Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon?

Oregon law states that trailers with pneumatic tires that weigh less than 1,800 lbs. when loaded do not require a title or registration. You can if you choose to register your trailer for security purposes but it is not mandatory.

It should be noted however that trailers for hire, travel trailers, fixed loads and manufactured structures do not have this exemption.

Oregon General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Oregon 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.

• This is not trailer specific but is an important law in the state of Oregon. Trespassing on any section of the historical Oregon trail is against the law and can incur fines up to $5,000.
• Riding in a towed vehicle is against state law unless it is a 5^th wheel trailer with safety glazed windows/doors, an auditory or visual signaling device to contact the driver and there is at least one exit that can open both ways.

Oregon 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 45 ft.
• The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches.
• The maximum height of a trailer and load is 14 ft.

Oregon Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Oregon 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.

• Safety chains are required that can support the trailer's entire weight
• The connection should be two-folded for added security

Oregon 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.

• All trailers are required to possess two tail lights, registration plate lights, brake lights, turn signal lights and rear reflectors.
• If the trailer is more than 80 inches wide and shorter than 30 ft in length it must have two pairs of front and rear clearance lights as well as front and rear identification lights
• Trailers that are 30 ft or longer must have two front and 2 rear clearance lights. They must also have front and rear identification lights and have intermediate side marker lights & side reflectors on each side.

Oregon 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.
• Vehicles towing trailers or campers over 8,000 lbs. must remain in the right hand lane of all roadways with 2 or more lanes with one way traffic.

Oregon Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Oregon 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.

Oregon 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.

• An independent braking system is not required by state law but the combination of vehicles must have braking power sufficient to stop within legally set state limits.
• With the exception of motorcycles and mopeds all motor vehicles require a parking brake system.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Oregon that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. As a state Oregon does not overly regulate trailers but they are serious about not damaging their historic sites such as those along the Oregon Trail.

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