Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

In the state of Minnesota all trailers that are driven on the streets or highways must be registered but not all of them will require a title. If the gross weight of the trailers is below a certain limit then you may not need a title for it. Minnesota’s Department or Vehicle Services website is a good source to help you confirm if your trailer needs a title.

As trailers are treated much the same as motor vehicles in the state of Minnesota you may need liability insurance. Depending on the size of your trailer you may also require a permit for your trailer. The license plate from your registration must also be affixed to the rear of the trailer so as to be readily visible.

Trailers being used for farming purposes do not always need to be registered but all others can incur a fine of up to $300 if the license plate is not visible.

Trailers that weigh less than 4,000 lbs. or utility, boat and snowmobile trailers under 4,500 lbs. do not require a title unless there is a lien. The registration card is sufficient as proof of ownership in this case.

Minnesota General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Minnesota 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 can not allow anyone to ride in a trailer that is being towed on a highway.

Minnesota 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 60 ft.
• The maximum length of the trailer is 45 ft.
• The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches.
• The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13ft 6”.

Minnesota Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Minnesota 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 connecting the tow vehicles and trailer can not exceed 15 ft.

Minnesota 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 and semi trailers made after 1960 have to be equipped with two rear red headlamps that project at least 500 ft. Additionally they must have at least two reflectors which fall between 20 – 20 inches above the road surface and are visible from between 50 – 300 ft away from the rear of the vehicle
• As of January 1^st 1960 all manufacturers of trailers and semi trailers were required to equip them with at least one properly mounted headlamp on the rear.

Minnesota 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.

Minnesota Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Minnesota 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 onto already existing wing mirrors.

All cars towing another vehicle which blocks the driver's rear view must have a rearview mirror equipped that will allow the driver to see at least 200 feet behind the last towed car.

Minnesota 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 or semi trailers weighing more than 3,000 lbs. when empty must have brakes installed that are sufficient to stop and hold the movement of the unit.
• Trailers and semi trailers exceeding 6,000 lbs. when empty must have brakes strong enough to stop the unit in the event that it becomes detached from the tow vehicle

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Minnesota that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. The state of Minnesota has a few important rules that you should acquaint yourself with although rules can change over time so always check with the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services for any changes.

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