Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?

In the state of Oklahoma it is not a requirement that you register your trailer if it is for personal use. You can choose to do so if you wish to. It will mean your trailer is in the system but you do not need to get a physical plate to display on your unit.

You do not require a title to register a non commercial trailer in Oklahoma you simply need to visit one of the state's Tax Commission branch offices and pay the $7 fee.

Oklahoma General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Oklahoma 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 rules in this category but in the absence of this we must assume that general rules of the road should be adhered to. If it is something that would be illegal without a trailer the high likelihood is that you should not do it with a trailer.

Oklahoma 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.

The total length of the tow vehicle and trailer is 65 ft.

The maximum length of the trailer is 40 ft.

The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches.

The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13 ft 6 inches.

Oklahoma Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Oklahoma 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.

Trailers and semi trailers (except those pulled by truck-tractor) or manufactured homes are required to have chains or cables to protect against detachment from the tow vehicle.

Every trailer, semitrailer, or manufactured home must have a coupling device that is designed in such a way that the trailer will follow the same path as the vehicle towing it avoiding whipping or veering from side to side.

Oklahoma 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 Rating over 3,000 lbs. require the following equipment:

• 2 Clearance lamps on the front one on each side
• 2 Side marker lamps and 2 reflectors on each side (1 at the front and 1 at the rear)
• 2 Clearance lamps and 2 reflectors on the rear one on each side

Trailers, semi trailers and pole trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating under 3,000 lbs. require the following equipment:

• 2 Reflectors one on each side
• If the trailer obscures the tow vehicles lights 1 stop light is required to visible on the back of the trailer

Oklahoma 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.

Oklahoma Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Oklahoma 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.

State law says that you must be able to see behind your vehicle for at least 200 feet. This means mirrors must be present and adjusted so as to allow this view.

Oklahoma 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, semi trailers and pole trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 3,000 lbs. must be equipped with an independent braking system that is able to control and stop the trailer if needed. .

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Oklahoma that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. As a state Oklahoma does not overly regulate trailers not requiring personal use units to be registered unless you choose to do so.

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