Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri?

In Missouri when it comes to towing you do not require a license plate to be affixed to a motor vehicle that you are pulling behind you. If you have a loaded trailer however you will need it to be registered and potentially need a title for it.

You are not required to have trailer insurance by law but damage to or caused by the trailer will not be covered by your automotive insurance. This means that you may be liable for accidents caused by the trailer so some form of liability insurance is suggested.

Missouri General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Missouri 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.

There are no specific laws in Missouri regarding general towing however when this is the case then the basic rules of the road will apply. If it’s illegal in a car without a trailer in tow on the highway it likely would not be acceptable when towing.

Missouri 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 55 ft on most roads but some will allow up to 65 ft.
• The maximum length of the trailer is not listed.
• The maximum width for a trailer is 96 inches on most roads but some will allow up to 102 inches.
• The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13ft 6 ft although some roads will allow up to 14 ft.

Missouri Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Missouri 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 addition to the primary coupling method, safety chains or similar devices must be used unless the connection is 5^th wheel or gooseneck in nature.

Missouri 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.

• On the rear of the trailer two red taillights, two reflectors and a white license plate light must be displayed.
• If you can not give visible direction change signals by hand or arm or if visible lights are obstructed then the trailer must also have turn signals and brake lights.

Missouri 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.

Missouri Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Missouri 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 motor vehicles that are constructed or loaded in such a way that the operator is unable to see the road behind them when looking back or around the side of the vehicle, must be equipped with a mirror. The mirror must be adjusted so that it reveals the road behind and is visible from the operator’s seat.

Missouri 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.

In the state of Missouri you do not have an independent braking system unless using a 5^th wheel or kingpin set up.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Missouri that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. The state of Missouri does not overly regulate towing in the state but they do have some rules.

Generally speaking if you obey the rules of the road and make sure that the trailer is correctly connected and in good working order you should have no issues with the law. As trailer size allowances vary on certain roads be sure that you know which roads any larger loads are allowed on and plan your route accordingly.

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