Know The Towing Speed Limits Where You Drive

Towing speed limits can be different from regular posted speed limits, so you need to pay attention to the rules in your state.

If you're like many who commonly tow boats, campers and trailers on a regular basis, maybe you’re aware of the rules, whether you learned about them the hard way or not.

But if you’re new to towing and want to make sure you stay within the bounds of the law, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with the rules that govern the road for tow vehicles — and that includes knowing not only the speed limit but the other rules regarding towing as well.  

Why Is There a Towing Speed Limit?

If you read any list even distantly related to the topic of trailer towing safety, you know speeding is dangerous. Going above the speed limit can contribute to trailer sway, which can happen when the tow cargo drifts into neighboring lanes and poses a risk of collision.

Once you lose control of your trailer, it’s extremely difficult to regain it without doing damage to your tow vehicle, the trailer or other cars on the roadway.

For the most part, the maximum towing speed is usually about 10 miles per hour lower than regular posted speeds. This usually ends up as a 55-mph max on highways.

However, some states are extremely strict, with individual regulations based on the size and type of the trailer being towed.

Find Out About Your State

The simplest way to find out if your state has a towing speed limit is to contact the department of transportation. You can call the local office or look on its website to find out the laws governing trailer use.

It pays to be informed — you will not only make your tow vehicle and trailer safer for you, your passengers and other vehicles on the road, you will also avoid paying a fine.

Don’t Neglect Other Regulations

It’s not only a towing speed limit you should worry about — you are required to be familiar with the other towing laws before you hit the roadway as well.

For example, do you know if you need separate trailer brakes installed? For most states, these are required when you’re towing 3,000 pounds, but sometimes it’s less, or more.

Do you know if your trailer is within the length limits? This might fall anywhere between 55 to 70 feet, but there are often exceptions.

Even if you only tow a trailer briefly through a neighboring state, you have to stay within regulations or risk receiving a traffic citation.

Want to find out more about the rules and regulations of towing? Ask the specialists at Stauffer’s Towing all about the local towing speed limits and more — with years of experience on the job, our staff has the knowledge you need to tow safely.