property vehicle transportation towing
Can I use a tow truck for personal use (towing own vehicles)
<p>I am sort of thinking of getting a vintage tow truck someday, partially as a restoration project, but I was also wondering if it could be legal for me to save money and tow my own vehicles if they break down. I would of course make sure all the towing equipment is up to snuff and not damaged.</p>
<p>The truck would probably be something like this:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/3xwFk.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/3xwFk.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>Now, I understand there are somethings I would have to avoid:</p>
<ol>
<li>I would not be able to tow other people's vehicles, as while the truck itself would be fully insured, I would not have commercial liability insurance nor a CDL (might get non-commercial A or B-Class license)</li>
<li>Towing someone else's car for compensation is forbidden, as I am not a business (and very possibly for other reasons too).</li>
</ol>
<p>Other then that, could I legally tow my own personal property down public roadways? Would I need to use the orange flashing lights while towing?</p>
<p>For location, I live in the US state of Wisconsin.</p>

<p><a href="https://towing.witruck.org/laws/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">This site</a> has links to various laws relevant to operating a towing company in Wisconsin. The use and ownership of a tow truck is not specially regulated: <a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/343.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a> are the license laws. 343.04 is the main concern, the vehicle classification being determined by vehicle weight and vehicles being towed. If you do tow some vehicle, you have to comply with the rules and regulations regarding brakes, lights etc. <a href="https://trailers.com/state-laws/wisconsin.php" rel="nofollow noreferrer">This page</a> and <a href="http://www.rrlefirst.org/Wis__Stat_RV_Towing_Laws.htm" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this</a> give you some indication of what those requirements are, the purpose of which is to guarantee that the towed vehicle doesn't suddenly become a projectile hurtling down the highway. When you apply the brakes, there have to be visible lights that the guy behind you can see.</p>
