Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Idaho?

Trailers in Idaho are regulated by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) who will usually register a utility trailer annually for a fee of $5 per year. The department may also choose to register the trailer for five or ten years, issuing a license plate with an expiration date and validation sticker.

Per state rules all cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers and other highway vehicles must have a title. This includes all types of trailers such as travel trailers, utility, transport and boat which weigh more than 2,000 lbs. when empty.

The state's transportation department’s division of motor vehicles performs monthly checks on insurance status of non-commercial vehicles. Trailers are exempt from the requirement of insurance although liability insurance is always a good idea in case of accidents.

Idaho General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Idaho 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.

Many states will only allow one other vehicle to be towed behind a tow vehicle in Idaho however you can tow up to two units as long as it is done safely.

Idaho 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 75 feet including bumpers but not appurtenances related to the safe operation of the vehicle.
• The maximum length for the trailer is 48 ft.
• The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches excluding devices or appurtenances.
• The maximum height of a trailer and load is 14 ft.

Idaho Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Idaho 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 must be firmly attached to the frame but there is no requirement for safety chains. These are obviously a good idea however especially for heavy loads.

Idaho 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.

• The rear vehicle of a towing train be it trailer, semi trailer, pole trailer or another vehicle requires at least one red tail lamp that is plainly visible from 500 feet away.
• All trailers, semi trailers or pole trailers less than 3,000 lbs. must have two reflectors on the rear, one on each side. Reflectors are also required at the front of the trailers as well, on both sides.
• If the trailer blocks the stop light of the tow vehicle then it must have a stoplight attached to the back itself which is controlled by the towing vehicle.

Idaho 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.

Idaho Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Idaho 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 come in the form of mirrors that can slip over your existing rear views to improve your view past the load.

In Idaho if your direct to rear mirror is obstructed you are required to have both a left and right rear view mirror.

Idaho 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.

Trailers with an unloaded weight of 1,500 lbs. and above require an independent braking system as well as a breakaway system. This will ensure if the trailer breaks loose that it will stop immediately rather than running out of control.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Idaho that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. When it comes to trailers Idaho has a few rules but is not overtly harsh on trailers.

You can have longer trailer and tow vehicle lengths in Idaho as compared to other states and you can pull up to two units at one time. The lighting laws are all common sense and the laws governing brakes are also quite rightly firm on the need to stop a trailer breaking loose and becoming a hazard on the road.

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