Understanding Trailer Laws in Tennessee: An In-Depth Overview

Tennessee Trailer Laws Summary

Understanding the general scope and purpose of Tennessee trailer laws is crucial for anyone who owns, operates, or plans to drive a truck or other vehicle that could potentially haul a trailer. The laws in the state cover several areas, including the registration of trailers and the requirements to receive a tag, with these regulations being situated within the larger structure of motor vehicle and traffic code in the Tennessee Code Annotated Volume 16, Sections 55-4 through 55-9. This section of the law provides standards for everything from engine size to number of wheels to headlights. There are even weight-limiting requirements that dictate whether a vehicle must be a light truck, medium truck, or heavy truck.
The entirety of driving in the state is impacted by these laws, which cover not only the vehicles themselves but also additional elements such as trailers and the people who operate the vehicles. One portion of the law in particular defines the trailer as a non-lead motor vehicle that is capable of being towed by another motor vehicle. It also specifically states that the trailer does not include any mobile home or house trailer . However, all trailers and towed vehicles have to be registered to a single owner, so the aforementioned exception is applicable only for the purpose of ownership.
The most common types of vehicle that require trailer registration and licensing in the state include house trailers, boat trailers, travel trailers, utility trailers, motorcycle trailers and off-highway vehicle trailers. In terms of specific weight, the law classifies trailers with a gross weight of less than 1,500 pounds as light-duty, whereas trailers with a gross weight of between 1,500 pounds and 3,500 pounds are considered to be medium-duty, and those with a gross weight of more than 3,500 pounds are counted as heavy-duty.
This overview assures that you will be aware of the scope and purpose of trailer laws in Tennessee, so you’ll be ready to apply your new knowledge of their requirements and understand the penalties that may be levied for violations. After familiarizing yourself with this information, you can begin exploring other ways in which Tennessee trailer laws will impact you and your driving experiences.

Trailer Registration and Title Steps

Before you attempt to register and title your trailer, you will need to make sure your trailer meets certain requirements. Tennessee law mandates that all trailers must include certain features. If your trailer does not meet these specifications, it may not be registered or titled until such time that it meets these specifications. These specifications include, for example, a tongue that extends at least two percent of the trailer’s length. There are many other requirements. If you are not sure whether your trailer meets these requirements, please refer to Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-109.
If your trailer meets these specifications, you will need to collect the following documents to register and title the trailer in Tennessee:
• Proof of payment of sales or use tax for the trailer.
• Proof that you own the trailer, such as a bill of sale, a foreign certificate of title, etc.
• Proof that you have applied for a mechanic’s lien, if necessary.
• Proof that the trailer is included in the Tennessee state records.
• A copy of the trailer specifications found on the back of the certificate of title.
You will need to take these documents and apply to the Department of Revenue for a certificate of title. Certificate of title fees are due using the same schedule as the vehicle registration fees. The fee amount will depend on the size of the trailer. For example, if the trailer weighs less than 10,000 pounds, then the fee will be five cents for every one hundred dollars of the trailer’s manufactured price. This fee cannot exceed $100. Fees are paid with the application for certificate of title.
Once you have paid your fees, you will receive your trailer title in the mail. If the trailer to be registered is not new, you should apply in person at your local Department of Motor Vehicle office. If the trailer is new, you should send the appropriate payment, registration application, and identification to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Nashville. Generally, you will receive your title in approximately two weeks.

Trailer Weight and Size Restrictions

In Tennessee, both commercial and non-commercial trailers have strict size and weight restrictions that must be followed. Commercial trailers are covered under Rule 7 of the Motor Carrier Regulations, whereas general trailers fall under T.C.A. § 55-7-203.
The legal size limit for trailers in the State of Tennessee is 13.5 feet high, 102 inches wide, and 48 feet long (including 5 feet for a front overhang and 4 feet for a back overhang and only if the truck shipping the trailer is 53 feet or longer). Maximum weight per axle varies from 20,000 pounds (except one axle used as a steering axle) to 40,000 pounds (for two or three axle groups), 34,000 pounds (for four axle groups), and 40,000 (for five axle groups). Truck and trailer combination weight limits differ slightly for interstate and state highway systems due to the Federal Bridge Formula being used for interstate highways.
Heavy penalties have been set for turning or continuing to drive with an overweight trailer/loaded truck. If you or your driver are caught driving with an overweight truck and trailer, you could receive fines of up to $250 per violation and even face misdemeanor charges. Furthermore, all trucks carrying cargo must carry written proof that the weight of the truck and trailer combination meets legal transports limits.

Towing a Trailer

In addition to the general trailer laws outlined above, the State of Tennessee has additional recommendations and laws for safely towing a trailer in that state.
Hitch Requirements
The law regarding trailer hitches include:
Lighting and Signaling Equipment
If you are planning on driving with your trailer in Tennessee, it is important to be aware of the lighting requirements. When you are towing a trailer vs. pulling a horse, for example, the law states that all vehicles towing a trailer (with the exception of motorcycles) must be equipped with electric brake lite etc.
In addition to lighting, it is recommended that any trailer being towed in Tennessee should also be equipped with breakaway brakes that apply:
The brake control can’t be in direct line with the trailer brakes or they will work the opposite of how they are intended.
If you are towing a trailer without brakes, be sure to take into account Tennessee law regarding speed and road restrictions.

