Vermont 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 Vermont 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 All Trailers Need To Be Registered In Vermont?

According to Vermont state laws it is not permitted for someone to operate a motor vehicle or draw a trailer on any highway unless it is registered. The state bases its registration fees on the potential loaded weight of the trailer. Trailers should also have a title as well before being driven on public roads.

Vermont General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Vermont 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.

On all trailer coaches there must be at least 1 fire extinguisher which has been approved by a Vermont fire marshal. The extinguisher must be in good working order and easy to access in the case of an emergency.

It is illegal to ride on a trailer while it is being towed on public roads.

Vermont 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 75 ft including bumpers.
  • The maximum length of the trailer is not specified.
  • The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches.
  • The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13 ft 6 inches.

Vermont Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Vermont 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.

Motor vehicles towing a trailer coach must be secured with a safety chain at all times while on the highway. The primary hitch and coupling must also be strong enough to handle the loads required without risk of failure.

Vermont 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 cars need taillights, at least one brake light and a license plate light.
  • Trailer coaches manufactured after 1955 require turn signals.
  • All cars need reflectors.

Vermont 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.

Vermont Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Vermont 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 that reflect an unobstructed view of the road behind the vehicle are required in the state of Vermont by law.

Vermont 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 that weigh less than 3,000 lbs. do not need brakes as long as the total weight of the trailer's wheels is not in excess of 40% of the gross towing vehicle weight when connected to the trailer.
  • Any trailer, semi trailer, or trailer coach weighing more than 3,000 lbs. but less than 6,000 lbs. must have brakes on at least one axle.
  • The driver should be able to apply brakes from the cab of the towing vehicle. If the towed vehicle breaks away accidentally, the brakes should be able to automatically engage and stay engaged for at least 15 minutes.
  • All trailers, semi trailers, or trailer coaches weighing 6,000 lbs. or more operating on state highways must have brakes that are adequate to control and stop the vehicle.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Vermont that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. As a state Vermont pays special attention to the quality and strength of the brakes involved in towing. The importance of being able to stop the load whilst driving is borne out by the rules and regulations in place.

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