By Whether you’re planning to haul your boat to the lake, transport a travel trailer for a weekend getaway, or move a large load across the state, knowing the trailer towing laws in Oklahoma is crucial. Adhering to these laws ensures not only your safety but also helps avoid fines and potential accidents. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Oklahoma’s trailer towing laws to keep you informed and on the road legally.
1. Trailer Registration and Title
In Oklahoma, trailers are generally required to be registered and titled if they weigh over 3,000 pounds. For smaller trailers, registration may still be necessary depending on the use, but titling isn’t always required.
To register your trailer, you need to provide:
- Proof of ownership (bill of sale or manufacturer’s certificate of origin)
- Completed application form
- Proof of insurance (for the vehicle towing the trailer)
- Payment of registration fees
2. Towing Speed Limits
The speed limit while towing a trailer in Oklahoma is the same as the standard speed limits for passenger vehicles, which means you must obey posted speed limits. However, it’s essential to reduce speed in certain conditions:
- When driving on steep hills or curved roads
- In adverse weather conditions, like rain or snow
- When hauling heavy or oversized loads
Always ensure you’re driving at a safe speed for the weight you’re towing to avoid swaying or losing control.
3. Towing Weight Limits
It is essential to understand your vehicle’s towing capacity before attaching any trailer. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle and trailer together cannot exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.
In Oklahoma:
- The towing vehicle must be able to control and stop the trailer safely.
- The trailer’s weight must not exceed the towing vehicle’s capabilities, which can typically be found in the vehicle’s owner manual.
4. Trailer Brakes and Safety Equipment
Oklahoma law has specific requirements regarding brakes and safety equipment for trailers:
- Brakes: Trailers that weigh over 3,000 pounds must be equipped with brakes on at least one axle. These brakes must be controlled by the driver of the towing vehicle.
- Safety Chains: All trailers must have safety chains securely attached to both the trailer and the towing vehicle to prevent separation in case of a hitch failure.
- Trailer Lights: Trailers must be equipped with tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. These lights should be visible from a reasonable distance, typically at least 500 feet. Trailers over 80 inches wide or longer than 30 feet must also have reflectors and side marker lights.
5. Trailer Dimensions
Oklahoma enforces limits on the size of trailers you can tow:
- Width: Maximum width is 8 feet, 6 inches (102 inches).
- Height: Maximum height is 13 feet, 6 inches.
- Length: Maximum length for a single trailer is 40 feet, while the combined length of the tow vehicle and trailer must not exceed 65 feet.
If your trailer exceeds these dimensions, you will need to obtain a special permit for oversized loads.
6. Trailer Hitch and Coupling Devices
Oklahoma law requires that trailers be securely attached to the towing vehicle with an adequate hitch. The hitch must be strong enough to bear the weight of the load being towed without risk of failure. Always ensure the hitch is appropriate for your trailer’s tongue weight and that it is securely fastened before every trip.
7. Insurance Requirements
While there’s no law specifically mandating insurance for the trailer itself, Oklahoma law requires liability insurance for the towing vehicle. If the trailer causes damage or an accident while being towed, the insurance for the towing vehicle will typically cover the damages. However, if you’re towing an expensive trailer, it may be wise to have it separately insured to cover potential damage to the trailer itself.
8. License and Endorsements
In Oklahoma, you don’t need a special license to tow most trailers unless you’re operating a commercial vehicle or towing particularly heavy loads. For non-commercial drivers, a standard Class D driver’s license is sufficient. However, if you’re towing a trailer with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,001 pounds, you may need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Conclusion
Towing a trailer in Oklahoma comes with a few important legal requirements, from registration to weight limits, brake requirements, and proper lighting. Understanding and following these laws helps keep both you and other drivers safe on the road. Before you hit the road, ensure your trailer is properly equipped and within legal limits.
