Issuance of wrecker decals; transfer and display.
Memphis Code of Ordinances § 6-88-33
in effectSec. 6-88-33. - Issuance of wrecker decals; transfer and display.
When an application for a license under this chapter has been approved by the director of police services and or his duly authorized designee, a wrecker decal shall be issued through the permits office.
1. No person shall operate a wrecker used for towing purposes to remove vehicles from any street, alley, road, highway, or thoroughfare or within the area of the city or for towing vehicles over the area of the city unless a wrecker decal approved by the director of police services or his/her duly authorized designee is obtained from the permits office for each such wrecker vehicle.
2. A wrecker decal issued hereunder shall not be sold, assigned, mortgaged or otherwise transferred. Written notification must be submitted to the permits office immediately upon the licensee terminating the wrecker service or upon revocation.
3. A current wrecker decal, issued by the permits office, shall be prominently and conspicuously displayed on each wrecker at all times.
4. Types of decals.
a. General purpose. A general purpose decal permits towing of vehicles where the owner has consented to the control of the vehicle to a third party such as a repair shop; repossessions but not for violations whether private property or otherwise.
b. Non-consent. A non-consent decal permits the towing of vehicles for violations whether private property, city, state or federal violations.
c. Emergency. The term "emergency wrecker service" means the removal of motor vehicles from the streets, alleys, roads, highways and thoroughfares within the area of the metropolitan government when there is an emergency situation. An emergency decal will signify that general purpose and non-consent towing are also authorized.
(Ord. No. 5133, § 1(part), 4-18-2006; Ord. No. 5414, § 1(41-33), 11-1-2011)
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_ART2PERE_S6-88-33ISWRDETRDIFetched: 10/28/2026