Rules Of The Road When You Are Pulling A Trailer

Pulling a trailer any distance requires preparation, otherwise, the police could pull you over for violating the law, or worse, you could become involved in an accident and cause yourself and others serious injury. Make sure you follow these guidelines before you set out on the roadways.

Equipment Preparation

The laws on how you must prepare your trailer will differ depending on the state you live in or plan on driving through, so research local traffic laws. In most cases, you will be required to make sure all regular lights and brake lights are in good working order, and you must place reflective stickers on specific areas of the trailer to increase visibility.

It’s also always wise to check the security of your hitch and make sure the trailer’s wheels are in prime shape before beginning any road trip.

Plot Your Route

It is absolutely vital to know exactly where you are going when pulling a trailer. Besides ensuring that you are in compliance with the traffic laws in all areas in which you plan on traveling, knowing your route will help you avoid any instances where you need to tightly maneuver in order to turn around.

When pulling a trailer, it’s best to never find yourself in a situation where you are stuck or dependent on your reverse driving skills to get your vehicle and cargo out of a jam.

Understand Clearance Regulations

Know the size and weight of your trailer, not just so you can accurately report the figure at toll booths, but so you do not enter any tunnels or roadways where you are above clearance. This could cause severe damage to road signs and your trailer and leave you on the hook for major repair charges.

Merging and Highway Travel

You have to understand the limitations on a vehicle pulling a trailer, or else you can endanger yourself and others while driving. For example, typically cars that are pulling trailers are not allowed in the left lanes of traffic — you must stay in the right-hand lane. This means you must allow those coming on the highway to merge, keeping a slow, steady speed throughout your journey.

You also must not enter an HOV lane. According to the Utah Department of Transportation, at least 20 percent of vehicles that use HOV lanes do so illegally. Even if you have enough passengers to otherwise qualify for entry, pulling a trailer disqualifies your tow vehicle, and officers are beginning to heavily enforce this law across the state, as well as in many other states.

Pulling a trailer isn’t as straightforward as it sounds, but luckily you have Stauffer’s Towing on your side to offer advice and guidance to help ensure safe travel for you and your cargo.