Support us

Tow truckBangladesh

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Bangladesh

22. Tow truck

A tow truck is a specialised vehicle used to recover, tow, lift or transport vehicles that are broken down, damaged, incorrectly parked or otherwise unable to continue their journey normally. Tow trucks may use lifting equipment, a winch, wheel-lift equipment or a loading platform.

Because vehicle recovery can take place beside moving traffic, tow trucks commonly use warning lights and other safety equipment while working. Drivers approaching a recovery operation should reduce speed where necessary, leave sufficient space and follow any temporary traffic control or instructions from authorised personnel.

A tow truck removes an illegally parked vehicle. (Moscow, Russia)
Wikimedia.org • Stolbovsky • CC BY-SA
What is a tow truck?

A tow truck is a specialised vehicle designed to recover, tow, lift or transport vehicles that are disabled, damaged or otherwise need to be removed.

How can a tow truck move another vehicle?

Tow trucks may use a wheel lift, lifting arm, winch, towing equipment or loading platform. The recovery method depends on the type and condition of the vehicle being moved.

What is a flatbed tow truck?

A flatbed tow truck carries the recovered vehicle on a loading platform rather than leaving some of its wheels on the road.

When is a tow truck used?

A tow truck may be used after a breakdown, collision, vehicle defect or other situation in which a vehicle cannot safely continue or must be removed.

Why do tow trucks use flashing warning lights?

Warning lights alert other road users that the tow truck is working, moving slowly or creating an unusual roadside hazard. The meaning and permitted colour of the lights depend on local law.

Do flashing lights give a tow truck emergency-vehicle priority?

Not necessarily. Warning lights used for vehicle recovery usually indicate a hazard rather than giving the tow truck the same legal priority as a police car, ambulance or fire vehicle.

Can any vehicle tow a broken-down car?

This depends on the local towing rules and equipment. Emergency towing may be permitted under limited conditions, while professional recovery vehicles can use specialised equipment designed for the task.

Can a tow truck recover a vehicle from a motorway?

Yes, where authorised and suitably equipped. Motorway recovery may be subject to special safety procedures because of the high traffic speeds and restricted stopping areas.

Should you slow down when passing a working tow truck?

Yes. Recovery personnel may be working close to live traffic and vehicles or equipment may occupy part of the roadway. Reduce speed where necessary and leave sufficient space.

Can a tow truck recover heavy trucks and buses?

Yes, if it is designed and rated for the vehicle concerned. Heavy recovery vehicles use specialised lifting and towing equipment for trucks, buses and other large vehicles.

1 Bangladesh 2 Driving licence 3 Reversing 4 Bus 5 Police 6 Ambulance 7 Pothole 8 Path 9 Particulates 10 Air pollution 11 Rush hour 12 Road code 13 Street gutter 14 Cargo bike 15 Forestry vehicle 16 Construction vehicle 17 Semi-trailer truck 18 Trolleybus 19 Speed pedelec 20 Delivery vehicle 21 Idling 22 Tow truck 23 Four-wheel drive 24 Bicycle 25 Motorcycle equipment 26 Rail track 27 Caravan 28 Trailer 29 Tow hitch 30 Fire truck 31 Siren 32 Convoy 33 Emergency vehicle lighting 34 Agricultural machinery 35 Electric bicycle 36 Electric vehicle 37 Pedelec 38 Quadricycle 39 Microcar 40 All-terrain vehicle 41 Van 42 Recreational vehicle 43 Scooter 44 Trikke 45 Personal mobility device 46 Skateboard 47 Segway 48 Kick scooter 49 Roller skates 50 Mailman 51 Hitchhiker 52 Toddler 53 Child 54 Disability 55 Motorail 56 km/h 57 mph 58 Speedometer 59 Ride height 60 Dirt road 61 Driving 62 Start-stop system 63 Manual transmission 64 Automatic transmission 65 Throttle 66 Tachometer 67 Steering wheel 68 Power steering 69 Visual scanning 70 Mirror 71 Fuel 72 Fuel gauge 73 Petrol 74 Diesel 75 Diesel exhaust fluid 76 Car insurance 77 First aid kit 78 Fire extinguisher 79 High-visibility clothing 80 First aid 81 Concrete step barrier 82 Barriers 83 Vehicle lights 84 Street lights 85 Dipped beam 86 High beam 87 Fog lights 88 Front fog lights 89 Rear fog lights 90 Side lights 91 Turn signals 92 Hazard lights 93 Dashboard lights 94 Bicycle lighting 95 Bicycle bell 96 Headlight flashing 97 Seat belt 98 Child restraints 99 Head restraints 100 Airbag ...