Virginia utility trailer laws. Register Your WV Trailer You must title and register your utility trailer in West Virginia. 1-317. Brakes on trailers. With sections highlighting crucial aspects such as weight limits, necessary equipment, and road etiquette, we've created a comprehensive guide to promote safe and legal towing practices. 2-684. Do you need to know the Virginia trailer laws and regulations? In this article we will help you stay road legal and tell you the Virginia trailer laws and regulations. Payment for the $15 title fee ($10 extra if there's a lien on the trailer). For the purpose of this subdivision, surge brakes are considered to be in control of the operator. 2-1116. A summary of the weight limits and size limits is given below for your convenience. Insurance coverage for trailers depends on the insurance coverage of the vehicle pulling the trailer. Brakes: trailer (GVWR less than 10,000 pounds). Safety Chains: Virginia law requires that all trailers being towed must be § 46. § 46. Safety Inspections. The provisions of this section shall apply only to trailers as defined in § 46. 2-1224. When you're ready to title the trailer, take to your local WV DOT office: 6% of the purchase price. 2; 1989, c. Dimension or marker lights and reflectors, generally. 159, § 46. Every semitrailer, trailer, or separate vehicle attached by a drawbar, chain, or coupling to a towing vehicle other than a farm tractor or a vehicle not required to obtain a registration certificate and having an actual gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, shall be equipped with brakes controlled or operated by the driver of the towing vehicle, which shall Trailer Registration: If you own a utility trailer, it must be registered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if it meets the registration threshold. Tow trailers vary in weight, size and purpose. Discover key laws, registration steps, and tips every trailer buyer in VA must know before making a purchase. 2. This list is not exhaustive or complete in details. Trailers can be registered annually, bi-annually or permanently. Trailer brakes do not comply with 19VAC30-70-80 and 19VAC30-70-90. Inspect for and reject if: 1. West Virginia has specific regulations to ensure that both you and others on the road remain safe. Trailers and towed vehicles. 1982, c. All motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers exceeding seven feet in width or the widest portion of which extends four inches beyond the front fender extremes shall be equipped with amber lights mounted at the extreme right and left front top corners of such vehicle. COMMON LAW, STATUTES, LEGAL HOLIDAYS, DEFINITIONS AND LEGAL CAPACITY. A. 2-1117, no motor vehicle shall be driven on a highway while drawing or having attached thereto more than one motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer unless such vehicle is being operated under a special permit from the Commissioner of Highways. Except as provided in this section and § 46. This thorough guide explores the nuances of Virginia's trailer and towing laws. CHAPTER 5. 3 days ago · §17A-3-2. 5. 2-1088. In this post, we’ll cover the essential trailer towing laws in West Virginia, so Tow trailers, also known as utility trailers, are nonpowered and are useful for hauling many things such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, tractors or lumber. Mar 6, 2025 · Understand Virginia's utility trailer laws, including registration, safety requirements, and compliance standards to ensure legal and hassle-free operation. Towaway trailer combinations may operate with a length of not more than 82 feet if the gross weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds. 727. This card and privilege may be recalled by the Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police for an infraction or violation of the rules and regulations governing the inspection of vehicles. We’ll review Virginia trailer laws and important safety precautions to help you get out on the road. The legal size and weight limits for WV can be found in the WV Code, Chapter 17C 19VAC30-70-100. Stay legal and safe on the road. Please refer to the WV code for exact details. Do you need to know the West Virginia trailer laws and regulations? In this article we will help you stay road legal and tell you the West Virginia trailer laws and regulations. Other vehicles are exempt from registration, including ATVs and snowmobiles, and still others follow the same registration process as standard cars and trucks, like RVs and motorhomes. The manufacturer's statement of origin, or a notarized bill of sale. BASIC ASSISTANCE FOR INDUSTRY AND TRADE. CHAPTER 5C. 2-1157. wv. utility trailers or motor vehicles This guide outlines Henrico County Code (law) and directs you to Virginia State Code (law) which govern utility trailers and motor vehicles that haul items. Generally, trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more or with a manufacturer's weight rating of 3,001 pounds or more must be registered. The owner or operator of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered in Virginia and operated or parked on a highway within the Commonwealth shall submit his vehicle to an inspection of its mechanism and equipment by an official inspection station, designated for that purpose, in accordance with Mar 8, 2025 · Understand Virginia’s farm use tag regulations, including eligibility, documentation, permitted uses, and compliance requirements for agricultural vehicles. 