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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 6Ch. 1Art. 1§ 12520 Tow Truck Driver Certification

§ 12520 Tow Truck Driver Certification

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12520 Tow Truck Driver Certification

This law says tow truck drivers in California must have a valid driver's license and a special tow truck certificate to do their job.

Key Takeaways

  • •Tow truck drivers need a regular driver's license and a special tow truck certificate.
  • •The certificate lasts up to 5 years and expires when the driver's license does.
  • •Drivers must pass a background check to get the certificate.

Example

A person gets hired to drive a tow truck but only has a regular driver's license.

They can't legally drive the tow truck until they get the special tow truck certificate from the state.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12520 Tow Truck Driver Certification

(a) No person employed as a tow truck driver, as defined in Section 2430.1, shall operate a tow truck unless that person has, in his or her immediate possession, a valid California driver’s license of an appropriate class for the vehicle to be driven, and a tow truck driver certificate issued by the department or a temporary tow truck driver certificate issued by the Department of the California Highway Patrol, to permit the operation of the tow truck. (b) When notified that the applicant has been cleared through the Department of Justice or the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or both, and if the applicant meets all other applicable provisions of this code, the department shall issue a permanent tow truck driver certificate. The permanent tow truck driver certificate shall be valid for a maximum of five years and shall expire on the same date as that of the applicant’s driver’s license. (Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1043, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

tow truck drivertow truck driver certificateCalifornia driver’s licenseDepartment of JusticeFederal Bureau of Investigation

Related Statutes

  • § 10503 Stolen Vehicle Reporting Requirements
  • § 10504 Stolen Vehicle Registration Block
  • § 11104 Driving Instructor Qualifications
  • § 12500 Driver License Requirement
  • § 12501 Driver License Exemptions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 12520.
View Official Source