NYS Tow Truck Endorsement Practice Test 1-7 Spring
2026/2027 with Complete Solution
New York State Tow Truck Operation & Regulations | Key Domains: NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law
(Article 21, Sections 401-430), Proper Towing & Recovery Procedures, Safety Requirements for Tow
Trucks & Equipment, Accident Scene Management, Billing & Consumer Protection Regulations,
Insurance & Liability, and NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Rules for Tow Operators |
Expert-Aligned Structure | Practice Test Series Format
Introduction
This structured NYS Tow Truck Endorsement Practice Test series for Spring 2026/2027 provides
seven comprehensive practice exams with correct answers and rationales. It emphasizes mastery of
New York State-specific laws governing tow truck operations, safe vehicle recovery techniques, legal
obligations at accident scenes, and compliance with NYS DMV consumer protection and business
practice regulations.
Practice Test Structure:
• Practice Test Series (1-7): (50 QUESTIONS PER TEST, 350 TOTAL)
Answer Format
All correct answers must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied by concise rationales
explaining the specific NYS VTL section or DMV regulation, the correct and safe towing/recovery
procedure, the required action at an accident scene, or the legal billing practice, and why alternative
options are illegal, unsafe, or non-compliant with New York State law.
Practice Test 1
1. Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), which agency regulates tow truck
operators and sets consumer protection rules for towing?
A. New York State Police
B. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
C. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
D. Local county sheriff’s office
,B. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The NYS DMV is responsible for licensing tow truck operators and enforcing consumer protection
regulations under VTL Article 21 and 15 NYCRR Part 82. While State Police (A) may enforce traffic
laws at accident scenes, regulatory oversight belongs to the DMV.
2. A tow truck operator arrives at an accident scene on a state highway. What is the FIRST
action they must take before beginning recovery?
A. Immediately hook up the vehicle to clear the roadway
B. Wait for police to release the vehicle
C. Place safety cones or flares around the work area
D. Obtain written authorization from the vehicle owner
C. Place safety cones or flares around the work area
Per NYS DMV guidelines and OSHA best practices, the operator must establish a safe work zone using
high-visibility cones, flares, or emergency lights before any recovery begins. This protects both the
operator and other motorists. Police release (B) may be required in some cases, but safety setup comes
first. Authorization (D) is needed before towing but not before initial scene safety.
3. According to NYS VTL §415-a, what is the maximum allowable fee a tow operator can
charge for a non-consensual tow from a public highway during normal business hours (as of
2026)?
A. $125
B. $175
C. $225
D. $275
B. $175
,As of 2026, NYS VTL §415-a(2)(a) sets the maximum base fee for a non-consensual tow from a public
highway during normal business hours (6:01 AM to 10:00 PM) at $175. This is adjusted periodically by
the DMV. Charges above this without justification (e.g., recovery, after-hours) violate consumer
protection rules.
4. Which of the following lighting requirements MUST a tow truck have when operating on a
public roadway at night?
A. Amber rotating or flashing lights
B. Red and blue emergency lights
C. White headlights only
D. Green warning lights
A. Amber rotating or flashing lights
NYS VTL §375(4)(b) permits tow trucks to be equipped with amber warning lights that may be
rotating or flashing. Red and blue lights (B) are reserved for police, fire, and EMS. Green lights (D) are
for volunteer firefighters or EMTs. Amber is the legal and standard color for tow and service vehicles.
5. A vehicle owner gives verbal consent for a tow. What must the operator do to comply with
NYS DMV regulations?
A. Verbal consent is sufficient; no documentation needed
B. Provide a written estimate before towing
C. Obtain a signed authorization form from the owner
D. Call the police to witness the consent
C. Obtain a signed authorization form from the owner
Per 15 NYCRR §82.9, even with verbal consent, the tow operator must obtain a signed authorization
form from the vehicle owner or their authorized agent before towing. This protects both parties and is
required for billing and legal compliance. A written estimate (B) is also required but follows
authorization.
, 6. After completing a non-consensual tow, how soon must the operator notify the local police
department of the vehicle’s storage location?
A. Immediately
B. Within 2 hours
C. Within 24 hours
D. Within 72 hours
A. Immediately
NYS VTL §415-a(4) requires the tow operator to notify the local police department of the storage
location “immediately” after a non-consensual tow. This ensures law enforcement can inform owners
and prevents accusations of vehicle “disappearance.”
7. Which insurance coverage is REQUIRED for all licensed tow operators in New York State?
A. Garage liability insurance of at least $500,000
B. Commercial auto insurance only
C. Workers’ compensation only
D. No insurance is required by law
A. Garage liability insurance of at least $500,000
NYS DMV requires all tow operators to maintain garage liability insurance with minimum coverage of
$500,000 to cover damage to vehicles in their custody. This is in addition to commercial auto and
workers’ comp (if applicable), but garage liability is specific to towing operations.
8. A vehicle is illegally parked in a tow-away zone clearly marked with signs. What type of tow
is this considered?
