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State and Federal towing procedure. (MD)

Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 3:25 pm
by ggradio
So my bike was towed the other day to get a new tire put on. The tow truck driver used 3 points of tie down. Front and back wheels were strapped and pulled then a strap over my seat. Well the strap over my seat left damage. So now I'm going thru my insurance to get it fixed. So last night my clutch cable snaps right at the handle bar. A different tow company comes and this guys tow job was good. He had a motorcycle dolly or chock. 4 points of tie down. the whole works. So my question is, does anyone know if it is a law in Maryland DOT or if it is a Federal law to have 4 points of tie down on a motorcycle. Because the guy who towed me last night said it was a law to have 4 points of tie down. Because the first tow company doesn't want to pay for my seat. But if it's a law then I'm good. And my mechanic saw the amatuer tow. So I have him as a witness. So is it a law?

Thanks as always

Re: State and Federal towing procedure. (MD)

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:05 am
by ragedigital
I doubt that there are any regulations, other than for safety sake when towing vehicles. I would imagine that the tow company is much like any other company out there - get a hold of the owner and talk with him if you have a complaint. If that doesn't work, then go through the BBB.

Some questions to think about (perhaps their lawyer will ask these questions):

Did you tell them that it was a motorcycle they would be towing?
Did you question if they had the proper equipment to tow motorcycles?
Did you see the driver strap it down?
Did you sign off on any paperwork?

I would think that most tow companies tow cars or trucks and that few motorcycles are towed and that is why they probably had a lack of proper equipment.

Either it was a lot of damage or you have a super low deductible with your insurance company.