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DOT State Regulations for Trailers in Texas
Each state in the US has its own laws and regulations when it comes to towing trailers. Most DOT state regulations for Texas are dictated by common sense, so most towers will not be affected by any but the basics. Here are the main state regulations for trailers in Texas.
Texas Trailer Brake Regulations
Trailers and specifically, pole trailers, are required to have brakes if its gross weight exceeds 4,500 lbs. If the trailer has a gross weight between 4,500 lbs. and 15,000 lbs., it is not required to have brakes if it is towed at a speed of no more than 30 mph.
Texas Trailer Dimension Regulations
There is established dimension limits for vehicles and loads in Texas moving with or without an oversize and/or overweight permit on Texas roadways and bridges. The width is measured from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices. Height is measured from the roadbed to the highest point of the load. The length is measured from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle load, whichever extends further.
The following maximum dimensions may be operated on Texas’ highways without a permit:
Height – 14′
Width – 8’6″
The length (includes any front/rear overhang) depends on the vehicle type:
Single motor vehicle – 45′
Truck-tractor – Unlimited
Semitrailer, of two-vehicle combination – 59′
Two- or Three-Vehicle combination other than truck-tractor & semitrailer – 65′
Each trailer or semitrailer of a twin-trailer combination – 28.5′
Traditional boat/auto transporter combination – 65′
Commercial truck & stinger-steered semitrailer transporting autos/boats – 80′
Front overhang – 3′
Rear overhang – 4′
Texas Trailer Weight Regulations
The weight includes the weight of the vehicle or combination, plus the weight of the load being transported. The following are the various weight regulations for the state of Texas:
Gross – 80,000 lbs. maximum
Single axle – 20,000 lbs.
Tandem axle group – 34,000 lbs.
Triple axle group – 42,000 lbs.
Quad axle group – 50,000 lbs.
Texas Trailer Hitch and Signal Regulations
The drawbar or other connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer must be strong enough to pull all the weight being towed and may not exceed 15 feet between the vehicles, except for the connection between 2 vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery or other objects of a structural nature that cannot be readily dismembered.
Texas Trailer Lighting Regulations
A trailer, pole trailer or vehicle that is being towed at the end of a combination of vehicles is required to be equipped with the following:
at least 2 tail lamps
at least 2 stop lamps
electric turn signal lamps
at least two red reflectors
If the trailer is at least 30 feet long it is required to be equipped with the following:
two side marker lamps, one centrally mounted on each side
two reflectors, one centrally mounted on each side
hazard lamps
Pole trailers are required to be equipped with the following:
two side marker lamps, one at each side at or near the front of the load
one reflector at or near the front of the load
one combination marker lamp that emits an amber light to the front and a red light to the rear and side and is mounted on the rearmost support for the load to indicate the maximum width of the trailer
Read our previous article for more information on trailer lighting regulations.
Texas Trailer Mirror Regulations
Tow vehicles must be equipped with a mirror located appropriately to reflect the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.
Speed Regulations
While the regulations for speed are generally the same as for passenger cars as they are for trucks, the maximum speed for a towing vehicle in Texas is 70 mph — on the interstate — unless posted otherwise. According to section 545.352 of the transportation code, that’s only in the daytime; it applies to passenger vehicles and light trucks pulling small trailers less than 26 feet long, carrying a boat, motorcycle or animals. The nighttime maximum for these small trailers is 65 mph. For other kinds of trailers, such as fifth wheels, the maximum daytime speed is 60 mph, and that maximum drops by 5 mph at night. Common sense should always trump the posted speed limit: if it’s foggy, and you’re still driving at 55, you can be cited for dangerous driving.
Restrictions
According to section 545.409 of the transportation code, no more than three vehicles can be towed behind one tow vehicle using the “saddle-mount” method, whereby the front wheels are mounted on another vehicle’s bed, leaving its rear wheels on the ground. Under section 545.410, it is usually illegal to allow a child younger than 18 to ride in a flat-bed trailer; one example of an exemption is if you’re riding in a parade. It is also typically illegal for a truck or tractor to pull a trailer with passengers, though, if the trailer is designed for human habitation, this action is allowed.
