By If you’re planning to tow a trailer through the beautiful and varied landscapes of South Dakota, understanding the state’s trailer towing laws is essential. Whether you’re moving equipment, going on a camping trip, or hauling something for business, South Dakota has specific regulations that you’ll need to follow. Here’s a breakdown of the key points to help keep your trip safe and compliant.
1. Trailer Weight and Registration Requirements
- In South Dakota, trailers over a certain weight must be registered. Generally, any trailer with a gross weight of over 3,000 pounds is required to be registered with the South Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Trailers with a gross weight over 2,000 pounds must have brakes on each wheel for added safety, so check your trailer’s weight and ensure it meets this requirement if applicable.
2. Safety Chains and Couplings
- South Dakota requires that trailers be attached to towing vehicles using a secure hitch and safety chains. These chains are necessary as a backup connection, ensuring the trailer stays connected in the event of a hitch failure. Make sure that the chains are properly crossed beneath the trailer tongue and securely fastened to both the trailer and the towing vehicle.
3. Lighting and Reflectors
- Proper lighting is essential when towing in South Dakota. Trailer laws mandate that your trailer has working taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate lights.
- Reflectors are also required, helping to keep your trailer visible, especially during nighttime or in adverse weather conditions.
4. Speed Limits When Towing
- South Dakota does not specify a reduced speed limit for towing vehicles unless otherwise posted. However, it’s generally recommended to drive at a lower speed while towing to ensure safety and stability, especially when passing other vehicles or driving on winding roads.
5. Maximum Trailer Length and Width
- The state allows a maximum trailer width of 102 inches (8.5 feet) on most highways.
- The maximum length of a single trailer is typically 53 feet, while for a combined length (vehicle and trailer together), it can’t exceed 75 feet.
6. Double Towing Regulations
- South Dakota permits double towing, where two trailers are towed by a single vehicle, but there are specific requirements to meet. The first trailer must have a fifth-wheel hitch, and the overall length of the combinationcannot exceed 75 feet. Safety regulations such as braking systems and sway control for the second trailer are recommended to maintain stability on the road.
7. Brake Requirements
- All trailers over 3,000 pounds are required to have their own independent braking system. This helps to keep both the towing vehicle and trailer under control during stops, especially on South Dakota’s steep grades and during sudden stops.
8. Overtaking and Lane Restrictions
- South Dakota law specifies that while towing, you must stay in the right lane on multi-lane highways unless overtaking another vehicle or when directed otherwise by road signs. Additionally, when overtaking, use extra caution to ensure your vehicle-trailer combination does not interfere with other road users.
9. Trailer Insurance
- While South Dakota does not legally require separate trailer insurance, it’s highly recommended. Most standard auto insurance policies cover towing liability, but you may want to consider additional coverage if you frequently tow or carry high-value loads.
Key Takeaways
Staying compliant with South Dakota’s towing laws helps ensure the safety of everyone on the road and protects you from potential fines. Here’s a quick recap:
- Register trailers over 3,000 pounds and ensure they have brakes if over 2,000 pounds.
- Use safety chains and secure couplings.
- Maintain working lights and reflectors on the trailer.
- Check your speeds and keep to recommended towing speeds even if the state doesn’t specify a towing speed limit.
- Follow the maximum width and length restrictions for trailers.
