Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.

Does a Trailer Need to Be Registered in Wisconsin?

In the state of Wisconsin privately owned trailers over 3,000 lbs. are required to have both a title and a registration plate. Commercial trailers no matter the weight also require a title and to be registered with the state.

Mobile homes that will move around require a title and a plate although ones purchased to set on a foundation as a permanent structure do not require registration but still need a title.

Wisconsin General Towing Laws

These are general rules in Wisconsin 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.

• In Wisconsin it is illegal for a person under the age of 12 to ride inside a mobile home that is being hauled with a 5^th wheel connection unless accompanied by someone 16 years or older. Additionally there must be some method of two way communication between the mobile home and the tow vehicle.
• If your load overhangs your trailer bed to the rear by four feet or more you can not operate this towed vehicle after dark unless you affix a red light to the end of the load which can be seen from at least 500 ft. During the day a red flag of at least 12 inches square must be affixed in place of the light.
• You can't tow more than one vehicle with a single car unless they're being towed away by the drive-away method. The total length of this tow can not exceed 65 feet.

Wisconsin 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 48 ft.
• The maximum width for a trailer is 102 inches. (excludes mirrors and safety devices)
• The maximum height of a trailer and load is 13 ft 6 inches.

Wisconsin Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

There are laws in Wisconsin 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.

• The drawbar or other connection between tow vehicle and trailer can not exceed 12 ft in length.
• In addition to your primary connection between tow vehicle and trailer state law says that you also need a safety chain, leveling bars or cables. This is unless the vehicle is equipped with a 5^th wheel and kingpin assembly.

Wisconsin 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.

• Mobile homes, trailers or semi trailers must be equipped with at least 1 red tail lamp on the rear that can be seen from 500 ft away. If the trailer however is intended to have two such lamps it is not permitted for one of these to be not working.
• Mobile homes, trailers and semi trailers that were sold after January 1^st 1968 must have at least 2 direction turn signals on both the front and rear. These lamps must be visible from at least 300 ft.
• Trailers wider than 80 inches need to have 2 amber clearance lamps mounted to the front of the vehicle and 2 red lamps to the rear. Additionally two red reflectors are required on the rear of the trailer.
• If traveling after dark your trailer by state law must have 1 red reflector on each side of the trailer.

Wisconsin 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.

Wisconsin Trailer Mirror Laws

The rules for mirrors in Wisconsin 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 on Wisconsin state roads are required to have such mirrors which will allow a view of 200 ft behind the vehicle. If the trailer and load block this view mirrors and potentially reflectors may be needed to achieve this standard.

Wisconsin 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 other towed vehicles that weigh 3,000 lbs. or more must have brakes powerful enough to stop the vehicle.
• If the tow vehicle has brakes that are strong enough to stop both it and the trailer, then the towed vehicle does not need its own brakes. So long as the latter weighs less than 40% of what the former does.

Conclusion

There are a number of laws in Wisconsin that pertain to towing and trailers which are designed to keep the roads and road users safe. As a state Wisconsin has a lot of common sense rules for towing.

While towing a mobile home you are permitted to allow passengers to ride in the unit as long as they are over 16 or are in the company of someone over that age.

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