A. Consensual tow
2026/2027 with Complete Solution
New York State Tow Truck Operation & Regulations | Key Domains: NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law
(Article 21, Sections 401-430), Proper Towing & Recovery Procedures, Safety Requirements for Tow
Trucks & Equipment, Accident Scene Management, Billing & Consumer Protection Regulations,
Insurance & Liability, and NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Rules for Tow Operators |
Expert-Aligned Structure | Practice Test Series Format
Introduction
This structured NYS Tow Truck Endorsement Practice Test series for Spring 2026/2027 provides
seven comprehensive practice exams with correct answers and rationales. It emphasizes mastery of
New York State-specific laws governing tow truck operations, safe vehicle recovery techniques, legal
obligations at accident scenes, and compliance with NYS DMV consumer protection and business
practice regulations.
Practice Test Structure:
• Practice Test Series (1-7): (50 QUESTIONS PER TEST, 350 TOTAL)
Answer Format
All correct answers must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied by concise rationales
explaining the specific NYS VTL section or DMV regulation, the correct and safe towing/recovery
procedure, the required action at an accident scene, or the legal billing practice, and why alternative
options are illegal, unsafe, or non-compliant with New York State law.
Practice Test 1
1. Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), which agency regulates tow truck
operators and sets consumer protection rules for towing?
A. New York State Police
B. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
C. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
D. Local county sheriff’s office
,B. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The NYS DMV is responsible for licensing tow truck operators and enforcing consumer protection
regulations under VTL Article 21 and 15 NYCRR Part 82. While State Police (A) may enforce traffic
laws at accident scenes, regulatory oversight belongs to the DMV.
2. A tow truck operator arrives at an accident scene on a state highway. What is the FIRST
action they must take before beginning recovery?
A. Immediately hook up the vehicle to clear the roadway
B. Wait for police to release the vehicle
C. Place safety cones or flares around the work area
D. Obtain written authorization from the vehicle owner
C. Place safety cones or flares around the work area
Per NYS DMV guidelines and OSHA best practices, the operator must establish a safe work zone using
high-visibility cones, flares, or emergency lights before any recovery begins. This protects both the
operator and other motorists. Police release (B) may be required in some cases, but safety setup comes
first. Authorization (D) is needed before towing but not before initial scene safety.
3. According to NYS VTL §415-a, what is the maximum allowable fee a tow operator can
charge for a non-consensual tow from a public highway during normal business hours (as of
2026)?
A. $125
B. $175
C. $225
D. $275
B. $175
,As of 2026, NYS VTL §415-a(2)(a) sets the maximum base fee for a non-consensual tow from a public
highway during normal business hours (6:01 AM to 10:00 PM) at $175. This is adjusted periodically by
the DMV. Charges above this without justification (e.g., recovery, after-hours) violate consumer
protection rules.
4. Which of the following lighting requirements MUST a tow truck have when operating on a
public roadway at night?
A. Amber rotating or flashing lights
B. Red and blue emergency lights
C. White headlights only
D. Green warning lights
A. Amber rotating or flashing lights
NYS VTL §375(4)(b) permits tow trucks to be equipped with amber warning lights that may be
rotating or flashing. Red and blue lights (B) are reserved for police, fire, and EMS. Green lights (D) are
for volunteer firefighters or EMTs. Amber is the legal and standard color for tow and service vehicles.
5. A vehicle owner gives verbal consent for a tow. What must the operator do to comply with
NYS DMV regulations?
A. Verbal consent is sufficient; no documentation needed
B. Provide a written estimate before towing
C. Obtain a signed authorization form from the owner
D. Call the police to witness the consent
C. Obtain a signed authorization form from the owner
Per 15 NYCRR §82.9, even with verbal consent, the tow operator must obtain a signed authorization
form from the vehicle owner or their authorized agent before towing. This protects both parties and is
required for billing and legal compliance. A written estimate (B) is also required but follows
authorization.
, 6. After completing a non-consensual tow, how soon must the operator notify the local police
department of the vehicle’s storage location?
A. Immediately
B. Within 2 hours
C. Within 24 hours
D. Within 72 hours
A. Immediately
NYS VTL §415-a(4) requires the tow operator to notify the local police department of the storage
location “immediately” after a non-consensual tow. This ensures law enforcement can inform owners
and prevents accusations of vehicle “disappearance.”
7. Which insurance coverage is REQUIRED for all licensed tow operators in New York State?
A. Garage liability insurance of at least $500,000
B. Commercial auto insurance only
C. Workers’ compensation only
D. No insurance is required by law
A. Garage liability insurance of at least $500,000
NYS DMV requires all tow operators to maintain garage liability insurance with minimum coverage of
$500,000 to cover damage to vehicles in their custody. This is in addition to commercial auto and
workers’ comp (if applicable), but garage liability is specific to towing operations.
8. A vehicle is illegally parked in a tow-away zone clearly marked with signs. What type of tow
is this considered?
A. Consensual tow
