supplemental braking and out of state
hi, i live in a state that does not require supplemental braking systems on a towed vehicle. regardless on how one feels about the need for them my question is what is the law if you drive in...
Forum Discussion
dons2346 wrote:mowermech wrote:K Charles wrote:
here
Keep in mind that that site is sponsored by an auxiliary brake manufacturer. While I can't speak to the law in all states, it is inaccurate about the laws in Montana. It quotes TRAILER laws, but in the Montana Code Annotated Definitions (MCA 61-1-101) it quite plainly states that a towed motor vehicle is NOT a trailer!
Montana is, however, a "Performance Law" state (MCA 61-9-312): If you can stop within 40 feet from 20 MPH on a level clean hard surface, you are legal whether your towed vehicle has a braking system or not.
I do NOT trust ANY "List Of Towing Laws" that can be found on the internet. Every one of them that I have seen is inaccurate!
Actually, there are very few states which require a braking system on a towed motor vehicle. Several states, though, have braking performance requirements similar to the law in Montana.
+1 Lots of bogus info out there concerning the requirements for braking systems
I have checked California's law and it is NOT 1500 lbs, it is a performance state. I don't think any LEO conducted test could pass muster. It takes tens of thousands of dollars to do a performance test and a huge area to conduct the test and CA at least does not have the time or wide spread locations needed to perform the tests on a regular basis all around the state.
And by the way, I had a brake system until someone decided they needed it and all my electronic I carried in the towed. Looking for a theft proof systemthat will work in my Suzi GV. Probably Ready Brake by NSA RV Products.
