§ 8-120. V.I.N. inspection; transport authorization.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any wrecker driver to attach or cause or permit any auto wrecker to be attached to any motor vehicle without first personally inspecting the manufacturer's permanent vehicle identification number affixed to the motor vehicle to be transported.

(b)

It shall be unlawful for any wrecker driver to attach or cause or permit any auto wrecker to be attached to any motor vehicle on which the manufacturer's permanent vehicle identification number has been removed or is not permanently affixed or is not clearly legible or that, upon visual examination of the manufacturer's permanent vehicle identification number, shows any evidence whatsoever of its possibly having been changed, altered or obliterated in whole or in part.

(c)

It is a defense to prosecution under subsection (a) or (b) that the wrecker driver obtained, prior to attaching or causing or permitting the auto wrecker to be attached to the transporting vehicle and retained in his possession at all times while transporting the vehicle, a legible written authorization for the transport of the vehicle issued by a law enforcement officer, parking enforcement officer or personnel designated by the police chief setting forth:

(1)

The printed name, signature and badge number, if applicable, of the law enforcement officer, parking enforcement officer or personnel designated by the police chief;

(2)

The state license plate number of the auto wrecker;

(3)

The printed name and signature of the wrecker driver;

(4)

A description of the transported vehicle;

(5)

The place to which the transported vehicle is authorized to be towed; and

(6)

The date upon which the tow is authorized to be conducted.

The aforesaid police or parking enforcement transport authorization shall be required in addition to any other authorization required by law for the transportation of the vehicle, and the possession of a wrecker slip issued under section 8-116 of this Code shall not constitute a defense under this subsection. An authorization issued under this subsection shall only be a defense for the transport of the vehicle designated thereon by the wrecker driver and auto wrecker identified thereon to the place designated thereon on the date authorized thereon.

(Ord. No. 04-497, § 3, 5-26-04; Ord. No. 09-1135, § 7, 11-18-09)