ORDINANCE NO. BL2010-649

An ordinance amending Chapter 6.80 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to allow the operator of a wrecker who is operating a wrecker for an emergency wrecker service licensed by the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission to use a yellow rotating beacon under certain conditions prior to reaching the location of the incident.

An ordinance amending Chapter 6.80 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to allow the operator of a wrecker who is operating a wrecker for an emergency wrecker service licensed by the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission to use a yellow rotating beacon under certain conditions prior to reaching the location of the incident.

WHEREAS, the current Metropolitan Code of Laws allows a wrecker operator to utilize flashing lights only when standing on the roadway for the purpose of removing a vehicle and towing the vehicle; and,

WHEREAS, a timely and safe response to an incident scene by an emergency wrecker is necessary to protect public safety; and,

WHEREAS, Chapter 6.80 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws should be amended in order to address this concern by allowing the wrecker operator to use flashing lights prior to reaching the scene of an incident under certain conditions; and,

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission has the authority to regulate wrecker services, vehicles, and drivers under Metropolitan Code of Laws, Chapter 2.100 and recommends approval of the proposed ordinance change; and,

WHEREAS, such amendment to Chapter 6.80 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is in the best interest of the citizens of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. Chapter 6.80 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is amended by adding the following to the end of section 6.80.450:

However, the operator of a wrecker who is operating a wrecker for an emergency wrecker service licensed by the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission may turn on the yellow rotating beacon prior to reaching the location of the incident if both of the following two criteria are met: First, the operator must be responding to an incident scene called into the company by the Emergency Communications Center. Second, traffic has slowed down because of the incident to a point that will prevent the wrecker from getting to the scene in a timely manner, which is 30 minutes after receiving the call from the Emergency Communications Center.

Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its final passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Buddy Baker

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	April 6, 2010
Passed First Reading:	April 6, 2010
Referred to:	Public Safety Committee
Passed Second Reading:	April 20, 2010
Passed Third Reading:	May 18, 2010
Approved:	May 21, 2010
By: