Arizona 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 Arizona 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 License Plates In Arizona?

In some states you may need a tag for your trailer but in Arizona you may actually need a license plate. The registration length of a trailer in Arizona is based on the owner-certified weight and its intended use.

Personal use trailers for example are eligible for a short-term registration which can range from one, two or five years. Commercial trailers are eligible for permanent registration plates . Permanent registration applies to:

A non-commercial trailer that weighs 10,000 lbs. or less can be registered for a $125 fee. This can be reduced to $75 if you are converting a current commercial trailer to non commercial status.

Trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight of over 10,000 lbs will pay a fee of $800 for first registration. This may be reduced to $500 if it was previously registered in another state and is less than 6 years old. If the trailer is over 6 years old the fee would only be $195.

The registration plate you require will depend on the weight and what you plan to use the trailer for. So be ready with this information to ensure you get the right registration and that you remain within the laws of Arizona.

Arizona General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Arizona 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.

  • Reese tow bars and any other towing device can not exceed 15 feet between tow vehicle and load.
  • If you are using a chain rope or cable for the tow connection then you will need to attach a white cloth or flag of at least 12 inches square on the device itself.

Arizona 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.

  • The total length of tow vehicle and trailer can not exceed 65 feet
  • The maximum length of the trailer can not exceed 40 feet including the bumpers.
  • The maximum width for a trailer is 96 inches.
  • The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13 ft 6.”
  • You can pull two units as long as the middle unit has a 5th wheel and brakes. It also must be equal to or heavier than the rear unit in weight. The rear unit must be at least 3,000 lbs. in weight.

Arizona Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Arizona 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 Arizona there are few rules when it comes to this section except that tow ropes can be no longer than 15 ft in length.

Arizona 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.

If the trailer weighs more than 3,000 lbs you will need:

  • 1 Clearance Light on Each Side,
  • 2 Side Marker Lamps on Each Side
  • 2 Reflectors on Each Side
  • 2 Clearance Lamps on the Rear
  • 2 Reflectors on the Rear
  • 1 Stoplight

Arizona 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 level of speed is causing your trailer to weave, sway or be unstable you may be pulled over and cautioned to slow down for the safety of yourself and other road users.

Arizona Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Arizona are very specific in that the driver's rearview mirrors must be equipped with mirrors that reflect at least 200 feet of the roadway behind you. If your mirrors are obscured and do not offer this you may need to make adjustments.

If your view is compromised by the width of your load you may want to consider extensions to your existing mirrors. These can come in the form of mirrors that can slip over your existing rear views to improve your view past the load.

Arizona Brake Laws

If your trailer weighs 3,000 lbs. or more you will be required to have an independent brake system on the trailer that can be activated from the tow vehicle.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Arizona that pertain to using trailers and they base some of these on how you intend to use your trailer. Chances are you will need a license plate for your trailer and these can cost a fair bit of money especially if they are for commercial use.

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