Car Tow Dolly Question

[FloridaRosebud]

OK, maybe a silly question, but how long have most states required brakes on tow dollys? I'm in the market for one, and while I have NO plans to buy one without brakes, my wife asked how long has the requirement been in effect. Discussion came about because most of the used tow dollys do not have brakes, which is not a surprise...

Al

[JaxDad]

Big Katuna wrote:
Brake laws at state levels are about TRAILERS. They don’t address towed cars, boats, etc.

Legally, a tow dolly is looked at like more like a hitch accessory than a trailer hence no license or registration requirement.

That’s just a silly statement.

For example, Florida Statutes say;

316.003 (58)?TRAILER.—Any vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle.

- and -

316.261?Brake equipment required.—Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and any combination of such vehicles, operating upon a highway within this state shall be equipped with brakes in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

[JaxDad]

Big Katuna wrote:
I don’t think any states require brakes on dollies (or toads). The only state that matters is the state you live in, state reciprocity’s and all that.

Reciprocity does NOT cover things like a vehicles weight, brakes or registration. That is State by State law.

The only place it’s close to covered is States or Provinces that don’t require a front license plate.

It is correct that registration is not REQUIRED but that doesn’t mean they don’t allow it, you can certainly get it registered and get a title and plates issued for it.

[timmac]

I would just get one with brakes, only makes since cause States do change laws on towing as time goes on..

[Dutch_12078]

The laws of physics apply in all states. Towing a 3,000+ lb toad will increase your braking distance if there's no auxiliary braking system to assist with the extra weight. Perhaps with a 40+ ft DP it might only be a few inches more, but if that's the difference between a hot or a miss...

[Lwiddis]

“state reciprocity”

Not on brakes, lights, weight, mechanicals etc.

[DrewE]

Big Katuna wrote:
I don’t think any states require brakes on dollies (or toads). The only state that matters is the state you live in, state reciprocity’s and all that.

Reciprocity applies to licensing and registration, but not to equipment requirements. You can't double tow in Vermont without a CDL, even if that's permitted in your own state. Similarly, laws regarding trailer brakes or snow tires apply to all drivers, regardless of where they come from.

[Big_Katuna]

Brake laws at state levels are about TRAILERS. They don’t address towed cars, boats, etc.

Legally, a tow dolly is looked at like more like a hitch accessory than a trailer hence no license or registration requirement.

[Lwiddis]

Yes, a silly question. It doesn’t matter.

[WILDEBILL308]

In many states it is about weight. I would never tow with out brakes.
Bill

[Big_Katuna]

I don’t think any states require brakes on dollies (or toads). The only state that matters is the state you live in, state reciprocity’s and all that.

[Bruce_Brown]

I don't know as all states do require them. I believe it's a state by state issue.

I could be wrong.