TOWERS ON THE HILL
The Wisconsin Towing Association has been very active over the last several years working on Wisconsin state law changes to help our members do their job more safely. We’re proud of our accomplishments to date but know there is more work to be done to better our industry.
Here are some of those legislative accomplishments:
2023 Senate Bill 617 requires the DOT to issue registration plates or decals for existing plates identifying hybrid and nonhybrid electric motor vehicles as electric vehicles (EVs). EVs pose certain risks for first responders that gas fueled vehicles don’t including electric shock and potential fires from damaged or defective batteries. The bill was approved by the full Legislature, however, was vetoed by the governor.
**2023 Wisconsin Act 19 requires the WisDOT to issue a decal for each hybrid and hybrid-electric vehicle in the state that identifies the vehicle as electric, and the decals be displayed on the front and rear registration plates of the vehicle.
2023 Assembly Bill 142 seeks to prevent state and local governments from prohibiting the sale of vehicles based on the power source of the engine. Some states, most notably California, plan to eliminate the sale of gasoline powered engines entirely by 2035 and e from the sale of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, accessories and services over a fifteen-year period , starting with 10% in year one and capping at 50% in year 15. The bill was approved by the full Legislature, however, was vetoed by the governor.
2021 Wisconsin Act 115 – Highway Emergency Safety Zones. The new law initiates Emergency Safety Zones when roadside responders are present and assisting traffic accidents. Fines and penalties are greatly increased for violations within 500 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle giving a visible signal or a tow truck displaying flashing red lamps. This was priority legislation for the Wisconsin Towing Association, which was signed into law on December 6, 2021.
2015 Senate Joint Resolution 51: This bi-partisan resolution proclaims the second week in September each year as Towing Industry Awareness Week and reminds motorists of the importance of yielding to tow operators while on scene of a roadside traffic incident.
2003 Wisconsin Act 142 requires a law enforcement officer who causes the removal of a vehicle, within 24 hours of ordering the removal by a towing service, to notify the towing service of the name and last-known address of the registered owner and all lienholders of record of the vehicle.