Virginia 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 Virginia 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 All Trailers Need To Be Registered in Virginia?

According to Virginia state laws trailers that weigh less than 4,000 lbs. are eligible for both full and small-sized license plates. To operate a trailer on the state's highways you are required to have a title and registration. The registration will be done through the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Virginia General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Virginia 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.

There are no rules in this category but in the absence of this we must assume that general rules of the road should be adhered to. If it is something that would be illegal without a trailer the high likelihood is that you should not do it with a trailer.

Virginia 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.

• It is illegal to ride in a house trailer while it is being towed.
• The total length of the tow vehicle and trailer is 65 ft including bumpers.
• 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 13 ft 6 inches.

Virginia Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Virginia 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.

In addition to the primary form of connection between tow vehicle and trailer Virginia state law says that safety chains or cables must also be used. These secondary methods of attachment are intended as a backup to the primary method.

Virginia 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.

• Red lighting must be placed at the back of trailers which is visible from 500 feet during clear weather.
• A separate white light can illuminate the trailer's rear license plate from 50 feet away.
• Reflectors need to be attached to the end of the trailer facing backward.

Virginia 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.

Virginia Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Virginia 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.

Mirrors that reflect an unobstructed view of the road behind the vehicle for at least 200 ft are required in the state of Virginia, by law.

• You need at least one mirror outside of the tow vehicle and one inside.
• If internal mirrors are obstructed then you must have mirrors on both sides of the car's exterior which are visible from the cab.

Virginia 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.

If the gross weight of a trailer exceeds 3,000 lbs. then by Virginia state law it must be equipped with brakes.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Virginia that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. As a state Virginia has relaxed rules compared to some states but it certainly does show attention to towing safety.

You are required to have safety chains, adequate lighting on the trailer as well as brakes that are capable of handling the tow vehicle and the trailer.

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