| State |
Towing
Length |
Braking
Requirements For Towing |
| ALABAMA |
Total length: Not specified. |
Connection
between vehicles must not exceed 15’ in length. Bill of sale required.
Independent braking system required over 3,000 lbs. 1 |
| ALASKA |
Total length: 75’. |
Brake
hookup required if over 3,000lbs. A breakaway system capable of
applying all required brakes in the event of a separation from the
towing vehicle is required. Independent braking system required for *GW
of 5,000 lbs. or more. 2 |
| ARIZONA |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent braking system required when the *GW exceeds 3,000lbs. 2,3 |
| ARKANSAS |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. Every trailer
3,000lbs or more must have brakes adequate to control movement of and
to stop and hold vehicle; and the brakes should automatically apply in
the event of an accidental break-away. 2,3 |
| CALIFORNIA |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
braking system required with a *GW of 1,500lbs or more. Brakes must be
sufficient to stop within a specified distance, according to vehicle
weight, at 20mph. |
| COLORADO |
Total length: 70’. |
Independent
braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. Brakes shall
also be designed and connected that in case of accidental breakaway of
the towed vehicle, brakes shall automatically apply. Lights must be
mounted and displayed on the rear of the towed vehicle. Lights must be
actuated by the driver of the towing vehicle. 2,3 |
| CONNECTICUT |
Total length: 60’. |
Independent
braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. Each trailer
having *GW of 3,000lbs or more shall be equipped with a braking system
operating on all wheels. 2,3 |
| DELAWARE |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
system required with a *GW of 4,000lbs or more. Trailers carrying a *GW
of load in combination with a vehicle in excess of 4,000lbs. must be
equipped with suitable brakes controlled by the operator of the towing
vehicle. 10mph limit without brakes. 2,3 |
| DIST COLUMBIA |
Total length: 85’. |
Independent
braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. There shall be
a manually controlled device for applying and releasing the brakes that
is readily operable by a person in the driving seat. 2 |
| FLORIDA |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent braking system and breakaway system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs or more. 2 |
| GEORGIA |
Total length: 60’. |
Independent
braking system required with a *GW of 3,000lbs.or more Every trailer
over 3,000lbs. **GVWR must be equipped with brakes on all wheels. 2 |
| HAWAII |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. 2,3 |
| IDAHO |
Total length: 75’. |
When
weight is 1,500lbs or more, independent braking system required with
breakaway system capable of applying the brakes in the event of a
separation from towing vehicle. Must stop at any weigh station. 2 |
| ILLINOIS |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Such brakes must
be so designed and connected that in case of an accidental breakaway of
a towed vehicle over 5,000lbs., the brakes are automatically applied.
Brake hookup required if vehicle towed is over 3,000lbs. |
| INDIANA |
Total length: 60’ for 2 vehicles & 65’ for 3 vehicles. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs. or more. A trailer at
least 3,000lbs must have brakes adequate to control the movement, stop
and hold the towing vehicle and trailer. These brakes must be designed
so that the driver of the towing vehicle can apply the brakes from the
towing vehicle itself and adequately stop both the towing vehicle and
the trailer. 2,3 |
| IOWA |
Total length: 70’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Every trailer of
a *GVW of 3,000lbs or more must be equipped with a separate, auxiliary
means of applying brakes on the trailer from the cab of the towing
vehicle. Registration required. 2,3 |
| KANSAS |
Total length: 65’ |
Independent braking system always required. Also, not more than 2 vehicles shall be connected by a tow bar. 2 |
| KENTUCKY |
Total length: 63’. |
Independent
braking system not required . Kentucky law does not specifically
require brakes on many passenger car trailers, regardless of weight.
