Towing Laws

[scumby]

just looking around and found some towing laws and thought it might spur some discussion. doesn't mention towing doubles just triples.

here's the link in case the format is screwy. http://towingworld.com/towinglawsbystate.cfm?state2=WA

Washington Towing Laws


Height 14'
Width 8 1/2'
Combined Length 75'
Trailer Length NS (40)
Trailer Width 8'6"
Trailer Height 14'0"
MH Length 46'
Two Vehicle Length 75'
Triple Tow no
Safety Chains yes
Breakaway yes (2)
Fire Extinguisher yes
Flare Signs yes
Brake Laws Trailers 3000
Brake Laws Towed Cars No laws regarding.
Wipers Not Stated
Overnight Parking yes (14)
Max Tow Speed 65
Ride In 5th-Wheel
Ride Pickup Camper yes
Ride Travel Trailer
Speed Limit 60 mph over 10,000 lbs; under 10,000 lbs posted
GVW 600 lbs per inch of tire
Axle 20,000 lbs
License Required Regular Operator License
Reciprocity Yes

search again
Towing Laws Reference Notes
1 On designated rural interstates; some exceptions.
2 Required on trailers over 3000 lbs.
3 Prohibited where posted.
4 Required on trailers over 3000 lbs. or if gross weight of trailer exceeds empty weight of tow vehicle.
5 Required on trucks over 3700 kgs.
6 Required if weight of trailer exceeds 40% of tow-vehicle weight.
7 Required on trailers over 6000 lbs.
8 Required if gross weight is over 2500 kgs.
9 Required on trailers over 1000 lbs. unladen, or 3000 lbs. laden.
10 Riding in fifth-wheel with audible or visual device with tow vehicle and safety glass.
11 24-hour limit.
12 Required if trailer exceeds 50% of tow-vehicle weight. BC, YT: laden.
13 Trailer limited to 48' in a 60' combination.
14 Eight-hour limit; 3 hours in SD.
15 Only if required by CSA at time of manufacture.
16 81.2 ft. on certain federal road systems.
17 Gross weight requiring brakes.
18 Must have free access to drive compartment
19 Maximum combined length 60 ft. on selected highways. Special permit in OR, WI. MI maximum length 70 ft, WA maximum 56 ft. with permit.
20 At least one exit that can be opened from outside and inside.
21 Not to exceed 18 hours in any two-week period.
22 Headlights or daytime running lights required at all times.
23 12-hour limit.
24 Must be able to stop in 40 feet at 20 mph.
25 On interstate highways; secondary roads still 8 ft.
26 81.2' on all state routes. On some other roads 8' limits are posted.
27 Some exceptions or restrictions. CA: See www.dot.ca.gov
28 Special wide-body regulations.
29 Two safety chains or breakaway switch required on trailers.
30 Required if RV is wider than 2 meters.
31 Not recommended.
32 Seats must be equipped with safety belts.
33 14 years of age and older; 13 or older in HI.
34 Required on trailers 3000 lbs. and over.
35 If passenger can communicate with driver, and exit can be opened from both interior and exterior. CA: Seat belts required. OR: Safety glass in windows required & Towing Laws
36 Suggested, but not required.
37 Required on bumper hitches only.
38 Required if gross weight is more than 1350 kgs.
39 Headlights must be used when visibility is less than 500 ft. YT: always, outside of city.
40 Total maximum combined length of 75 ft.
41 Total maximum combined length of 65 ft., QC: 19m.
42 Total maximum combined length of 70 ft.
43 With certain qualifications. Only with fifth-wheel trailer in AZ, IL, MI, MN, MB (maximum length 23 m.), SK and YT.
44 Total maximum length of 72 ft.
45 See state and provincial regulations, SK 14m with permit.
46 Total maximum combined length of 80 ft.
47 Total maximum combined length of 21m.
48 Total maximum combined length of 23m; ball hitch OK on fifth-wheel only.
49 Total maximum combined length of 20m.
50 Total maximum combined length of 55 ft.
51 NT - 4500 kg GVWR requires ABC type extinguisher.
52 NH - 53’ trailer permitted on special routes.

