As used in this article, each of the following terms has the following meaning:
(a) “Tow truck driver” means a person who operates a tow truck, who renders towing service or emergency road service to motorists while involved in freeway service patrol operations, pursuant to an agreement with a regional or local entity, and who has or will have direct and personal contact with the individuals being transported or assisted. As used in this subdivision, “towing service” has the same meaning as defined in Section 2436.
(b) “Employer” means a person or organization that employs those persons defined in subdivision (a), or who is an owner-operator who performs the activity specified in subdivision (a), and who is involved in freeway service patrol operations pursuant to an agreement or contract with a regional or local entity.
(c) “Regional or local entity” means a public organization established as a public transportation planning entity pursuant to Title 7.1 (commencing with Section 66500) of the Government Code or authorized to impose a transaction and use tax for transportation purposes by the Public Utilities Code or the service authority for freeway emergencies described in Section 2551 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(d) “Emergency road service” has the same meaning as defined in Section 2436.
(e) “Freeway service patrol” has the same meaning as defined in Section 2561 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 179, Sec. 214. Effective January 1, 2009.)