All trailers that are towed by other vehicles must be registered with the motor vehicle department of the state in which the owner lives. There are more laws, though, that regulate bomb cart trailer
and the trailers that haul them. To avoid getting traffic tickets, take some time to review some of these rules so you can relax and concentrate on playing golf.
There are Rules, and Then There are Exceptions
Most states require any vehicle that travel down a public road to be registered with the state’s bureau of motor vehicles, including trailers. Generally, the permit specifies that the vehicle also be inspected regularly to ensure safety. There, are, however, some exceptions, which are listed below:
Certain state laws exempts a trailer from registration if it meets certain requirements. The trailer must have pneumatic tires manufactured from elastic material. It cannot pull more than 1,800 pounds. If you live in a given state and plan to haul your trailer only in that state, you may want to check your tires to see if they are exempt before heading out on the highway. If in doubt about the weight of your rig, check it before you go. Your cart itself, though, may not need a license.
Other states allows trailers an exemption only if their main use is as farm equipment. Trailers must also not venture beyond 35 miles on a public highway. Such trailers are permitted to cross the road to reach another tract of land. In this case, any trailer you use to haul your golf cart must be primarily used as a farm vehicle.
Yet other states, on the other hand, requires that your golf cart-not just your trailer-be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Read the Fine Print Concerning Trailer Laws
To make matters more confusing, each state has its own definition for the word “trailer.” Because of these varying definitions, each state’s requirements for licensing and registration often vary. Most states, however, have a stipulation similar to this statement, which comes from specific state laws: “Registration is required for all non-farm trailers operating on public highways.” Although many states have exemptions for certain trailers, many of these exemptions contain tricky wording that trailer owners need to read carefully.
Make Sure Your Trailer is Exempt Before You Go
As you can see from another state law, even the materials out of which a trailer’s tires are constructed, as well as its weight, all come into play when deciding whether a given trailer is exempt from the requirement to be licensed. What the trailer is normally used for also impacts a trailer’s registration requirements. Make sure that you are legal before you head out onto the highway. A good bet is to ask your state’s department of motor vehicles if you have any questions.
Important Questions to Ask Your State DMV Officials