Does Your State Require a SBS

[D_E_Bishop]

Last week I ask for information regarding the Vehicle Codes from the members and I asked that editorial and personal opinion not be posted. I forgot that it is impossible to ask for something without most members having to editorialize. Sorry now that I ask. On Thursday I decided I was fed up with the editorial and said that post would be my last until I could get Chapter and Verse from our CHP. Well today I asked and they were too busy to give me C&V but the officer that conducts the lite weight truck inspections did say that the law was changed from a brake performance test to a specific weight. Now the towing of trailers (1500 lbs or More) and all motorized vehicles (1500 lbs or more) whether four down, dolly or trailered must have SBS. It is logical that recreational towing of motorized vehicles is no different than towing trailers of 1500 lbs or more in regards to stopping.

I do not know when the law changed and it seems the CHP doesn't either, but now that I do know the LAW as it is stated in the Vehicle Code, I will replace the SBS that was stolen from my towed while it was parked at my home. I've been towing a Sidekick and at 2700 lbs was pretty east to control but the Grand Vitara I bought to replace the Sidekick when it ate a couple of valves, is much heavier and seeing as how our camping days or restricted to at least the week before Thanksgiving, I have plenty of time to conform to the law.

I would like to know the laws in the other 48 states I'm not aware of but it's not worth the insults and such that some of you feel is your right to state. I guess it is, constitutionally, but not morally



There is a huge amount of information on States that require Supplemental Braking Systems on Toweds. It is really hard to know what is true or maybe a little bend in the truth. I know for a fact that California does not specify when a SBS is required. What is said is that one may be required if you cannot stop your RV within a specific distance at a specific speed.

I have quoted chapter and verse in the past but no longer have that information, it is, however, in the archives of the Forums.

What does your state require and can you provide code giving the specifics. No need to quote the code, just enough information that any member could find it on line.

Please no editorials on whether or not they are needed or what you have installed for your rig, or what you think your state requires. As Joe Friday used to say, "the facts Mam, just the facts".

[toedtoes]

D.E.Bishop has been a longtime poster and I don't think he's looking for himself. I think he wanted to have all the state laws in one thread for reference when folks ask about braking system requirements.

[Bumpyroad]

BB_TX wrote:

D.E.Bishop wrote:

.........
Please no editorials on whether or not they are needed or what you have installed for your rig, or what you think your state requires. As Joe Friday used to say, "the facts Mam, just the facts".

Didn’t take long for that request to be ignored! :S

perhaps it was a silly request. going to poll folks from 50 states to see where he can avoid having one?
bumpy

[BB_TX]

D.E.Bishop wrote:

.........
Please no editorials on whether or not they are needed or what you have installed for your rig, or what you think your state requires. As Joe Friday used to say, "the facts Mam, just the facts".

Didn’t take long for that request to be ignored! :S

[Leeblev]

I'm sorry, but CA requires supplemental braking when the toad is 1500 lbs or better. Applies to all towed vehicles, whether vehicles or trailers. Since you are a CA resident, I wouldn't worry about what other states have, but would comply with CA law. Since CA is very strict, you won't have problems in any other state. I agree with the previous statement that it is not smart to tow without a supplemental braking system.

[Bumpyroad]

IB853347201 wrote:
Why does this matter and who cares?
Its just irresponsible to tow a vehicle without a supplemental braking system in place.
Just do the right thing and you won't have to worry about it.

x2
just looking for excuses to save $3000. but need a break away feature.
bumpy

[mowermech]

In Montana, the law is very clear: A towed motor vehicle is NOT a trailer, and trailer brake laws do not apply.
MCA 60-1-101 Definitions
Montana also has a braking performance law:
MCA 61-9-312

"Most states it's a law..." Please tell us what the actual laws are. If nothing else, tell us what the law is in YOUR state!

[Lantley]

I agree with the above most states its a law but if it is mandated or not really doesn't matter. At this point we know it is the safe and right thing to do.
The systems are available to do it right.
The risk one takes by not having proper braking involves is not simply your own, but you are risking the safety of others as well

[IB853347201]

Why does this matter and who cares?
Its just irresponsible to tow a vehicle without a supplemental braking system in place.
Just do the right thing and you won't have to worry about it.

[Tom_Barb]

Wa.state rules require brakes on anything being towed, that weighs over 3k, all vehicles in combination are limited to 60 MPH>