Yep, Massachusetts...
Here is what the actual law says (copy and paste directly from the MA gov website):
General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 7
"Every trailer or semi-trailer having an unladen weight of more than ten thousand pounds shall be equipped with air or electric brakes."
So, it would appear that ANY trailer that weighs less than 10K empty does not need brakes, and surge brakes are not acceptable on those trailers where brakes are required.
That is, IMO, absolutely ridiculous!
But, their state, their laws, and I will probably never go there, so I don't really care.
EDIT: However, it would behoove any MA resident to comply with the laws in other states, since brake laws are usually NOT reciprocal! Any MA resident who tows a trailer into a state where a trailer over 1500 lbs. unladen weight has to have brakes on all wheels, plus a breakaway system that will apply and hold the trailer brakes for 15 minutes, must comply with THEIR laws! A trailer that only complies with the MA law could never leave the state!
