Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

According to Pennsylvania state law if you wish to use your trailer on public roads it must be considered the same as any other vehicle. This means you must have it registered and have tags affixed to it as proof of this registration.

To operate a trailer in the state you must have a title for the unit and valid up to date tags. The title proves that you own the trailer and if you sell the trailer at a later date you would sign it over to the new owner.

Driving with an unregistered or incorrectly registered trailer in Pennsylvania can lead to a fine. The process of registration can get complicated so make sure you understand the process and the rules as they relate to your trailer.

Pennsylvania General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Pennsylvania 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.

Pennsylvania 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 75 ft.
  • The maximum length of the trailer is not specified.
  • The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches but mirrors can extend a further 6 inches either side as needed.
  • The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13 ft 6 inches.

Pennsylvania Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Pennsylvania 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.

  • If one car is towing another, the connection between them must be at least strong enough to pull the total weight that is being towed. The distance between the two vehicles also cannot exceed 15 feet.
  • If the vehicles are more than 5 ft apart, a red flag or cloth that is at least 12 inches square must be displayed on the connection between them. After dark a red light shall take the place of the flag or cloth.
  • In order to ensure a safe tow, every trailer's wheels should not be more than 6 inches away from the path of the lead vehicle's wheels.
  • When two vehicles are hitched together with a ball and socket or pintle hook connection you will also need a safety chain. This safety chain must be strong enough to hold the weight of both vehicles and will act as a backup in case the primary connection fails.

Pennsylvania 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.

  • In the state of Pennsylvania head lamps are not required on trailers or semi trailers.
  • Trailers and semi trailers on state roads must have a rear lighting system which includes at least rear lamps, rear reflectors, stop lamps and a license plate light.

Pennsylvania 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.

Pennsylvania Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Pennsylvania 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.

Mirrors on either side of the tow vehicle or load can be extended no more than 6 inches beyond its width.

Pennsylvania 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.

  • Motor vehicles that are operated on the highway with the exception of motorcycles and mopeds must have a parking brake strong enough to hold the vehicle and load stationary no matter the incline.
  • Every vehicle on the highway must have adequate brakes to meet braking performance standards as laid out by PennDOT.
  • Trailers under 3,000 lbs. in weight do not require independent brakes. Those over 3,000 lbs. need brakes that can stop the trailer if it were to break free of the tow vehicle.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Pennsylvania that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. As a state Pennsylvania pays special interest to ensure safety from trailers that might break away. Large loads are required to have strong brakes which can work independently in the event that the trailer gets loose.

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