Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

In the state of Kentucky all trailers require a title but privately owned trailers used for boats, luggage, farming equipment or supplies do not need to be registered commercially. If you do have to register your trailer however you will need:

  • Photo ID
  • Kentucky certificate of registration
  • Current original proof of Kentucky insurance (effective within 45 days)
  • Money for fees and taxes
  • The cost to register a trailer in Kentucky is relatively reasonable. The annual fee for trailers and semi trailers that can be towed with a vehicle is $19.50

Kentucky General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Kentucky 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.

In Kentucky you are limited to hauling no more than two vehicles at a time and they must be connected in such a way as to keep them evenly spaced apart.

Kentucky 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 65 ft.
  • The maximum length of trailer is not specified
  • The maximum width for a trailer is 96 inches.
  • The maximum height of a trailer and load is 11ft 6” ft.

Kentucky Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Kentucky 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 state of Kentucky recommends that you mount the trailer frame on an equalizer-type hitch.
  • A safety chain is required by state rules for any kind of connection

Kentucky 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.

During towing Kentucky state law requires that at least 1 green light is on the left side of the vehicle and would be visible from 500 ft away.

Kentucky 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.

Kentucky Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Kentucky 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.

Every car which is loaded in such a way as to obscure the driver's view out of the rear must have a mirror located and adjusted in such a way that it reflects a few behind them of at least 200 ft.

Kentucky 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.

Kentucky does not demand brakes on passenger car trailers no matter the weight but the vehicle must be able to stop within the distance specified by state statute. Failure to do so may cause potential fines.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Kentucky that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. The state of Kentucky is relatively relaxed in its towing laws in that it does not require trailer brakes for passenger car hauled trailers.

When it comes to trailer and load sizes they have narrower width allowances than other states and a relatively low height acceptability at just 11ft 6”. You do not always need a title for your trailer in Kentucky but generally speaking you will need to have it registered but this is more about proving your ownership of the trailer.

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