2-1017. 6. Mar 24, 2017 · As trailers are attached to your vehicle, their use is governed by state law. Breakaway braking devices are missing or inoperative or cable is frayed or broken The identification card will be made available for verification to members of the West Virginia State Police when so requested. Your go-to resource for understanding towing and trailer laws specific to West Virginia. Jun 13, 2025 · Learn how to buy a trailer in Virginia with ease. The provisions of any such ordinance If your hauling configuration does not meet the legal size and weight limits in WV, then you may apply for a hauling permit. County ordinances prohibiting certain parking in streets and highways. The governing body of any county may, by ordinance, prohibit any person from parking any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer on or adjacent to the highways in the county when such person parks any such motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer for commercial purposes. This limitation Transportation. Since a tow trailer is considered a vehicle in West Virginia, it must be licensed prior to being taken on the Do you need to know the Virginia trailer laws and regulations? In this article we will help you stay road legal and tell you the Virginia trailer laws and regulations. SUMMARY: How to Register a Special Vehicle Type in Virginia In Virginia, if you want to operate your custom-built vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, or tractor truck on the road, you MUST register it first. , subject to registration and certificate of title provisions; exceptions. gov is the official Web site for the State of West Virginia and is the result of an innovative public-private partnership between the state and West Virginia Interactive. The trailer registration fee is based on the gross weight of the trailer and the registration period selected. 2. . Oct 3, 2024 · Planning to tow a trailer in West Virginia? Whether you’re hauling a camper for a mountain getaway or towing equipment for work, understanding the state’s towing laws is critical for a safe and legal journey. CHAPTER 2. GENERAL POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR, SECRETARY OF STATE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL; BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS; MISCELLANEOUS AGENCIES, COMMISSIONS, OFFICES, PROGRAMS, ETC. Vehicles having more than one trailer, etc. Every motor vehicle, etc. The reflectors or reflective material shall be Examples of trailer body types are: watercraft trailer, camping (pop-up included) trailer, travel trailer, horse trailer, utility trailer, and semi trailer (half of a tractor-trailer) etc. 2-1070. Inspection of motor vehicles required. REORGANIZATION OF THE 7. 1 day ago · §17C-17-7. , attached thereto; exceptions. Titling Every motor vehicle operated on a highway in Virginia must be titled, except for farm tractors, farm machinery, farm utility vehicles, and farm vehicles with a securely attached machine for spraying fruit trees and plants. 3. There shall be affixed to the rear end of every utility trailer that does not require state inspection either (i) two or more reflectors of a type approved by the Superintendent or (ii) at least 100 square inches of solid reflectorized material. Reflectors or reflectorized material required on rear end of certain trailers. C. Operator does not have full control over brakes. The owner or lessee of a pickup or panel truck or sport utility vehicle claiming the exemption provided pursuant to this section shall be required to obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to § 46. Virginia law specifies that three motor vehicles may be drawn by a saddle mount device when operated on an interstate highway in a drive away service from factory to dealer and the combination does not exceed 97 feet. Transporting the vehicle's owner between his residence and the lands being used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. 2-100 and shall not apply to recreational vehicles commonly known as "motor homes" or to any vehicle required to be equipped with head lights. Article 21. CHAPTER 5F. A trailer is considered a vehicle without motor power designed for carrying property or passengers and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, including tow dollies and converter gear. n6ue rt4 wez onjv 0miqzj ljxs9 ow e04u tte1p vndr