Forum Discussion
mowermech
Aug 19, 2015Explorer
supercub wrote:
For what it's worth, I called the California Hiway Patrol today and talked to a 25 year veteran. When asked about a brake system in the tow car, I was informed it is NOT required by law when towing a car 4 down.
That may very well be true. However, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) AND the State Braking Performance Standards must still be met!
In California, IIRC, any "Combination of Vehicles" (a motorhome and towed certainly is a "combination of vehicles") must be able to stop from 20 MPH in 45 feet or less on a hard, dry, clean, level surface.
In Montana it is 40 MPH.
This standard is not just for commercial vehicles. It applies to nearly all vehicles. There are, of course, some exceptions. The Montana law is MCA 61-9-312. Look it up if you are interested in the exceptions.
It is also worthy of note that in Montana (and many other states) a towed motor vehicle does not meet the legal definition of a "trailer".
See MCA 61-1-101(82)(a).
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