipment needed for the vehicle or scene; 
(d) The tow is connected to a seizure, impound, arrest, investigation, evidence hold, or 
other law enforcement need requiring City-directed handling; or 
(e) The request is otherwise inconsistent with applicable law or public safety. 
 
If any exception applies, the Police Department may call the towing company on the City rotation 
list. 
 
9-126 Towing, Recovery, Scene Cleanup, and Transport Standards 
 
(1) Each towing company responding to a City-requested tow shall: 
 
(a) Tow, recover, transport, and store vehicles safely and in accordance with this chapter, 
the Tennessee Manual, applicable law, and industry best practices. 
(b) Use the tow truck class, equipment, and personnel appropriate for the vehicle and 
scene. 
(c) Remove glass, vehicle parts, and other injurious substances from the street or highway 
as required by Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-170 and this chapter. Debris shall not be placed 
in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. 
(d) Not intentionally drain vehicle fluids onto the road, right -of-way, stormwater system, 
soil, or surrounding environment. 
(e) Use reasonable care to prevent additional damage to the vehicle and its contents. 
(f) Transport the vehicle to the towing company's approved storage facility, a destination 
requested by the vehicle owner or operator after charges are agreed upon, a Police 
Department impound facility, or another location directed by the Police Department. 
(g) Not perform repairs or additional services unless requested by the vehicle owner, 
operator, authorized agent, insurer, or lienholder, or unless necessary to safely remove 
a hazard. 
(h) Not solicit towing work at or near a crash, disabled vehicle, or law enforcement scene 
unless called by the vehicle owner, operator, authorized agent, or Police Department. 
 
9-127 Vehicle Holds, Release, Personal Property, and Firearms 
 
(1) No towing company shall release a vehicle impounded by, seized by, or held at the 
direction of the Police Department without authorization from the Police Department. If 
no law enforcement hold exists, the vehicle shall be released to a verified owner, lienholder, 
insurer, or authorized agent upon proof of the right to possess the vehicle and payment of 
lawful charges. 
 
(2) A towing company shall safeguard personal property in towed or stored vehicles. Unless 
the Police Department places a hold or otherwise directs, the towing company shall release 
personal property or cargo to the verified owner or authorized agent during normal business 
hours without charge. 
 
(3) If a firearm is found in a stored vehicle, the towing company shall follow Tennessee law 
(§ 55-31-105) and any Police Department procedure governing notification, safekeeping, 
transfer, and release. 
 
9-128 Billing, Invoices, and Records 
 
(1) Each towing company shall use a standard invoice form containing the towing company's 
name, physical address, storage facility address, telephone number, and email address. 
 
 
 
 
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