Utah 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 Utah 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.

Utah General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Utah 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.

Utah 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.

• It is illegal to ride in a house trailer while it is being towed.
• The total length of the tow vehicle and trailer is 65 ft including bumpers.
• The maximum length of the trailer is 40 ft.
• The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches. (can exceed 102 inches if excess is due to an appurtenance)
• The maximum height of a trailer and load is 14 ft.

Utah Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Utah 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.

• Every towed vehicle shall be coupled by means of a safety chain, cable, or equivalent device in addition to the regular trailer hitch or coupling.
• Safety chains or cables shall be securely connected to the chassis of the towing vehicle, the towed vehicle, and the drawbar.
• The safety chain or cable shall be of sufficient material and strength to prevent the 2nd vehicle from becoming separated and shall have no more slack than is necessary for proper turning.
• The safety chain or cable shall be attached to the trailer drawbar so as to prevent it from dropping to the ground, and to assure the towed vehicle follows in the course of the towing vehicle.
• The requirement for chains or a cable does not apply to a semi trailer with a connecting device composed of a 5th-wheel and kingpin assembly, or to a pole trailer.

Utah 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.

• Tail, brake, and license plate lights are required.
• Turn signals and 2 or more red reflectors are required.
• Trailers over 80 inches must have clearance lights.

Utah 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.

Utah Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Utah 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 should be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle which is so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

All vehicles should be equipped with a mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside of the vehicle on the right hand side. This should be so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.

Utah 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.

• Every motor vehicle and every combination of vehicles should have a service braking system which will stop the vehicle or combination within 40 ft from an initial speed of 20 mph. This should be done on a level, dry, smooth, hard surface.
• Every motor vehicle and combination of vehicles shall have a parking brake system which is adequate to hold the vehicle or combination of any grade on which it is operated under all conditions of loading.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Utah that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. A lot of attention is paid to ensuring that the tow vehicle and trailer are safely and securely connected.

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