Michigan is one of the best places for adventure seekers who want to go boating or camping with friends and family. To have the best experience, bringing along your RV or boat is recommended. Before you drive to your favorite lake or campground, you should know that the state of Michigan has trailer towing laws that drivers must abide by. Ensure you are acquainted with Michigan trailer towing laws before you head out to your next day out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Trailer and Towing Requirements
The short answer is yes. Michigan requires that ALL trailers are have permanent license plates and are registered with the Michigan Secretary of State. Yes, you can register a trailer without a trailer if it weighs less than 2,500 pounds. Yes, all trailers are required to have lights by law in Michigan. If the trailer is less than 3,000 pounds it needs lights in the rear and also a reflector on each side if the trailer is loaded or if the stop light is obscured. Trailer brakes are required if it weighs more than 3,000 pounds gross weight. Does Michigan Require License Plates on Trailers?
Can You Register a Trailer in Michigan Without a Title?
Do All Trailers Need Lights in Michigan?
Are Trailer Brakes Required in Michigan?
What Are The Registration and Title Requirements When Towing a Trailer in Michigan?
If you plan to tow a trailer in Michigan, you are required to have a valid driver’s license. All trailers that weight in excess of 2,500 pounds must have a title that is issued by the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office. Most trailers do not meet this weight threshold, but ALL trailers must be registered and display a license plate that is valid. You can register your trailer at your local Secretary of State. Upon checking at the time of publication of this article, you are not able to register it via online at this point. You can schedule an office visit at https://dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP/_/
If you purchase a used trailer, you will need to register it and get a license plate as license plates in Michigan are permanent and not transferable.
Pop-up campers, travel trailers, and fifth wheel campers must have both a registration and title regardless of weight to be considered legal.
When purchasing a trailer in Michigan, the buyer must submit a title application along with the titling fees within 15 days. The registration of the trailer and the trailer coach will have a one-time fee based on the total weight of the trailer.
Trailers over 9,999 pounds carry additional regulations and safety rules. Additionally, drivers who are towing Fifth Wheel recreational vehicles attached at an RV’s back should have a recreational double endorsement (commonly referred to as “R”). Drivers interested in applying for the R endorsement should hold a valid Michigan driver’s license and must be 18 years of age.
Does Michigan Have Trailer Dimension Requirements?
Yes, Michigan has size regulations for trailers. Michigan Trailer Towing laws require trailers to have a maximum length of 45 feet and a maximum width of 8 feet, 6 inches. Its maximum height is 13 feet, 6 inches, and its maximum overall length is 65 feet. For trailers heavier than 9,999 lbs., different rules and classifications will apply.
What Are The Mandatory Towing Safety Features in Michigan?
Michigan has towing safety features required by law to promote road safety while driving with a trailer. Here are some of the requirements every trailer driver should note:
- Brakes
The State of Michigan requires independent braking systems when the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs.
- Tail Light
Trailers should have at least one working taillight while being towed in Michigan.
- Tire Tread
Trailers should have at least 2/32 tire tread before being on the road. Any less and it wouldn’t be fit to be towed around Michigan.
- License Plate Light
The license plates in trailers should be visible during daylight and nighttime. That means that even at night, it should have a light illuminating the trailer license plate for easier identification.
- Mud Flaps
The rear wheel of the trailer should come equipped with mud flaps. This is to protect vehicles and pedestrians from mud and other debris that may fly into the air due to the rotation of the tires.
- Turn Signals
Trailers that weigh over 2,5000 lbs. should have turn signals and two red rear stoplights. It could also be an amber rear stop light. Drivers must make sure that these stoplights are visible from at least 100 feet, especially at night.
- Stop Lights and Reflectors
Vehicles weighing less than 3,000 lbs. should have a single stoplight should the load of the trailer obscure the stoplight of the towing vehicle. Trailers under 3,000 lbs. should also have two red rear reflections to increase visibility.
Why Were Trailer Towing Laws Enacted?
Enjoying the natural environment that surrounds Michigan is undoubtedly exciting. Still, you shouldn’t forget that recreational camping and boating come with their own set of risks. On the way to the campground or lake, towing huge trailers could potentially lead to accidents if the driver isn’t experienced enough to control the vehicle. The added weight of the trailer can also lead to maneuvering issues. That is why Michigan requires drivers with more experience to go behind the wheel.
Learn More About Michigan Trailer Towing Laws with The Clark Law Office
The Clark Law Office is one of the top personal injury and auto accident law firms in Michigan. With years of experience under our belt, we can guide you through Michigan’s trailer towing laws easily. If you ever find yourself entangled with the law after driving a trailer in Michigan, you may reach out to us by calling (517) 347-6900.
The short answer is yes. Michigan requires that ALL trailers are have permanent license plates and are registered with the Michigan Secretary of State. Yes, you can register a trailer without a trailer if it weighs less than 2,500 pounds. Yes, all trailers are required to have lights by law in Michigan. If the trailer is less than 3,000 pounds it needs lights in the rear and also a reflector on each side if the trailer is loaded or if the stop light is obscured. Trailer brakes are required if it weighs more than 3,000 pounds gross weight. Does Michigan Require License Plates on Trailers?
Can You Register a Trailer in Michigan Without a Title?
Do All Trailers Need Lights in Michigan?
Are Trailer Brakes Required in Michigan?
Sources:
- SOS – Trailers – https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/recreational-vehicles-watercraft
- Michigan Vehicle Code – http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(jc231sfn4putztad5mpxmp5n))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-257-721
- Trailer Towing Laws in Michigan – https://traveltips.usatoday.com/trailer-towing-laws-michigan-55044.html
- Michigan Trailer Laws & Regulations Look-Up – Trailers.com – Shop Cargo, Utility, Equipment, & Enclosed Trailers
https://trailers.com/state-laws/michigan.php
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