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dmctlc's avatar
dmctlc
Explorer
May 31, 2017

Looking for Massachusetts folks to weigh in on registration

Trying to find out if I need to register my new tow dolly in Massachusetts? When I was down at the RMV registering the MH I noticed a sign basically stating everything needs to be registered in good old Massachusetts. I meant to ask when I was up at the desk but forgot about it by then and now that I have the dolly I'm looking for input.
Thxs

1 Reply

  • From the Mass. RMV site:


    Tow Dolly:

    Is defined as: "A portable, collapsible or separate two-wheel tow dolly limited only to the purpose of transporting or towing a registered vehicle."

    A Dealer may tow a vehicle on a two-wheel tow-dolly if the towed-vehicle displays a "Dealer" plate but the towing-vehicle cannot display a "Dealer" plate or a "passenger plate" but should display a "commercial plate."

    A Repairer displaying "commercial plates" on the towing-vehicle can tow a vehicle on a two-wheel tow-dolly but the towed-vehicle must be properly registered or have the "Repair" plate displayed on the towed-vehicle. A Repairer displaying "Repair" plates on the towing-vehicle can tow a vehicle on a two-wheel tow-dolly without plates on the towed-vehicle if the towing-vehicle is properly registered, displays the valid repair plate, maintains insurance which also provides coverage for the motor vehicle being towed on the dolly and displays a valid compliance decal.

    A Transporter can tow a vehicle on a two-wheeled tow-dolly if the vehicle being towed displays the "Transporter" plate. The towing-vehicle must be properly registered (not a passenger registration).

    An Owner-Contractor generally will have vehicles that will be too large for towing on a two-wheeled tow-dolly but if the registrant does have one that safely fits it needs to display the O/C plate and the towing-vehicle must also display the O/C plate.

    Tow dollies themselves are exempt from registration requirements.

    Towing Regulations - Trucks, Trailers & Dollies

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