DOT State Regulations for Trailers in Texas
Each state in the US has its own laws and regulations when it comes to towing trailers. Most DOT state regulations for Texas are dictated by common sense, so most towers will not be affected by any but the basics. Here are the main state regulations for trailers in Texas.
Texas Trailer Brake Regulations
Trailers and specifically, pole trailers, are required to have brakes if its gross weight exceeds 4,500 lbs. If the trailer has a gross weight between 4,500 lbs. and 15,000 lbs., it is not required to have brakes if it is towed at a speed of no more than 30 mph.
Texas Trailer Dimension Regulations
There is established dimension limits for vehicles and loads in Texas moving with or without an oversize and/or overweight permit on Texas roadways and bridges. The width is measured from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices. Height is measured from the roadbed to the highest point of the load. The length is measured from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle load, whichever extends further.
The following maximum dimensions may be operated on Texas’ highways without a permit:
Height – 14′
Width – 8’6″
The length (includes any front/rear overhang) depends on the vehicle type:
Single motor vehicle – 45′
Truck-tractor – Unlimited
Semitrailer, of two-vehicle combination – 59′
Two- or Three-Vehicle combination other than truck-tractor & semitrailer – 65′
Each trailer or semitrailer of a twin-trailer combination – 28.5′
Traditional boat/auto transporter combination – 65′
Commercial truck & stinger-steered semitrailer transporting autos/boats – 80′
Front overhang – 3′
Rear overhang – 4′
Texas Trailer Weight Regulations
The weight includes the weight of the vehicle or combination, plus the weight of the load being transported. The following are the various weight regulations for the state of Texas:
Gross – 80,000 lbs. maximum
Single axle – 20,000 lbs.
Tandem axle group – 34,000 lbs.
Triple axle group – 42,000 lbs.
Quad axle group – 50,000 lbs.
Texas Trailer Hitch and Signal Regulations
The drawbar or other connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer must be strong enough to pull all the weight being towed and may not exceed 15 feet between the vehicles, except for the connection between 2 vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery or other objects of a structural nature that cannot be readily dismembered.
Texas Trailer Lighting Regulations
A trailer, pole trailer or vehicle that is being towed at the end of a combination of vehicles is required to be equipped with the following:
at least 2 tail lamps
at least 2 stop lamps
electric turn signal lamps
at least two red reflectors
If the trailer is at least 30 feet long it is required to be equipped with the following:
two side marker lamps, one centrally mounted on each side
two reflectors, one centrally mounted on each side
hazard lamps
Pole trailers are required to be equipped with the following:
two side marker lamps, one at each side at or near the front of the load
one reflector at or near the front of the load
one combination marker lamp that emits an amber light to the front and a red light to the rear and side and is mounted on the rearmost support for the load to indicate the maximum width of the trailer
Read our previous article for more information on trailer lighting regulations.
Texas Trailer Mirror Regulations
Tow vehicles must be equipped with a mirror located appropriately to reflect the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.
Speed Regulations
While the regulations for speed are generally the same as for passenger cars as they are for trucks, the maximum speed for a towing vehicle in Texas is 70 mph — on the interstate — unless posted otherwise. According to section 545.352 of the transportation code, that’s only in the daytime; it applies to passenger vehicles and light trucks pulling small trailers less than 26 feet long, carrying a boat, motorcycle or animals. The nighttime maximum for these small trailers is 65 mph. For other kinds of trailers, such as fifth wheels, the maximum daytime speed is 60 mph, and that maximum drops by 5 mph at night. Common sense should always trump the posted speed limit: if it’s foggy, and you’re still driving at 55, you can be cited for dangerous driving.
Restrictions
According to section 545.409 of the transportation code, no more than three vehicles can be towed behind one tow vehicle using the “saddle-mount” method, whereby the front wheels are mounted on another vehicle’s bed, leaving its rear wheels on the ground. Under section 545.410, it is usually illegal to allow a child younger than 18 to ride in a flat-bed trailer; one example of an exemption is if you’re riding in a parade. It is also typically illegal for a truck or tractor to pull a trailer with passengers, though, if the trailer is designed for human habitation, this action is allowed.
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