6-Attachment 3 TRAA.pdf

This document is the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) Vehicle Identification Guide, a standardized reference for law enforcement and towing operators to classify vehicles for efficient incident response and recovery. The guide provides a comprehensive classification system for vehicles ranging from light-duty (6,000 lbs or less) to heavy-duty (33,001 lbs and over), broken down into eight distinct classes based on gross vehicle weight and number of tires. The classification system includes visual diagrams of vehicle types such as passenger vehicles, trucks, vans, buses, and specialized vehicles, helping operators quickly identify the appropriate towing and recovery approach.

The guide offers critical technical information for dispatching towing and recovery units, specifying key details needed for proper vehicle handling: year, make, model, DOT classification, vehicle location, tow type (impound, accident, recovery), and additional vehicle characteristics like drive type, damage condition, cargo contents, and trailer presence. It also includes a VIN code reference for determining vehicle year, with a detailed breakdown of year letters from 1980-2012, and illustrates different tow truck and car carrier classifications across light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty categories. The document is designed to standardize communication and improve efficiency in vehicle towing and recovery operations.