{"id":986,"date":"2019-06-19T09:52:13","date_gmt":"2019-06-19T13:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zorestowing.com\/blog\/?p=986"},"modified":"2019-06-19T09:52:13","modified_gmt":"2019-06-19T13:52:13","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-state-trailer-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zorestowing.com\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-state-trailer-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About State Trailer Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
If you have a trailer that you use to tow a boat, it is very\nimportant to stay fully informed of the local and state laws governing towing\ntrailers at all times. Not only do these ordinances have a tendency to change\nwithout notice, leaving you in the dark on what\u2019s acceptable practice and what\u2019s\nnot, if neglected, such laws also can pose several legal penalties and\nrepercussions. It is also important to remember that these laws are also meant\nto protect you and other drivers on the road, as well as your towed assets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about Indiana\ntrailer laws, including what to do when you need emergency trailer tow truck\nassistance.<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIndiana Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Trailer Widths and Wide-Load Permits<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
All states have a limit on boat trailer widths, but not all\nrequire a wide-load permit. Most states maintain the rule that if your trailer\nis less than 102 inches (8\u20196\u201d) wide, a driver is not obligated under law to\nobtain a wide-load permit. On the other hand, there are a few states that do\nrequire a wide-load permit, regardless of whether or not a trailer meets these\nset limits. If a trailer is larger than these measurements, or has a wider beam\nthan what is allowed in a particular state, a wide-load permit is required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here in Indiana, drivers must have a wide-load permit if\ntheir trailer exceeds 102 inches in width. When it comes to linking cargoes, the\nmaximum length of 2 or more vehicles, including any cargo, is 60 feet. The\nmaximum length for 3 or more vehicles including cargo is 65 feet. The maximum\nload size in length is 3 feet past the front and 4 feet past the rear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interstate Travel and Wide-Load Permits<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Although Indiana has their rules on boat trailer width\nrestrictions, they may not match up with all the other states. For instance, in\nNew York, the limit is 96 inches, compared to Indiana\u2019s 102 inch rule. So if\nyou are planning on taking a long-distance road trip with your boat trailer, be\nsure you have a wide-load permit for each state that you intend on passing\nthough. You will need a separate permit for each state. If you fail to do this,\nyou may be stopped by law enforcement and forced to change your trailer setup\nto adhere to each state law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The laws governing trailer brakes and weight vary from state\nto state. So again, if you plan on traveling through several states, you must\nbe familiar with each state\u2019s laws regarding these trailer systems. For instance,\nin Kentucky, boat trailer brakes are not required by law, but the trailer must\nbe able to come to a complete stop within 40 feet on a level surface. In North\nDakota, boat trailer brakes are not required by law unless the boat trailer\ndoes not have safety brakes. Here in Indiana, a boat trailer that weighs at\nleast 3 tons must be equipped with brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indiana Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Here in Indiana, it is required by law for all trailers to\nbe equipped with double safety chains. As for trailer lighting laws, a trailer\nhas to have at least 1 rear-mounted red taillight that is clearly visible from\nup to 500 feet away. Furthermore, trailers must also have 2 or more\nrear-mounted white taillights that are mounted between 20 inches and 72 inches\nfrom the ground. These lights must be clearly visible from a distance of 50\nfeet and correctly wired so the headlights illuminate simultaneously with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
⚠ This is not a comprehensive list of the United States Trailer Laws and Regulations. To learn more about Indiana state trailer laws and regulations, see Indiana Code Title 9. Motor Vehicles \u00a7 9-20-9-8<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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