By If you’re planning to tow a trailer through the wide-open spaces of North Dakota, it’s important to understand the state’s trailer towing laws. Whether you’re moving goods, embarking on a camping trip, or hauling heavy equipment, adhering to these regulations ensures safety for you and others on the road. Here’s what you need to know about trailer towing laws in North Dakota.
1. Trailer Weight Limits and Registration Requirements
North Dakota law requires you to register trailers weighing over 1,500 pounds with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If your trailer exceeds this weight, it needs its own license plate. While you don’t need to register smaller trailers (under 1,500 pounds), they must still follow other towing guidelines.
2. Trailer Hitch and Coupling Device
Every trailer in North Dakota needs a secure hitch and coupling device that can support the trailer’s full weight, ensuring safe towing. The hitch must be able to handle the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which includes the weight of the trailer and its cargo.
3. Safety Chains Requirement
North Dakota mandates the use of safety chains when towing. Safety chains serve as a secondary connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer. They should be crossed under the tongue of the trailer and attached securely to prevent the trailer from separating in case the primary hitch fails.
4. Lighting and Reflectors
Trailers in North Dakota are required to have proper lighting, which includes:
- Taillights: Red taillights are mandatory on the rear of the trailer.
- Brake Lights: Trailers must have functioning brake lights that illuminate when the vehicle’s brakes are applied.
- Turn Signals: These are required to signal lane changes or turns.
- Reflectors: Red reflectors on the rear and amber reflectors on the front of the trailer are required to enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
These lighting requirements help make trailers more visible to other drivers, particularly during nighttime travel.
5. Braking System Regulations
North Dakota law stipulates that trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 3,000 pounds must have a functioning braking system. This system should be capable of controlling the trailer’s brakes in tandem with the tow vehicle.
6. Maximum Trailer Length and Width
The maximum allowable width for trailers in North Dakota is 8 feet, 6 inches. For length, single trailers can be up to 53 feet long, while combinations (towing a trailer or other vehicle) can extend up to 75 feet. Oversized loads require special permits, which you can obtain from the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).
7. Speed Limits While Towing
In North Dakota, speed limits vary based on road type and conditions, but when towing a trailer, it’s advisable to keep your speed below 65 mph. Exceeding this speed while towing can increase risks due to trailer sway, especially in windy conditions or on uneven road surfaces.
8. Mirror Requirements
When towing a trailer, North Dakota requires that drivers have a clear view behind them. This typically means using extended side mirrors to see past the trailer and monitor traffic. If the trailer blocks your rearview, make sure to install adequate mirrors on both sides of your vehicle.
9. Double Towing Regulations
Double towing (towing two trailers behind one vehicle) is prohibited in North Dakota. Only one trailer may be towed at a time unless granted special permission for specific types of commercial vehicles. Violating this regulation can result in fines and potential legal repercussions.
10. Other Considerations: Winter Travel
With North Dakota’s challenging winter conditions, extra precautions are necessary when towing in snow or ice. Reduce speed, increase following distances, and ensure your trailer’s tires are rated for winter use if towing in these conditions.
11. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with North Dakota’s trailer towing laws can result in penalties. These range from fines for missing or improperly functioning lighting to harsher penalties for unsafe towing practices. It’s always wise to conduct a thorough check of your trailer and towing setup before hitting the road.
Summary
By following North Dakota’s trailer towing laws, you can ensure a safe, legal, and smooth journey. Key points to remember include the use of safety chains, having adequate lighting and reflectors, maintaining a functional braking system, and adhering to the state’s maximum trailer dimensions. As always, prepare your trailer before traveling to avoid complications and keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road.
Safe travels and happy towing!
