State Braking, Length and other Laws for towing a toad or trailer

[iamflagman]

State Braking, Length and other Laws for towing a toad or trailer from Towing World scroll down and click on state or province of your choice to see information.


http://www.brakebuddy.com/Towing-Laws

[Rob Robinson]

If I'm reading these two towing sources correctly John then they are incorrect for the Province of British Columbia. In BC you may tow a vehicle without auxilliary brakes and with a motorhome if the toad weighs less than 2000kg or 4400lbs. I believe in the past others have commented on the inaccuracy of various towing laws sites. Most comments I have read have been of the nature that the info was old and the laws have evolved/changed and the sites haven't kept up.

[Turbokitty]

I am confused?? I live in Florida and the posted info says my neighboring state of Georgia is "NON-RECIPROCAL" If I have an 8' 6" wide trailer and they (Georgia) only allow 8' wide trailers am I in violation when I enter into their state? I am also led to believe from reading other info on this subject that some states require an "AIR BRAKE" endorsement for any vehicle with air brakes even though my state does not require one? If ticketed for any of these type infractions, Would I be required to park the trailer and or motorhome or find an airbrake certified driver to get me through that state if the airbrake endorsement becomes an issue??

[iamflagman]

Originally Posted by Turbokitty

I am confused?? I live in Florida and the posted info says my neighboring state of Georgia is "NON-RECIPROCAL"

First of all don't believe everything that is published on web sites, as it may or may not be outdated. If I were to have a question like you have concerning any state, I would get in touch with that states DOT and get the correct information.

In my opinion, if in fact another state does not have reciprocity with the state that you live and are licensed in, my guess would be that means they don't honor your states qualifications and /or vehicle legal specifications and indeed if you were stopped and ticketed by that sate for a violation of their laws, then you may have to find a qualified driver to drive your vehicle out of the state.

We have a few retired police officers on the forum, perhaps they can correct me if I'm wrong.

[Turbokitty]

Thanks for your quick reply John. Unfortunately with any govern-mental agency big or small I have found them to be the "blind leading the blind" in most instances. I called Floridas DOT one time to inquire as to what requirements needed to be met in order to drive my restored 1946 John Deere model A tractor a short distance down the road to put fuel in it. All I can say is after talking to seven different people in seven departments I got seven different answers all of which were wrong!!! I will give Georgia DOT a call sometime and relay the insults... um...results. I would hate to have to drive through Alabama (sorry Alabama) in order to get to South Carolina!

Also, what is the latest with having to pull a permit with the New York State DOT in order to drive any vehicle through that state that is 40" long or longer?

[FormerFC]

Originally Posted by Turbokitty

my restored 1946 John Deere model A tractor

I've got an H model that I am restoring. My dad bought it before he passed away and did the mechanicals now I'll finish up the cosmetics. I can see ot now we'll all be pulling tractors to the meets rather than toads.

[Turbokitty]

Tractors work for me!

[isp2952]

Ryan,
I'm a retired Indiana State Trooper. Not that it makes me any more of an expert on things I do have some insight on your question. 99% of the people that enforce the laws of their state make allowances for what the laws are for your home state. For instance, KY did not require registration for a small trailer many years ago, when I worked the road. I don't know is that is still the case. However, Indiana saw a lot of vehicles pulling trailers from KY. We did not ticket anyone from KY, who did not have a registration plate on the trailer, although Indiana required it. The "rule of thumb" was to honor other states laws, when reasonable. This "rule of thumb" obviously only applies to non-moving violations. You also noticed that I said 99% of enforcement officers could be relied upon to act in this manner. There is always an exception. Most prosecutors would take the home state into consideration and may overrule the officer. At least in my opinion they should. Unfortunately, my response really doesn't help that much because it is called "selective enforcement" in the business.

[Rob Robinson]

As Jim said I think most States and Provinces respect each others limits when it comes to towing. People from all the lower 48 come through BC to Alaska and except for one over zealous cop in BC, several years ago, we haven't heard of any disagreement over weight restrictions. Having said that there is very explicit signage at all BC border crossing (with picture examples) stating that double towing (eg. tow vehicle + toad + boat) is not allowed.

[Turbokitty]

I really appreciate the insight. First and foremost I have the utmost respect for law enforcement and am a yes sir/no sir kind a guy. I think that goes along way in society, respect that is. I know "legalism" is becoming more the norm these days fortunately most people still have some sensability. I would think busting someones chops over secondary issues would be just another paperwork hassle anyway. Maybe I should look into an airbrake endorsement anyway? It is interesting that only 2 states have this non reciprocating attitude. Thanks again and happy birding!