Truck Hitch Law
Truck hitches are used to tow other vehicles and trailers from one point to another. Because these vehicles often use public highways in which other motorists are in jeopardy if those hitches are unsecure, states have put laws in place to ensure public safety.
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Weight Requirements
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The correct hitch must be used based on the weight capacity of the item being towed. Class I hitches hold up to 2,000 pounds. Class II hitches hold up to 3,500 pounds. Class III hitches hold up to 5,000 pounds. Class IV hitches hold up to 5 tons or 10,000 pounds.
Security
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Two means of securing the vehicle are required in some states. The hitch can be considered one, but there also must be a secondary source to hold the vehicle -- such as chains or tow bar -- if the initial hitch breaks.
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Heavy Duty Towing
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The maximum number of vehicles that one truck can tow at one time is three. Saddle-mount hitches must be used in this instance. Texas Law states "may not exceed 15 feet between the vehicles except for a connection between two vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery or other objects of structural nature that cannot readily be dismembered."
Rear Lights
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Rear lights are required to work on the trailer hitched to your vehicles. Braking systems must be updated to handle the weight capacity that the main vehicle is towing.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit truck image by Goran Bogicevic from Fotolia.com
