Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa?

In Iowa it is important to note that if you intend to make use of a trailer on a public roadway you will have to get said trailer registered and plated. The type of registration is determined in the state based on the trailer's empty weight.

If your trailer weighs 2,001 lbs. or more it will need to be titled annually for a fee of $30, Those trailers under this weight need to be registered but not titled. This costs a fee of $20 a year.

When you purchase a trailer be it used or new any existing title must be signed over to you as the new owner. If the title can not be found the previous owner needs to apply for a replacement. You will have to file an application for a certificate of title and or registration form (Form 411007) and have a bill of sale at the time of title transfer.

Iowa General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Iowa 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.

• The drawbar or other connection type between tow vehicle and trailer can not be longer than 21 ft. It must also be strong enough to pull the weight being towed.
• The trailer must be fastened to the frame of the towing vehicle in order to prevent side sway.
• Whichever connection you decide to use you will also require a safety chain that is also capable of taking the towed load's weight. This is for extra coverage in the event the primary connection fails.

Iowa 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 70 feet including bumpers.
• The maximum length for the trailer is 53 ft not including bumpers
• The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches. Loads wider than this would require a wide-load permit.
• The maximum height of a trailer and load is 14” ft.

Iowa Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Iowa 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 Iowa the use of hitches that include spring bars, coil springs or torsional bars is approved for trailers
• The use of hydraulics, torsional bars, mechanical cams and electronics in relation to 5^th-wheel connections is approved

Iowa 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.

Trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight over 3, 000 lbs. need the following:

• 2 Clearance Lamps at the Front
• 1 Clearance lamp at Each Side of the Trailer
• 1 Rear Side marker at each Side
• 2 Reflectors at each Side and Front & Rear
• 1 Stop Light at the back in the Center
• 1 Tail Lamp at the back in the Center

Lighting devices or reflectors mounted on the front of a trailer can only emit white, yellow or amber light. Rear lights must emit red light with the exception of stop lights which can be red, yellow or amber.

Any lamps indicating the width of the trailer must be permanently affixed to the structure.

Iowa 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.

Iowa Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Iowa 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 into already existing wing mirrors.

If you need wider mirrors to see past the load these must be removed or retracted when the main vehicle is no longer towing a load.

Iowa 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 that weigh 3,000 lbs. or more must be equipped with brakes that are adequate to both stop and hold the trailer. A weight equalizing hitch is also required to control sway when braking. An auxiliary method of applying the brakes from inside the cab is also required.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Iowa that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. The state of Iowa allows for a longer drawbar or towing connection than some states permitting up to 21 ft.

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