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RE: State traffic laws for pulling a PU

Started by popupcop, Apr 08, 2003, 07:55 PM

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mikewilley

Sep 28, 2003, 07:05 PM
 Does anyone know of a good way to get information on the different traffic laws in various states, particularly those related to towing a popup?  We are getting ready to make the trip from Texas to New Jersey this summer and I would rather not get any unpleasant surprises.
 
 cheers,
 mike
 

popupcop

#1
Apr 08, 2003, 07:55 PM
 mikewilleyTry http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/laws.asp
 
 It seems to have the info you are looking for.

AustinBoston

#2
Apr 08, 2003, 08:13 PM
 mikewilleyThere are a number of on-line sources, most of which are worth exactly what you pay for them.  AAA keeps a one-page guide that they try to keep up-to-date.
 
 However, if:
 
 * you make sure trailer and tow vehicle are within their weight specifications
 * the trailer has brakes and a breakaway brake mechanism capable of holding the trailer for at least 20 minutes
 * you stay at or below 65 MPH (or posted speed limits, if lower)
 * maintain the trailer s lights
 * carry highway flares
 * don t try to tow two trailers
 * can see over or around the trailer
 
 Then your equipment won t run afoul of the law.
 
 Note that some western states have stricter speed laws, but I don t believe you will run into any between the Mississippi and the Atlantic.
 
 Having out-of-state plates helps in most places, but in some juristictions (especially Connecticut and parts of Florida), out-of-state plates are seen as a source of ticket revenue.
 
 Austin

CathyAnn

#3
Apr 08, 2003, 08:26 PM
 mikewilleyHi Mike-
 
 I have no idea about any laws, sorry I am not any help.
 
 I just wanted to say hello cuz I notice we re neighbors.  We re in Richardson.  If you haven t already, please check out NTPUCA. (North Texas pop Up Camping Association)  There is a board here at PUT just for us.  Look under the camping clubs section, close to the bottom.
 
 Take care-
 CathyAnn
    [:)]

Tim5055

#4
Apr 08, 2003, 08:47 PM
 mikewilleyFor all registration and equipment related issues, the laws of your home state applies in all states.  I.E., if your home state does not require brakes for your weight trailer, another state can not require you to have them when legitamely traveling through.  Now, if you establish residence in that state, all bets are off.
 
 The laws that may bite you are the speed limits.  While the posted speed may be 75, some stated restrict ALL vehicles towing trailers to 55.
 
 AustinBoston gives good advice, talk to AAA

garym053

#5
Apr 08, 2003, 08:50 PM
 mikewilleyIf you have a Woodall s Campground guide- they list them near the front. Otherwise, try the Woodall s web site or Good Sam Web site.

Gone-Camping

#6
Apr 08, 2003, 09:36 PM
 mikewilleyHere s the link you need for infor on [link=http://www.rvsafety.com/state.htm]State by State towing Laws[/link]

mikewilley

#7
Apr 08, 2003, 09:49 PM
 mikewilleyThanks to everyone for all the help!  Hope to see you out there!

mikewilley

#8
Apr 08, 2003, 09:50 PM
 CathyAnnThanks neighbor! I ll take a look.
 
 cheers,
 mike

Starcraft Dad

#9
Apr 08, 2003, 10:38 PM
 mikewilleyAlso remember that some states don t require licence plates if you  just travel within your state borders (Tennesse was one of them, but I don t know about now).  If you leave your state your trailer must be tagged.
 
 My stepdad who lived in TN found this out the hard way.[:@]

popupcop

#10
Apr 08, 2003, 10:56 PM
 mikewilleyQuote from Tim 5055
 " For all registration and equipment related issues, the laws of your home state applies in all states. I.E., if your home state does not require brakes for your weight trailer, another state can not require you to have them when legitamely traveling through. Now, if you establish residence in that state, all bets are off.
 
 The laws that may bite you are the speed limits. While the posted speed may be 75, some stated restrict ALL vehicles towing trailers to 55."
 
 It is not as simple as you say!  Many states require you to follow their laws when it comes to towing.  I think mikewilly has the best idea looking for just what these differences are.  
 
 Also Boston is almost right on.  If you have the things he suggests you probably won t have a problem.  I have found states east of the Mississippi are more restrictive on speed than those west though.
 

mike4947

#11
Apr 08, 2003, 11:31 PM
 mikewilleyWhile you may get stopped in another state for no having tags and being a Tenn resident, they can not legally ticket you. Your state of residence requires only the TV be tagged. Same with brakes. One of the few requirements you will have to meet is if the trailer is equipped with directional and/or brake lights they will ahve to work.
 You might get stopped but the reciprocity laws in reguard to motor vehicle requirements are and have been tested many times in court and have been upheld. The key to being stopped out of state is to have the requirements of your state in your possesion and explain calmly your trailer meets your states motor vehicle law & safety requirements.
 If they could ticket for violations of the NYS vehicle code for out of state trailers the NYS thruway and interstate RT 81 could in one summer provide enough revenue to balance our budget. As NYS requires not only brakes over 1000 unloaded weight but they must be working and they also require a yearly inspection and current plates with a registration certificate.
 IMHO I d love to see all states adopt the NYS laws with requard to trailers. I d feel much safer on the highways.

AustinBoston

#12
Apr 09, 2003, 07:47 AM
 mike4947
QuoteORIGINAL:  mike4947
 You might get stopped but the reciprocity laws in reguard to motor vehicle requirements are and have been tested many times in court and have been upheld.

 The reciprocity laws vary by state, so they do not apply consistently.  In addition, there are rules that do not fall under reciprocity rules in some states.  For example, Massachusetts does not require brakes on trailers under 10,000 lbs. (Yes, ten thousand pounds! IMNSHO, that is a mistake.)  Try pulling a 9,000 lb trailer in any other state without brakes.  Can you spell I-M-P-O-U-N-D?
 
 The only thing that is 100% reliable is to have equipment that is legal in all 49 states...50 if you tow to Hawaii[;)].
 
 Austin

SheBantam

#13
Apr 09, 2003, 08:05 AM
 mikewilleyAB, that is really a lot of weight to have behind you and have no brakes. I know what it is like with the F150 and no brakes on the Bantam, fully loaded and equipped is between 3500 and 4000 lbs. That is a lot of stress on the truck brakes.
 
 Electric cable came unplugged in transit to a campground and was drug close to 20 miles.  I had to drive there with no brakes and then home again with no brakes. Luckily this was amish country in PA and speed is not an issue on Sunday Afternoons. Raymond Met me in Gap PA to follow me down the main road where speed is an issue on Sunday afternoons. I only had lights on one side and needed a country mile to stop.
 
 I took the Jayco (no brakes, no amenities) to Indiana and came back I64 to Kings Dominion Park on I 95. I stayed the speed limit, or under and had no problems at all with police (did loose the bag awning on the bumpy I 64 through WV that year)

whitestar505

#14
Apr 09, 2003, 08:13 AM
 mikewilleymikewilley,
 
   What I have found out is that the trailer is stamped with a certification stamp for federal transportation laws. Should not be a problem there. The TV like stated above differ from state to state but if pulled over most are nice and informative and will give you some slack if from out of state. Once I was pulled over for only having one extended mirror instead of two. He did not write a ticket but escorted me to a place I could buy one for the other side. I have been to a lot of states over the years without an major problems.
 
   Sooooooooo don t worry to much about it and enjoy your trip![:)]
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