(a) As used in this section, "towing service" means the transportation or recovery of privately owned vehicles or the disposal of abandoned, privately owned vehicles by use of a motor vehicle altered, designed or equipped to tow or render assistance for vehicles by means of a crane, hoist, tow bar, tow line or dolly.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a county shall not purchase or use equipment purchased by the county to engage in a towing service.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, a county may purchase or use equipment to engage in a towing service if there is no privately owned commercial towing service operating in the county that is able and willing to perform a towing service at a reasonable cost.
(d) Nothing in this section prohibits the use of a county vehicle which is otherwise engaged in authorized activities, from providing assistance to stranded motorists.