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
rjkfsm wrote:K Charles wrote:
here
That link shows TRAILER towing laws, not VEHICLE towing laws. Big difference. Trailer towing laws are stricter which is, of course, what a vehicle brake seller will want to show you.
This is a more accurate breakdown of VEHICLE towing laws. Finally, keep this in mind: The 700lb U-Haul tow dolly has no brakes and is 50 state legal with a 4,300lb car or lighter.
RK
"MORE accurate"? perhaps.
However, the list is WRONG when it comes to Montana law. It states you must be able to stop within 35 feet from 20 MPH. HERE is the applicable Montana Code Annotated (MCA):
61-9-312. Performance ability of brakes. On a dry, hard, approximately level stretch of highway free from loose material, a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, upon application of the service brake, must be capable of stopping at a speed of 20 miles an hour within the following distances:
(1) 25 feet for passenger motor vehicles, except buses and pioneer vehicles;
(2) 40 feet for buses, trucks, and tractor trucks;
(3) 45 feet for motor vehicles registered or qualified to be registered as pioneer vehicles under 61-3-411(3)(a) when equipped with two-wheel brakes or 25 feet when equipped with four-wheel brakes;
(4) 40 feet for all combinations of vehicles; and
(5) 30 feet for motorcycles, quadricycles, and motor-driven cycles.
Note that 35 feet is not listed in there anywhere. Now, look at paragraph (4). "40 feet for all combinations of vehicles" Obviously, a motorhome towing a vehicle would be considered a "Combination of vehicles", and must be able to stop within 40 feet from 20 MPH.
I have never seen a "List of Laws" on the internet that could be trusted!
