Michigan Trailer Laws and Regulations

If you often find yourself towing heavy loads around your state you probably have some idea of the state laws and rules that apply to do this. Some people may not be aware however that sometimes laws can differ state by state. This can mean you might be legal in one state but crossing the border you might well get pulled over for an infringement you were not expecting.

In this article we are going to look at the laws for Michigan which may vary from the state you might be driving in from. There may also be regulations you were not aware of as a native to the state which might catch you out. So read on and let us try to keep you from costly tickets.

Do Trailers Need to Be Registered in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan all trailers and trailer coaches need to be registered if they are to be used on the public roads. It does not matter whether they were manufactured or assembled by the owner. The trailers will be issued with a license plate that does not expire and is not transferable.

Pop-up campers and travel trailers have to be registered with a permanent license plate with the fee for this being based on the unit's empty weight. Pickup campers and trailer coaches in addition to registration must also have titles as do all trailers weighing more than 2,500 lbs. unloaded.

Michigan General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Michigan regarding towing that you might come foul of if you were not aware of them. Sometimes you may get away with an infringement of these rules because you did not know them but you can not assume this will be the case.

You can not allow anyone to ride in a trailer that is being towed on a highway.

Michigan Trailer Dimension Rules

It is important to know the state laws governing the sizes of loads and trailers. You may need permits for some loads while others may not be allowed on certain types of roads.

• You can not ride in or live in a trailer while it is being towed along public roads in the state.
• The total length of tow vehicle and trailer can not exceed 65 ft.
• The maximum length of the trailer is 45 ft.
• The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches.
• The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13ft 6”.

Michigan Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Michigan that relate to the trailer hitch and safety signals displayed by the trailer. It is important to be aware of these laws as they are safety based so may carry potentially large fines.

• Hitches connecting the tow vehicles and trailer can not exceed 15 ft and can not allow either vehicle to deviate by more than 3 inches.
• If the connection between tow vehicles is a rope or cable a red flag (daylight) or signal (night time) no less than 12 inches square must be affixed to the connection.

Michigan Trailer Lighting Laws

When you are towing something that will obscure the rear lights of your tow vehicle it is important to be able to communicate your upcoming and present actions in the form of lights. This is why there are rules regarding trailer lighting.

• Trailers must be equipped with at least 1 rear lamp emitting a red light that can be seen from at least 500 feet away.
• The rear registration plate must be illuminated using a white light that makes it visible from behind at a distance no less than 50 ft even after dark.
• 2 Clearance lamps on the front, 1 at each side.
• 2 Side marker lamps on each side, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the rear.
• 2 Reflectors on each side, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the rear
• 2 Clearance lamps and 2 reflectors on the rear, both located one lamp/reflector per side with an additional stop light in between them.

Michigan Speed Limits

When it comes to speed limits this varies and depends on the posted speeds of the specific area. You obviously should not exceed the posted speed limit in any area. When it comes to normal towing there are no specific different limits but it is expected that the speed is kept at a sensible level.

If your trailer is being caused to sway or lose control due to speed you may be pulled over even if you are within the posted limits. This is because the trailer may be posing a threat to public safety and you will be asked to slow down.

Michigan Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Michigan are not specified although they are likely required and you may be pulled over if you do not have any or they are unusable. If your view is compromised by the width of your load you may want to consider extensions to your existing mirrors. These can be in the form of mirror extenders that slot onto already existing wing mirrors.

The state of Michigan does not specify mirror rules for towing but there mirror laws in general are as follows. “A person shall not drive a motor vehicle on a highway which is so constructed or loaded as to prevent the driver from obtaining a view of the highway to the rear by looking backward from the driver's position, unless the vehicle is equipped with a mirror located so as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.”

Michigan Brake Laws

The brakes on your tow vehicle and potentially on your trailer are important to the safety of any towing operation. Ensure that they meet state guidelines and adhere to the stated rules for use on the road with a trailer.

Any trailer with a gross weight of over 3,000 lbs. requires its own independent braking system that can be controlled from the tow vehicle.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Michigan that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. The state of Michigan does not have a lot of tow specific rules although it does regulate registration and trailer sizes.

In general even though there may not be specific rules for towing make sure you are adhering to the general rules of the state's roads. If it's not permitted when driving normally it definitely would not be if you are towing a load.

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