Most Important Montana Trailer Laws And Regulations

In Montana, there are specific laws and regulations that apply to trailers. If you're planning to tow a trailer with your vehicle, it's important to be aware of these regulations and to make sure that your trailer is properly equipped. In this article, we'll discuss the most important Montana trailer laws and regulations. We'll also provide some tips for safely towing a trailer.

Do trailers need to be registered Montana?

According to state law, any and all motor vehicles must be registered with the state. This includes but is not limited to motor homes, motorcycles, and quadricycles, travel trailers, utility trailers. The Vehicle Services Bureau (VSB) is responsible for both the registration and titling of motor vehicles in Montana.

The two processes always occur simultaneously, with one exception being pickup campers—which must only be titled and not registered. Registration for all motor vehicles can be completed at your county treasurer’s office.

Do trailers need insurance in Montana? Although trailer insurance is not required in Montana, it may be beneficial for you to review quotes and consider purchasing a policy.

Montana Trailer Laws & Regulations

Dimensions

Length: 65 feet; trailer length: not specified; width: 102 inches; height: 14 feet.

Passenger vehicles that weigh less than 2,000 pounds can tow one trailer that is no more than 65 feet long. Three-unit combinations are only allowed if the rear unit has breakaway brakes, and these shall not exceed 95 feet in total length.

Brakes

All trailers and pole trailers that weigh 3,000 lbs. or more must have brakes on their wheels. If the total weight of the trailer(s) is 40%  or less than the towing vehicle's GVW, then all trailer wheels must also have brakes.

All trailers equipped with air- or vacuum-actuated brakes, as well as those weighing more than 3,000 pounds, must have brakes that automatically engage when the trailer breaks away from the towing vehicle. These brakes must remain engaged for at least 15 minutes.

All towing vehicles and trailers must have one device that can operate all service brakes simultaneously.

Hitch and Signals

A trailer that weighs 3,000 pounds or less must have a steel safety chain or cable with a minimum diameter of 1/4 inch. This attachment is vital in case the ball, socket, or coupler fails and drops the drawbar to the ground. The safety chain should be connected to the frame member of the vehicle instead of directly to the ball hitch.

Mirrors

A motor vehicle mirror must show the driver a view of the highway behind them for 200 feet.

Lighting

A trailer that weighs more than 3,000 pounds (GVW) must have:

(1) 2 clearance lamps on the front and 1 at each side;

(2) 2 side marker lamps, 2 side reflectors, 1 at or near the front and 1 at or near the rear;

(3) 2 clearance lamps with 2 reflectors on the back—1 lamp and 1 reflector located at each side.

A pole trailer that weighs more than 3,000 pounds must have (1) one side marker light and one clearance lamp on each side of the front, side, and rear; and (2) two reflectors on the rear of the pole trailer or load at each side.

A trailer or pole trailer that has a GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) of 3,000 pounds or less must have 2 rear reflectors and 2 stop lights. There should be 1 light on each side.

Speed Limits

As posted.