Arkansas trailer laws for towing in 2026
Brake thresholds, length and width limits, registration rules, and the towing speed quirks under Arkansas Code Title 27.
Arkansas requires brakes on trailers 3,000 lb or more. New trailers from 1,500 lb up are required to have brakes on all wheels under Arkansas Code 27-37-501. Max combination length is 65 ft, max trailer length 43 ft 6 in, max width 102 in. House trailer tow speed is capped at 45 mph.
| Rule | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Brakes required (used trailers) | 3,000 lb gross or more (AR Code 27-37-501) |
| Brakes required (new trailers) | 1,500 lb or more, brakes on all wheels |
| Breakaway system | Required on trailers needing brakes |
| Max combination length | 65 ft |
| Max trailer length | 43 ft 6 in |
| Max width | 102 in (8 ft 6 in) |
| Max height | 13 ft 6 in |
| House trailer tow speed | 45 mph |
| Drawbar length | 15 ft max |
| Registration exempt | Agricultural use, or 4,000 lb GVW or less |
Registration
Trailers in Arkansas are registered, not titled (Arkansas only titles motorized vehicles). The exception list is short:
- Agricultural-use trailers are exempt
- Trailers with a GVW of 4,000 lb or less are exempt
Everything else needs registration within 30 days of purchase. Proof of registration can be a permanent plate, decal, tab, or registration card depending on type.
Size limits
- Combination length: 65 ft for tow vehicle plus trailer.
- Trailer length: 43 ft 6 in including bumpers, which is longer than most states.
- Width: 102 in (8 ft 6 in) without a permit, also wider than most.
- Height: 13 ft 6 in including load.
Brakes (AR Code 27-37-501)
Two thresholds:
- Used trailers 3,000 lb or more: must have brakes adequate to control and stop the trailer, driver-applied from the tow vehicle, plus automatic application on breakaway.
- New trailers 1,500 lb or more: must be equipped with brakes on all wheels.
The 1,500 lb threshold for new trailers is stricter than the 3,000 lb federal default, so a 2,000 lb utility trailer purchased new in Arkansas needs brakes that wouldn’t be required if you bought the same trailer used.
Hitch and connections
- Drawbar length: 15 ft max.
- Connection must be secure with safety chains in addition to the hitch on most setups.
- A 12 in flag is required on rope, chain, or cable connections.
Lighting
Standard federal-style requirements:
- Tail lights, brake lights, license plate light required on all trailers
- Reflectors on both sides
- Turn signals required if the trailer or load exceeds 80 in width
Trailers narrower than 80 in can get away without turn signals as long as the tow vehicle’s signals are visible from behind, but reflectors are still required.
Speed limits
Default is the posted limit for most trailers. The exceptions:
- House trailer (mobile home): 45 mph maximum.
- Unsafe speed causing sway or weave can trigger a citation even at the posted limit.
Mirrors
Rearview mirrors must provide a view of at least 200 ft of roadway behind the vehicle. Extension mirrors or clip-ons are needed if the trailer blocks the factory ones.
Towing notes
- You cannot tow an unregistered vehicle without a special permit and proof of ownership.
- Riding inside a towed trailer is not permitted.
- Camping in rest areas is allowed, which is unusual.
- Towing more than one boat or general utility trailer at a time is permitted, which differs from most states.
A note for Ford owners in 2026
If you tow a 2021 to 2026 F-150, 2022 to 2026 Super Duty, 2024 to 2026 Ranger, 2022 to 2026 Expedition, 2022 to 2026 Maverick, 2022 to 2026 Lincoln Navigator, or 2026 Transit, check recall 26C10 (NHTSA 26V104000). The Integrated Trailer Module fault disables trailer stop lamps, turn signals, and electric trailer brakes at startup. The OTA fix started rolling out in May 2026, so confirm in FordPass before towing.