Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware?

Delaware law indicates that the following vehicles must be titled in the state before they can be operated on the highways:

• Motor Vehicles
• Truck Tractors
• Trailers
• Motorcycles
• Mopeds
• Mobile Homes
• House Trailers

All off highway vehicles must also be registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) but they do not need a title. Registration for boats is taken care of by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Boat trailers however must be titled and registered through the DMV.

When you buy a new vehicle in Delaware you must register it within 30 days of purchase. Any application filed after the 30 days will be liable for a penalty fee.

Delaware General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Delaware 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 are not permitted to drive a vehicle on the highway if it is towing more than one other vehicle
• The drawbar length or other connection between tow vehicle and trailer must be less than 15 ft.
• If a connection between 2 vehicles includes a chain, rope or cable a red flag or cloth must be affixed that is no smaller than 12 inches square to the connection
• You are prohibited from riding in a house trailer while it is being towed.

Delaware 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 for the trailer is 40 ft
• The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches.
• The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13 ft 6”

Delaware Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Delaware 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.

The main suggestion is that all connections should use a safety chain. This is however not the law, just a very smart safety suggestion from the state.

Delaware 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.

All trailers must have at least one tail light which emits a red light and is attached to the rear of the trailer that is visible from 500 ft away.

Delaware 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.

A speed limit of 10 miles per hour applies if the trailer weighs more than 4,000 lbs. and lacks a braking system that can be controlled from the tow vehicle.

Delaware Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Delaware are very specific in that the driver's rearview mirrors must be equipped with mirrors that give a clear view of the highway directly behind their vehicle, on a line parallel to the car or truck. 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.

Delaware Brake Laws

Trailers and Semi Trailers that have a gross weight of over $3,000 lbs. must be equipped with adequate brakes that affect all of the wheels.

Every motor vehicle that is being operated on the highway must be fitted with brakes that are adequate to control the movement and to stop/hold such vehicle and trailer, including 2 separate means of applying the brakes.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Delaware that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. As a state they do not overly regulate the rules and offer suggestions in some aspects rather than rules.

Speed limit laws are comparable to non towing vehicles as long as the trailer has a braking system that you can control from the lead car. If you do not have such brakes and your load is over 4,000 lbs. you are limited to 10 miles per hour.

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