NOTE: While every attempt has been made to verify this information, Towing World cannot guarantee its accuracy, and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Changes may have been made since this data was compiled. Call state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.

[SPR]

Do I have this correct... Max speed limit is 65 mph when towing any trailer and 60 mph if the trailer is over 10,000lbs?

[Wrench]

Yes, max speed limit towing is 65. Whether that is enforced or not, well...

[scumby]

i thought there were two of interest

Brake Laws Towed Cars No laws regarding.

Triple Tow no

again, no mention of double, such as: MH flat towing a jeep towing a small tent trailer. jeep with brake buddy braking system.

[Deputy Dodge 413]

I think Washington requires trailer brakes on anything over 1500 pounds. Not sure if they would consider flat towing a car as a trailer, or if they would just say anything towed weighing over 1500 requires brakes regardless of what it is. Any I have heard that any time a vehicle is towing anything, the "truck" speed limit applies, which is normally 60 on the interstate.

[SPR]

The information posted for WA says trailer brakes required for weights over 3000lbs or 40% of tow vehicle. Max speed for pulling trailers is 65mph.

[Lurch]

That also applies for flat towing. I had to install a braking system on my mom's Ford Edge so she could legally tow it behind her motorhome.

[scumby]

That also applies for flat towing. I had to install a braking system on my mom's Ford Edge so she could legally tow it behind her motorhome.

not what danny says. who told you that? show me the facts!

[Lurch]

That's what the RV places say. If it's that heavy what's the difference between being on a trailer or flat towed. Puts the same amount of stress on the tow vehicles braking system.

[Lurch]

http://www.brakebuddy.com/towing-laws

[Jay W]

That's what the RV places say. If it's that heavy what's the difference between being on a trailer or flat towed. Puts the same amount of stress on the tow vehicles braking system.

They wanted to sell you more parts and labor.

[TJDave]

No supplimental brakes required for flat towing in Wa State. A towed vehicle is not a trailer. RV and brake dealers will tell you otherwise.

[scumby]

still no thoughts on double towing?

[SPR]

While in Montana, we saw several folks pulling either a fith wheel or regular travel trailer with a boat or small tailer in tow. It looked pretty scary as they snaked their way down the interstate at nearly 80mph. They definitely used their whole lane. I imagine they could not back those outfits up very well.

[Wrench]

still no thoughts on double towing?

1) I have never seen a trailer that was setup with what I would consider a proper hitch or tow wiring to safely pull another trailer. A second trailer would have to be either light enough not to need brakes, or have surge brakes on it.

2) Haven't checked the laws myself, but I was told in Washington, you can only double-trailer if you have a CDL.

[scumby]

i was thinking MH flat towing jeep (with brake buddy) towing our small tent trailer (800 lbs max)

what do you suppose they mean by "Two Vehicle Length 75' ". tow vehicle and towed or two towed vehicles?

[Rottwheeler]

You may be able to find your answers here... http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/roadrules.htm

[scumby]

You may be able to find your answers here... http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/roadrules.htm

not seeing what you are referring to for my answer.

[Wrench]

still no thoughts on double towing?

46.44.037

[scumby]

still no thoughts on double towing?

46.44.037

speaks of tractors and semitrailers, don't see how it applies.

[oddball]

My motor home manual reccomends a trailer brake for towing anything over 1000 lbs. it's just a recommendation and my motor home is small.

[Lud]

Not sure about WA but in IL you could double tow no CDL but the first towed trailer had to be a gooseneck or 5th wheel with a class IV receiver hitch at the back to tow a second trailer.

If you ever wondered why some 5th wheel trailers have hitches on the back from the factory that's why. Not exceeding your truck's GVWR could be a challenge though

[Wrench]

still no thoughts on double towing?

46.44.037

speaks of tractors and semitrailers, don't see how it applies.

Sorry, I fat-fingered it.

46.44.036

Cliff notes: combination cannot consist of more than TWO vehicles.

You owe me a beer for taking time out of my busy schedule to help your retired, lazy butt.

[SPR]

Hmmm... Al's works 40 often outdoors in this heat running saws and such. Not so much retired.

[Wrench]

His original question was asked about a month ago, and it took me like 10 minutes of digging to find the answer. Cant I razz him a little?