Safety Standards for Trailers and Equipment

In addition to the rules of the road, trailer owners must also be aware of Tennessee’s safety and equipment requirements for trailers. The law requires every trailer to have "adequate brakes, lights and reflectors." Tennessee Code Annotated Section 55-9-201. We will briefly discuss each of these requirements here.
Brakes. While the law requires more than one braking system, no braking system is required for a trailer weighing less than three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) (except house trailers). If the gross weight of the trailer is three thousand pounds (3,000) or more, the trailer must be equipped with a braking system controlled by a driver of the towing vehicle , in addition to any other braking system required by law. House trailers (to the extent the term is defined) are not required to have a braking system controlled by the driver of the towing vehicle trapping air or hydraulic pressure from the towing vehicle. Lifting mechanisms for house trailers must not require any manual lifting.
Lights, Brakes and Reflectors. The law requires all trailers, except park trailers, house trailers, farm trailers and farm tractors, to have lamps and reflectors. The law does permit a park trailer to only have parking lights and reflectors. All other trailers, with an exception of farm tractors, must have:
It is also worth noting that brake lights must be illuminated when the service brakes are applied, but do not have to be illuminated when the brakes are not applied.

Using your Trailer Inter/Intrastate

In Tennessee, trailers are defined as vehicles that are designed to be towed by motor vehicles. When it comes to regulations, there are two categories of trailer use – interstate and intrastate. Interstate regulations apply to any trailer that is used for interstate commerce and is transported across state lines. For jurisdictional purposes, interstate commerce is defined as any transport between states, transport within a single state that touches more than one state, transport to or from Intrastate Commerce Commission (ICC) jurisdictional sites, or transport within a state that affects, in any way, the interstate commerce. All trailers meeting these requirements are required to meet ICC and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements before being used for interstate commerce. These trailers must have their own vehicle identification number (VIN). Intrastate regulations apply to all remaining trailers not meeting interstate requirements. Any trailer lacking FMCSA and ICC requirements, but is used to transport things at the local level, is considered intrastate use. These trailers do not need to be registered with the state for personal use, but they are required to be registered if they are classified as commercial trailers that are used or intended to be used for hire, or leased or contracted by the person. In certain cases, the owner of an interstate trailer may be exempt from specific requirements, such as additional driver medical tests.

What Happens if you don’t Comply?

One of the most important aspects of understanding trailer laws is knowing the potential penalties for non-compliance. Whether it’s a minor infraction or a major oversight, the penalties can range from a simple inconvenience to serious legal repercussions.
For instance, operating a trailer without the required license plates and registration can result in a hefty fine ranging from $200 to $400. In some cases, you may even be required to show up in court to answer for the violation. If the offense is serious enough or if an individual is a repeat offender, they may be subject to jail time or a revocation of their driving privileges.
Non-compliance with trailer weight restrictions can carry a steep fine of $400. The fines are often even harsher for drivers who ignore warnings, driving excessively over the weight restrictions. Additionally, some counties may charge justice fees when enforcing weight restrictions, compounding the cost of what was already an inconvenient inconvenience.
Operating a trailer without the proper brake lights and other safety devices is another common violation. This type of infraction usually will not land you in court, but it can result in a fine of $50 to $100. The exact amount varies depending on the sheriff’s department responsible for addressing the situation.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just some of the common violations and possible penalties. It’s a good idea to research more about the particular details of what you should and shouldn’t do to understand the full consequences of trailer law violations in the state of Tennessee.

Helpful Guides and People for Tennessee Trailer Laws

For more detailed information or assistance, the following resources and contacts can be of help:
Tennessee Department of Revenue
The Tennessee Department of Revenue is responsible for vehicle registration, titling, and taxation in the state. Their website contains resources on trailer registration and titling:
Tennessee Department of Revenue – Trailers
Phone: (615) 741-3106
Director of Central Services Division:
Pamela A. Jones
[email protected]

(615) 741-3060

Tennessee Department of Transportation
The Tennessee Department of Transportation manages roadways and transportation planning. They publish regulations on weight and width restrictions in the state:
Tennessee Department of Transportation – Motor Carrier Resources
Phone: (615) 741-2637
County Clerk Offices
Each county in Tennessee has its own County Clerk’s Office that can answer questions about vehicle registration locally, including trailers.
Collegedale City Hall
Collegedale, TN 37315
Phone: (423) 396-2105
Hamilton County Clerk
Hamilton County Courthouse
625 Georgia Avenue, Suite 202
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: (423) 209-8683
Volunteer Trailer Safety Alliance
Volunteer Trailer Safety Alliance is a non-profit organization promoting trailer safety awareness and education in Tennessee . Throughout the year various safety campaigns are conducted throughout the state to help make Tennessee roads safer.
Phone: (423)-247-2839
Tennessee Trucking Association
Tennessee Trucking Association is Tennessee’s leading business association for the trucking industry. Membership is open to all truck-related businesses, including owner-operators, and provides access to insurance and retirement benefits, legislative advocacy, and networking opportunities.
Phone: (615) 361-6632
Tennessee Secretary of State
Tennessee Secretary of State is the office responsible for the regulation of not-for-profit and for-profit corporations as well as overseeing local elections. The Corporation Section publishes the Business Resource Guide.
Phone: (615) 741-2286
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation oversees criminal background checks. Owners of certain types of trailers need to ensure that the person they are purchasing the trailer from has not been previously involved in illegal activity.
Phone: (615) 744-4000