The Accident Towing Services Act 2007 commences on 1 January 2009.
The most important change to affect accident tow truck drivers is the introduction of an accreditation scheme.
Accreditation is a way of making sure that accident tow truck drivers can do their job to an acceptable standard. For tow truck drivers who attend crash scenes, this means that they must be able to perform their duties safely and efficiently, and in accordance with the law.
Yes. It is illegal to drive a licenced (‘accident’) tow truck unless you are an accredited tow truck driver. An accident tow truck has TOW or HTT number plates.
The new laws apply whether you are driving the accident tow truck to attend an accident scene, or for any other purpose – you cannot drive it unless you are an accredited tow truck driver.
If you drive ONLY non-accident tow trucks (which have TT number plates), then you do not need to be accredited.
Under the new laws, accident tow truck drivers are automatically accredited to drive accident tow trucks (TOW or HTT) from 1 January 2009 until the expiry date on their current Driver Authority card.
To be legally able to perform accident towing duties after that date you will need to be reaccredited.
As an accredited tow truck driver, you must comply with the Accident Towing Services Act 2007 and regulations, and with any conditions set out in your certificate of accreditation. Accident tow truck drivers must also comply with all other applicable laws, such as occupational health and safety laws and road safety laws.
During 2009, VicRoads will post out new Driver Accreditation certificates.
In the meantime, accident tow truck drivers must continue to carry their current Driver Authority card with them whenever they are driving an accident tow truck, or performing other accident towing duties. It is an offence under the new laws not to do so.
It is your responsibility to apply for reaccreditation prior to the expiry date on your current Driver Authority card or, when it is issued, your Driver Accreditation certificate.
VicRoads will then have 30 days to process your application and can extend this time if necessary.
Application forms will be available from the VicRoads website on 1 January 2009, or by telephoning VicRoads on (03) 9854 2715.