Titles

[munchkin]

I'm New, But Do States Require Tags On Pop-ups?

[diane]

NJ does and the the tow vehicle's insurance covers the camper while it is being towed. I always assumed all states required tags :book: .

[AustinBoston]

Some do, some do not.  In Minnesota, it depends on the weight of the trailer (I think).  But if you cross state lines, better have tags.  The state you go to is not going to be familiar with your home state's rules.

Austin

[brainpause]

Tennessee does not. I used to carry a copy of the law that said so, just in case I got a smart-aleck trooper, although I have never had any problems with troopers. (For all you LEO's out there, there are 5 smart-aleck nurses for every smart aleck trooper.)

Larry

On edit: I found this out yesterday (see my longer post below): If you register the vehicle, you must buy tags at least once. I had to buy tags for a trailer that I have already traded in. But I'm OK with that.

[munchkin]

i am in tn, but if i visit a state that requires a tag, will i need one?

[mike4947]

No but you'd better have a copy of the Tenn law so when you do get stopped you can show it to the officer and not have to explain it to a judge after the officer gives you a ticket.
IIRC it's only a $10 fee for a plate in Tenn. JMHO but it's worth it if you do a lot of out of state camping.

[AustinBoston]

i am in tn, but if i visit a state that requires a tag, will i need one?

What should apply is the laws of your own state, but that could be a problem.

A state trooper in Kentucky or Virginia is not going to know (or really care) about the rules in Tennessee.  If he does cite you, you will need to go to a hearing (months after your visit) and prove to a judge that they are not required in Tennessee, so reciprocity should apply.  You'll get off, but it will be a pain in the ***.

States that do not require plates will usually issue them for a fee if you want them.

Austin

[munchkin]

What should apply is the laws of your own state, but that could be a problem.

A state trooper in Kentucky or Virginia is not going to know (or really care) about the rules in Tennessee.  If he does cite you, you will need to go to a hearing (months after your visit) and prove to a judge that they are not required in Tennessee, so reciprocity should apply.  You'll get off, but it will be a pain in the ***.

States that do not require plates will usually issue them for a fee if you want them.

Austin

thanks everyone!!

[GrizzlyTaco]

Vegas requires that you have tags and it sucks that we have to renew them every year!!!!!

[badabing67]

Va requires tags and yearly inspection if equipped with brakes the good side is that you can get permanent tags for a little more than yearly tags. it's the only way to go   :-()

[Kelly]

Some do, some do not.  In Minnesota, it depends on the weight of the trailer (I think).  But if you cross state lines, better have tags.  The state you go to is not going to be familiar with your home state's rules.

Austin

Actually, AB ~ all trailers need plates in Minnesota.  RV (including PUs, TTs, etc) plates get new tabs every year.  Small utility trailers get a lifetime registration.  Details here.

Hey!  Did I really just know something AB didn't?   [/SIZE]

[AustinBoston]

Actually, AB ~ all trailers need plates in Minnesota.  RV (including PUs, TTs, etc) plates get new tabs every year.  Small utility trailers get a lifetime registration.  Details here.

Hey!  Did I really just know something AB didn't?  

Yes, you did, but not quite...you can pay just a little more and get a two-year sticker for that plate.  Our tags expire in February 2009.  Also, for small utility trailers (those with a lifetime registration) no tag is issued; a sticker is placed on the tongue.  This registration is not available for a "trailer equipped as temporary human living quarters" (a.k.a. camper).

Austin

[Kelly]

LMAO ~ I just knew it was too good to be true!      

[AustinBoston]

LMAO ~ I just knew it was too good to be true!      

The important thing is you bothered to find the link to the pamphlet; I didn't even look for the rules and just shot from the hip.

Austin

[tknick]

As an LEO in NC who works strictly with traffic enforcement, it is common knowledge that the laws of the resident state cover the vehicle, not the state you are visiting.  To be safe you can do what others have said and bring a copy of the law, but that's no guarantee.  You have to have some proof of ownership (bill of sale, title, etc).  if you don't have tags, carry that with you to show it to the officer.  The trailer is required by federal law to have a VIN so if the officer is wondering if it stolen they can run the VIN even if the trailer is not required to be registered in your state.  

If you were to get stopped, don't argue.  you can explain it to the officer, but don't argue.  You'll end up with a ticket for sure.  if they write the ticket, just deal with it.....

as others have said, the best insurance is to pay for the tag and avoid any problems.

travis