Definitions.

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 6-88-2

in effect

Sec. 6-88-2. - Definitions. For purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section: Cruising means the driving of a wrecker on the streets, alleys, roads, highways and thoroughfares within the corporate limits of the city in a fashion or manner calculated for the purpose of soliciting business. Driver means any person driving a wrecker on the streets, alleys, roads, highways and thoroughfares within the city limits. Driver helper means any person riding with a driver or assisting the driver in the operation of the wrecker on the streets, alleys, roads, highways and thoroughfares within the city limits. Driver permit means a permit issued by the permits office authorizing a driver or driver helper to operate, drive or ride in a wrecker on the streets, alleys, roads, highways or thoroughfares within the city limits. Emergency wrecker service means the removal of motor vehicles from the streets, alleys, roads, highways and thoroughfares within the city limits when there is an emergency situation as defined in section 6-88-10. Extra winching means a tow that requires the use of more cable than prescribed for each Class of wrecker in section 41-5. Fees means any charges assessed for transporting, towing, conveying or storing a vehicle by an emergency wrecker service. Final destination means the vehicle entrance threshold of the place to which the owner or operator of the towed vehicle designates that the vehicle be taken, or if there exists no such entrance threshold, then the point in the street located in the front of the place to which the city police department otherwise designates as the vehicle entrance threshold, or the vehicle entrance threshold of the wrecker operator's place of business or lot, in the event that the vehicle is towed to such location; notwithstanding any remaining work that must be done after reaching the final destination in detaching the towed vehicle and/or completing reports. This definition is applicable to both police and private pulls. Hazardous materials means any solid or liquid that is or may be deemed harmful to humans and or the environment. Such products shall include, but not be limited to, gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze coolant, battery acid, brake fluid or any mix of the above. Holiday hours means any paid holiday recognized by the U.S. Federal or Tennessee State Governments. License means a certificate issued by the city permits office authorizing the owner thereof to engage in the business of towing, transporting, conveying or removal of vehicles from one point to another within the city limits. A license can either authorize the holder thereof to engage in the business of providing wrecker services or emergency wrecker services. Night hours means the hours between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily. Non-consent towing means towing without the prior consent or authorization of the owner or operator of the vehicle to be towed. Typically, it is categorized as police or trespass towing. Permits office means the city office known as the "permits office" established for the purpose of issuing rate cards, permits for licensing of wrecker vehicles and other vehicular permits for use within the city limits. Private property for the purposes of this article, includes, but is not limited to, a parking lot or garage for use by patrons of a particular business, or businesses or a lot or garage used for temporary storage of passenger cars or trucks for a fee and is staffed by an attendant. Rate card means a card issued by the permits office for display in each emergency wrecker which contains the mandatory maximum fees or charges then in effect. Towed vehicles means vehicles which can be driven but are towed to the lot at the request of the owner or police office. Unauthorized vehicle means a vehicle parked on private property without the consent of the owner of the property or his agent or the lessee of the property. Weekend hours means the hours between 6:00 p.m. Friday and 7:00 a.m. Monday. Wrecked vehicles means vehicles which cannot be driven and must be towed to the lot and not related to recovery of vehicles submerged in water and, or off the road by 200 feet. Wrecker means a motor vehicle constructed on a truck chassis with lifting devices operated by mechanical power and employed or used for the purpose of towing, transporting, conveying or removing any and all kinds of vehicles which are unable to be or actually are not operated under their own power. Wrecker decal means a permit required and issued by the permits office for each wrecker operated by the licensee under the authority of a license. Wrecker owner means any person or entity, or the designated agent for such person or entity, that holds legal title to or legal right of possession of a wrecker that is specifically designed by the manufacturer for the express purpose of towing vehicles. Wrecker service means the towing, transporting, conveying, or removal of vehicles from one point to another within the area of the city limits. (Ord. No. 5133, § 1(part), 4-18-2006; Ord. No. 5414, § 1(41-2), 11-1-2011; Ord. No. 5818, § 1, 3-22-2022; Ord. No. 5876, § 1, 11-7-2023)

Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT6BULIRE_CH6-88WRTOOP_ART1INGE_S6-88-2DEFetched: 10/28/2026