Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi?

In the state of Mississippi the license tags for trailers that are flatbed, tilt or drop no more than 9 ft wide, 24 ft long and weighing less than 5,000 lbs. will be the same size as motorcycle tags.

Trailers that exceed 5,000 lbs. in weight when empty are required to have a title per state law.

Mississippi General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Mississippi 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.

  • Up to three vehicles can be towed with the use of saddle mounts, as long as the overall length of all vehicles involved does not exceed 75 feet.
  • A maximum of one car can be towed when using a tow bar.

Mississippi 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 53 ft.
  • The maximum length of the trailer is 40 ft including bumpers.
  • The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches.
  • The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13ft 6”.

Mississippi Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Mississippi 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 drawbar or other connections between tow vehicle and trailer must be strong enough to pull the entire weight that is intended to be towed.
  • Drawbars and other connections used to connect vehicles can not exceed 15 ft unless two vehicles are transporting poles, pipes, machinery or any easily assembled object.
  • If towing with a chain, cable or rope a white flag measuring at least 12 inches squared must be displayed on the connection visibly.

Mississippi 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 state of Mississippi does not specify laws for trailer lighting but this does not mean they would not exist. Generally speaking when they are not specified then instead adhere to the state's general motoring laws that refer to rear lighting of a vehicle that is not performing towing functions. If lights should be visible on any normal road vehicle they should also be visible on a trailer that may block the rear of the tow vehicle.

Mississippi 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.

Mississippi Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Mississippi 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.

Mississippi 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 weighing more than a ton or 2,000 lbs. are required to have brakes strong enough to keep the trailer from excessive speed or not stopping under braking.
  • Drivers must be able to operate the brakes on the trailer from inside the cab of the towing vehicle.
  • If the trailer were to accidentally break away the trailer should have such a system as to automatically apply the brakes and stop its own momentum.
  • All new trailers except a trailer of 2 axles and weighing less than 2,000 lbs. being towed by an automobile, sold in this state henceforth, must be equipped with service brakes on all wheels.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Mississippi that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. The state of Mississippi for instance allows you to tow up to two vehicles although length restrictions say the total length including tow vehicles can not exceed 53 ft.

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