When you take a road journey in the United States, you may have to cross multiple states. Though you are following one particular towing law of the state, you should abide by the other state law as well. Because, the towing laws of each states may vary from state to state. For example, if you are towing from New York to New Jersey you might abide by the towing laws of both the states.
Essentials as per the Towing Laws
No matter where you are in the U.S whichever state you cross you will have to make sure the trailer you are towing is equipped with the following:
1. Taillights: The trailer needs to operate the taillight for the road safety
2. License Plate light: Make sure to display the license plate with the light
3. Safety Chains : These chains would help prevent separation if the connection link fails.
4. Brake Light : This should help prevent the rear end collision
5. Clearance lights : This is required only when the trailer exceeds certain width
6. Reflectors : This is mandatory must and the most important precautionary action for the benefit of other vehicles
Extra Safety Measure required by few other states
1. Breakaway brakes- Like the safety chains these would prevent an accident when your hitch fails.
2. Flares - This would help to clear off a section of the road after an accident
3. Tie downs - If you load anything that could possibly fall off, you will need to tie them down to secure it.
4. Towing Speed - All states have specified the towing speed limit. A maximum of 45 MPH is permissible by law.
5. Insurance - Towing insurance is required for the towing vehicles and it is mandatory.
Many states have added another layer to this process. If you can’t prove that you are carrying auto insurance on the car that you are driving, not only do you get a ticket for lack of insurance but your car is towed to the local pound as well. This requires you to not only pay the towing and impounding fees, but also to produce proof of insurance to even get your car back. The idea behind the new law is to get uninsured cars off the roads and to provide additional income to the states.
The number of cities imposing no-insurance tow laws increases with each passing day. Even if your city or town doesn’t have this regulation on the judicial books, if you were stopped in a jurisdiction that does without auto insurance, or even proof of having car insurance, your car could be towed until you can prove you have insurance on the car. This would result in waste of a good amount of time and money.