However, vehicles singular or in combination must be able to stop
within distance specified by statute. No vehicle may haul more than 2
vehicles connected in such a manner to keep them evenly spaced, and any
1 time. 2,3 |
| LOUISIANA |
Total length: 70’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Brake hookup and
light connection must be connected to primary towing vehicle lights. 2,3 |
| MAINE |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Maximum of 1 boat
or general/utility trailer may be towed behind a passenger or pleasure
vehicle – length combined cannot exceed 65’. |
| MARYLAND |
Total length: 55’. |
Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. |
| MASSACHUSETTS |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 10,000lbs or more. Towing vehicle
must be able to stop trailer and towing vehicle within legal limits. 2,3 |
| MICHIGAN |
Total length: 65.’ (E) |
Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. 2,3 |
| MINNESOTA |
Total length: 60’. |
Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Breakaway system required when *GW is 6,000lbs. or more. 4,5 |
| MISSISSIPPI |
Total length: 53’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 2,000lbs or more. Brakes should be
designed so that the driver of the towing vehicle from its cab may
apply them. Brakes should be designed and connected so that in case of
an accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle, the brakes should be
automatically applied. Not more than 1 vehicle shall be towed by a tow
bar. 2 |
| MISSOURI |
Total length: 65’ on interstate highways & 55’ on others. |
Independent braking system not required . 2 |
| MONTANA |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. All trailers with
a *GVW less than 3,000lbs must be equipped with brakes on all wheels if
the total weight of the trailer does not exceed 40% of the *GVW of the
towing vehicle. 2,3 |
| NEBRASKA |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Breakaway required over 6,500lbs. 2 |
| NEVADA |
Total length: 70’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW exceeds 3,000lbs.; 1,500lbs if
manufactured 7/01/75 or newer model. Every towing vehicle used to tow
another vehicle equipped with air-controlled brakes, shall be equipped
with 2 means of emergency application of the trailer brakes. One means
shall apply the brakes automatically in the event of a reduction of the
towing vehicle air supply; the other means shall be a manually
controlled device for applying and releasing the brakes, readily
operable by a person seated in the driver seat. Every vehicle towing
other vehicles equipped with vacuum brakes shall have a second control
device that can be used to operate the brakes on towed vehicles in
emergencies. The second controls shall be independent of brake air,
hydraulic and other pressure, and independent of other controls, unless
the braking system is so arranged that failure of the pressure upon
which the second control depends will cause the brakes to be applied
automatically. 6, (C) |
| NEW HAMPSHIRE |
Total length: not specified. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 1,500lbs or more. No vehicle may
tow on any road more than 1 vehicle or trailer. 2,3 |
| NEW JERSEY |
Total length: 62’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. In any
combination of motor vehicles, means shall be provided for applying the
trailer brakes in approximate synchronism with the brakes on the towing
vehicles and creating the required braking effort on the wheels of the
rearmost vehicle at the fastest rate, or means shall be provided for
applying the braking effort first on the rearmost vehicle equipped with
brakes. Registration of towed vehicles required if required by home
state. Brake hookup required. Maximum of 1 boat or general utility
trailer may be towed behind passenger or pleasure vehicle – total
length of both not to exceed 62’. 2 |
| NEW MEXICO |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. In any
combination of motor-drawn vehicles, means shall be provided for
applying the rearmost trailer brakes in approximate synchronism with
the brakes on the towing vehicle. Special permit required, available at
ports of entry for $5. Bill of sale, title or ownership document
required. Brake hookup required. 7 |
| NEW YORK |
Total length: 65’. (A) |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. State Highways:
Registration of towed auto not required. Auto towing in prohibited.
