Trailer towing laws aim to maintain safety on the road. Cars, trucks, and trailers can be involved in serious accidents if weight limitations are exceeded or the trailer is improperly secured. States also consider the wear and tear on highways and bridges. Towing heavy loads can stress infrastructure, so lawmakers set limits to protect public roads.
Trailer towing laws vary across the United States and can be confusing for both new and experienced drivers. Differences in rules such as maximum weight limits, brake requirements, and insurance coverage can lead to unexpected penalties.
To help you keep up, this article explores how these regulations differ by state and certain legal exemptions when towing a trailer.
Most U.S. states require you to register your trailer if you plan to drive on public roads, especially if the trailer weighs over 750 lbs. The rules and fees can differ, but you must fill out a registration form at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), provide proof of ownership (such as a title or bill of sale), and pay the necessary registration fee. Some states also ask for a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check or safety inspection, especially for larger trailers. Small or utility trailers below a specific weight limit may be exempt in certain places, while trailers used solely for farm purposes might have different rules.
In most cases, you’ll also receive a license plate or a registration sticker for the trailer. If you move between states, you must follow the new state’s regulations and register the trailer there.
Each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Transportation sets its own weight limit for trailers, and many require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) when towing over 10,000 lbs. State legislation on trailer weight limits also varies, but they follow the general rule that the trailer must weigh less than the towing capacity of the towing vehicle, although there are numerous exemptions.
Consult the compilation of state weight limit laws for detailed guidance, because local rules may differ from federal guidelines.
Most states require trailers to have a suitable hitch mechanism designed to handle the specific load. Trailer safety chains or cables are another common requirement. Some states, such as Ohio and Michigan, specify chain strength, while others require at least two separate chains. The intention is to prevent the trailer from completely detaching if the primary hitch fails.
Rules about tail lamps, brake lights, and turn signals are fairly uniform across the country. Trailers that obstruct the view of the towing vehicle’s standard lights must have additional lighting. Large side mirrors are often mandated when the trailer is wide enough to block rear vision.
Many states base their trailer brake rules on the gross trailer weight (GTW). If the GTW surpasses a threshold—often 3,000 lbs or 4,500 lbs—trailer brakes become mandatory. The exact limit, however, can vary by state.
Surge brakes (mechanical brakes that activate when the towing vehicle slows) are legal in most states, although some have restrictions on their use for heavier trailers. Electric braking systems are common, but they may require an in-cab brake controller.
Brakes must be properly installed, tested, and maintained. Some states, such as North Carolina, conduct yearly inspections for trailers beyond a certain weight. This ensures the braking components work effectively over time and reduces the risk of brake failure on the road.
Double towing, sometimes called “triple towing,” occurs when someone is already towing a trailer (like a fifth wheel) and attaches an additional trailer behind it. Common examples include towing a boat or an ATV trailer behind a larger travel trailer.
Not all states permit double towing. Some states allow it, but the total length of all three units must be less than 75 feet. Some states require the first trailer to be attached to a fifth wheel, and others mandate that the second trailer only be recreational equipment..
States like Michigan and California require a special endorsement on a driver’s license to tow a trailer weighing over 10,000 lbs or to drive an RV over 40 feet long.
Here are the states where double towing or pulling a trailer behind a fifth wheel is legal:
Car insurance policies often extend to smaller, personal-use trailers, but they may not cover all accidents or all types of trailers. Some states do not require a trailer-specific policy at all, but strongly recommend it for added peace of mind.
Commercial trailers almost always require a separate policy, while personal-use trailers require separate liability coverage for non-motorized trailers if they meet certain criteria in some states:
Riding in a towed trailer can be uncomfortable. Sudden stops or swerves can be jarring, and objects inside can turn into projectiles. Trailer sway is also a risk, especially in windy conditions. If the trailer has no seat belts or safe egress, riding inside might be considered unsafe. Because of safety concerns, riding in a towed trailer is illegal in many states.
However, a few states permit riding in a fifth wheel or travel trailer if certain conditions are met, such as having a two-way communication system and emergency exits. According to the RV Industry Association, these are the states where riding in a towed trailer is legal:
Even though there is no uniform set of trailer towing laws across the U.S., similarities do exist. Most states require safe hitch connections, appropriate braking systems, and compliance with weight limits. Double towing, trailer insurance, and the right to ride in a travel trailer can all differ depending on state lines. Thorough research ensures both compliance and safety. Anyone planning to tow should check official state DMV guidelines, the latest updates from the FMCSA, and insurance providers for the most current information.
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