NYC Tow Truck Endorsement Practice Exam

What is the purpose of hazard lights on a tow truck?

1. To signal other vehicles

2. To illuminate the vehicle at night

3. To indicate the vehicle's weight capacity

4. To display a rotating yellow or amber light

The correct answer is: To display a rotating yellow or amber light

The primary purpose of hazard lights on a tow truck is to signal to other vehicles that there is an unusual situation or hazard present. In the context of towing, this is especially important as it alerts drivers to navigate carefully around the vehicle, which may be working on or parked near the roadside. While the rotating yellow or amber light serves a similar purpose, it is specifically designed to draw attention to the tow truck during operation, indicating that the truck is functioning in a way that requires awareness from other motorists. This helps ensure the safety of both the towing personnel and other road users. Additionally, this visibility is crucial when the tow truck is picking up or dropping off vehicles, as it can prevent accidents in busy or hazardous environments. The other options mainly focus on different functionalities or features of the vehicle but do not accurately describe the core reason hazard lights are used in this context. For instance, illuminating the vehicle at night can be a function of standard headlights, while indicating weight capacity is related to vehicle specifications rather than signaling a hazard.