N.Y.S. thruway: Registration and plates required for towed autos, which
must be in operable condition. |
| NORTH CAROLINA |
Total length: 60’ |
Independent
braking system is required when *GW is 4,000lbs or more. Every trailer
or separate vehicle attached by a drawbar or coupling to a towing
vehicle of at least 4,000lbs., and every house trailer weighing at
least 1,000lbs., shall be equipped with brakes controlled or operated
by the driver of the towing vehicle. 2,3 |
| NORTH DAKOTA |
Total length: 75’. |
Independent braking system required when towing. 2,8 |
| OHIO |
Total length: 65’ |
Independent braking system required when *GW is 2,000lbs or more. 2,3 |
| OKLAHOMA |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. 2,3 |
| OREGON |
Total length: 65’. (B) |
Independent
braking system not required , but combination of vehicles must be able
to stop within legal limits. Every motor vehicle and combination of
motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds, shall at all times be
equipped with a parking brake system. Unlawful to operate more than 2
vehicles in combination. Any vehicle being towed must be equipped with
safety chains or cables. Specials certificate required if vehicle is
being towed for compensation. A trip permit is also required if the
towed vehicle is not currently registered and is being towed by other
than a licensed tower. 2,9 (B) |
| PENNSYLVANIA |
Total length: 60’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Of every
combination of vehicles operated on a highway, the towed vehicle which
is equipped with brakes or which has a *GW in excess of 3,000lbs shall
be so equipped that, upon breakaway of the towed vehicle, the towed
vehicle shall be stopped and held automatically, and the towing vehicle
shall be capable of being stopped and held by use of its own service
braking system. Whenever 2 vehicles are connected by a ball and socket
type hitch or pintle hook without a locking device, they must also be
connected by 2 safety chains of equal length, each safety chain having
an ultimate strength at least equal to the gross weight of the towed
vehicles. The safety chains must be crossed and connected to the towed
and towing vehicle and to the tow bar to prevent the tow bar from
dropping to the ground in the event the tow bar fails or becomes
disconnected. Safety chains (cross chains) required. 10,11 |
| RHODE ISLAND |
Total length: 60’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 4,000lbs or more. Brakes must be
designed so they can be applied from the driver of the towing vehicle’s
normal operating position and that they will be automatically applied
in the case of an accidental breakaway. 2,3 |
| SOUTH CAROLINA |
Total length: not specified. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Every motor
vehicle or trailer must be equipped with brakes that have a braking
system arranged so that one control device can be used to operate all
service brakes. 2 |
| SOUTH DAKOTA |
Total length: not specified. (D) |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Brakes, turn
signals, and rear lights required. Towed vehicle cannot exceed 53’. 2,3 |
| TENNESSEE |
Total length: not specified. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Lights, turn
signals, and brakes must be connected. Registration of towed vehicle
required plus owner’s identification card, if home state issues one.
Brake hookups required. 2,3 |
| TEXAS |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 4,500lbs or more. A motor vehicle,
including a passenger car that has an unloaded weight of 2,500lbs. or
more may be coupled with a towing device and 1 other vehicle. A driver
of a passenger car or light truck may not tow a trailer, semi trailer,
house trailer, or another motor vehicle unless safety chains of a type
approved by the *DPS are attached in an approved manner from trailer,
semi trailer, house trailer, or towed motor vehicle to the towing
vehicle. 2 |
| UTAH |
Total length: 65’. |
Breakaway
braking system required if over 3,000lbs. Every motor vehicle or
combination of vehicles shall have a parking brake system adequate to
hold the vehicle(s) of any grade on which it is operated. Registration
or proof of ownership of towed vehicle required. 2 |
| VERMONT |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. Rigid connection required. 3,12 |
| VIRGINIA |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. A safety
chain/cable is required. Taillights and brake lights required. 2,13 |
| WASHINGTON |
Total length: 60’. (B) |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. No vehicle towing
a trailer may be driven in the left-hand lane of a limited access
roadway having 3 or more lanes for traffic moving is 1 direction except
when preparing for a left-hand turn. No person may occupy any trailer
when it is being moved on a highway, except a person occupying a proper
position for steering a trailer to be steered from a rear-end position.
