As used in this act:

(a) “Wrecker or tow truck” means any motor vehicle equipped with booms, winches or similar equipment specifically designed for recovery or towing of vehicles.

(b) “Car carrier” means any vehicle specifically designed to transport wrecked, disabled or otherwise inoperable vehicles.

(c) “Vehicle” means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

(d) “Wrecker or towing service” means the act of transporting, towing or recovering with a wrecker, tow truck or car carrier, any vehicle not owned by the operator of the wrecker, tow truck or car carrier for which the operator receives compensation or other personal gain, either directly or indirectly, except that such terms shall not include a private wrecker or towing service.

(e) “Private wrecker or towing service” means the act of transporting with a wrecker, tow truck or car carrier any vehicle owned by the operator of the wrecker, tow truck or car carrier.