“ASK A TROOPER” by Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: In your last Ask A Trooper article, you provided some information on pulling trailers. Can you talk a little more about trailer requirements?

Answer: Here is some additional information on trailer requirements:

•             Maximum length — 45 feet

•             Maximum width — 8 feet 6 inches

•             Maximum height — 13 feet 6 inches

•             Tail lamps — two red

•             Reflectors — two red

•             Rear license plate lamp — one white

Trailer stop and turn signals must be used for night driving and whenever stop and turn signals on the towing vehicle are not visible to other drivers.

The 102-inch width limit (8 feet, 6 inches) for recreational vehicles does not include attachments that do not extend beyond the vehicle’s exterior rearview mirrors if the recreational vehicle is self-propelled.

The width of a trailer may not extend beyond the exterior rearview mirrors of the towing vehicle.

Type A, B or C motor homes may not be longer than 45 feet. The general length limit for single-unit vehicles is 40 feet.

All trailers with a gross vehicle weight of 3,000 pounds or more must be equipped with brakes.

All recreational trailers must have a clearly visible plate with current registration.

A safety chain must be permanently attached to the trailer and fastened to the vehicle used for towing.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on “X” @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).