Special permit required if towed vehicle is not registered. 2, (B) |
| WEST VIRGINIA |
Total length: 75’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. A motor vehicle
or combination of motor-drawn vehicles must be capable of stopping at
the following rates as if on a dry, smooth, level free road: 1)
vehicles or combinations of vehicles with brakes must be able to
decelerate at a speed of 14’ per second; and 2) vehicles or
combinations of vehicles not having brakes on all wheels must be able
to decelerate at a speed on 10.7’ per second. Light hookup required. 2 |
| WISCONSIN |
Total length: 60’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. A motor vehicle
may be towed without being equipped with brakes if the *GVW of the
towed vehicles not more than 40% of the *GVW of the towing vehicle and
the towing vehicle has brakes adequate enough to stop the combination
of vehicles. 2,3 |
| WYOMING |
Total length: 65’. |
Independent braking system required when *GW is 3,000lbs or more. 14 |
| Canadian Provinces |
| ALBERTA |
Total length: 20m/66’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 910kg/2,000lbs or more . No
breakaway device required . Registration of towed vehicle required;
proof of ownership required; drawbar required. 2,15 |
| BRITISH COLUMBIA |
Total length: 20m/66’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 1,400kg/3,086lbs or more. When the
in-tow vehicle weight more than 1,909kg/4,200lbs., the unit must have a
functional safety breakaway brake on the attachment. 2 |
| |
Total length: 21.5m/70.5’ |
Independent
braking system required when *GW is 910kg/2,006lbs. Towed vehicle must
have a driver or be equipped with an adequate towing device (tow dolly,
drawbar, and lift arm) which compels it to remain in the course of the
towing vehicle. Distance shall not exceed 5m/16’. Towed vehicle must
have functional brakes when not connected to tow bar. 2 |
| NEW BRUNSWICK |
Total length: 23m/75’. |
Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1.5 tons. 2 |
| NEWFOUNDLAND |
Total length: 23m/75’ (B) |
Independent
braking system not required . The service brakes on a combination of
vehicles must be capable of bringing the motor vehicle and a fully
loaded combination of vehicles to a standstill at 30km/h (19mph) under
the following conditions: 1) in straight line; 2) within 10m/33’ from
the point at which the brakes were applied; and 3) on a dry and level
paved surface made of eight asphalt or concrete that is free from loose
materials. Special permit required if towed vehicle not registered. 2,
(B) |
| NWT – NUNAVIT |
Total length: 25m/80’ |
Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,360kg/2,998lbs. 2 |
| NOVA SCOTIA |
Total length: 23m/75’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,800kg/4,000lbs. All lights
must function on rear towed vehicles. Tow dollies require trailer
plates unless towed by vehicle plated in jurisdiction exempting dollies
from registration. |
| ONTARIO |
Total length: 23m/75’. |
Independent braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,360kg/2,998lbs. |
| PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND |
Total length: 25m/82’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,500kg/3,300lbs. The brakes
must be designed and connected so that the brakes are automatically
applied if 1 of the vehicles being towed breaks away. Registration of
towed vehicle not required. Safety chains required. Tow bar required
(max. length 3.66m (12’). Light hookup required. Towing behind pickup
camper/motor home is permitted. |
| QUEBEC |
Total length: 23m/75’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,300kg/2,866lbs. The towing
vehicle must carry the necessary equipment for operating the braking
system of any trailer being towed. Drawbar or other connections
required towing not recommended. 16 |
| SASKATCHEWAN |
Total length: 23m/75’. |
Independent
braking system required when *GW exceeds 1,360kg./2,998lbs.The brake
system must automatically activate the brakes in the case of a
breakaway from the towing vehicle without affecting the brakes of the
towing vehicle. 2 |
| YUKON TERRITORY |
Total length: 22m/72’. |
Independent
braking system required if *GW exceed 910kg/2,000lbs or ½ licensed
weight of towing vehicle. Tow bar and safety chains required. Length
must not exceed Highway Regulation Limits. Brake lights and turn
signals required. |
