Whether you're renting a dump trailer for a landscaping project in Eagle Mountain, hauling equipment across Utah County, or moving across Saratoga Springs in an enclosed trailer — you need to know Utah's towing laws before you pull out of the driveway. This guide covers everything: weight limits, brake requirements, lighting, hitch classes, and licensing.
Quick Reference: Utah Towing at a Glance
1. Utah Trailer Weight Limits
Utah Code § 41-1a governs trailer registration and weight. The key numbers for everyday trailer users:
- Single axle max: 20,000 lbs gross axle weight
- Tandem axle max: 34,000 lbs gross axle weight
- Maximum gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs on most Utah highways
- Trailer registration threshold: All trailers over 750 lbs empty weight must be registered in Utah
For practical purposes: if you're renting a utility trailer, enclosed trailer, or dump trailer, you're well within these limits as long as you don't overload the trailer's rated capacity.
Our Trailer Capacities vs. Utah Limits
2. Trailer Brake Requirements in Utah
This is the rule that surprises most Utah drivers. Under Utah Code § 41-6a-1601:
- Trailers over 3,000 lbs gross weight must be equipped with working brakes on all wheels.
- Trailers over 1,500 lbs gross weight must have brakes that can hold the trailer stationary if it becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle (breakaway brakes).
What this means in practice: Our dump trailer and enclosed trailer both exceed 3,000 lbs when loaded. Both are equipped with electric trailer brakes. You'll need a brake controller installed in your tow vehicle. If your truck or SUV doesn't have one, a plug-in or integrated brake controller is required by law — and is a good idea regardless.
Our utility trailer (7×14, single axle, 3,500 lb GVWR) is below this threshold when lightly loaded, but we recommend checking your specific load weight.
3. Licensing Requirements
Utah does not require a special license to tow a trailer with a standard passenger vehicle — as long as the combined GVWR stays under 26,001 lbs. For most truck and trailer combinations:
- Standard Class D license: Sufficient for towing any of our trailers with a personal vehicle (pickup truck, SUV, etc.)
- Class A CDL required: If the combined GVWR of your vehicle + trailer exceeds 26,001 lbs, or if the trailer alone exceeds 10,001 lbs GVWR
- Class B CDL: Single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR without a trailer
Bottom line: if you're driving a personal or commercial pickup truck and renting one of our trailers, you're fine on a standard Utah driver's license.
4. Lighting Requirements
Utah requires all trailers operating on public roads to have:
- Tail lights (red, visible from 500 ft)
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Clearance lights on trailers wider than 80 inches
- Reflectors on each side and rear
- License plate light
All of our trailers have proper lighting and a 4-flat or 7-pin connector. Make sure your tow vehicle's trailer wiring harness is in good working order before departure. If lights aren't working, you can be cited under Utah Code § 41-6a-1603.
5. Hitch and Safety Chain Requirements
Utah law requires:
- Safety chains: Two safety chains or cables crossing under the tongue of the trailer, capable of supporting the trailer's gross weight. This is non-negotiable — you will be cited without them.
- Hitch class matching: The hitch receiver must be rated for the weight you're towing. Don't exceed your hitch's rated capacity.
- Ball size matching: Mismatched ball sizes are a common cause of accidents. Our trailers use 2-5/16" balls for the dump and enclosed, and 2" for the utility.
When you pick up our trailers, verify the safety chains are properly attached — they should cross under the trailer tongue in an X pattern.
6. Maximum Trailer Dimensions
- Length: Single trailer max 40 ft; vehicle + single trailer max 65 ft
- Width: Max 102 inches (8.5 ft) without a permit
- Height: Max 14 ft without a permit
Our 24ft enclosed trailer is 8'6" wide — right at the limit, so be mindful on narrow roads. The dump trailer and utility trailer are both 7' wide, within normal limits.
7. Speed Limits When Towing
Utah doesn't impose a blanket lower speed limit for vehicles towing trailers, but:
- You must always drive at a safe speed for conditions. Trailer sway becomes dangerous above 55 mph if not properly loaded.
- Most truck stops, campgrounds, and residential areas post lower limits that apply when towing.
- Interstate towing in Utah: follow posted speed limits, typically 75–80 mph. However, professional drivers recommend keeping loaded trailers under 60–65 mph for stability.
8. Registration & Insurance
Rental trailers (like ours) are registered and carry commercial liability insurance. When you rent from us, you don't need to separately register or insure the trailer. However:
- Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover damage to a rented trailer. Check with your insurer before your rental date.
- If you own a trailer, it must be registered with the Utah DMV. Registration fees vary by weight.
Common Utah Towing Violations to Avoid
- No safety chains — most commonly cited violation
- Trailer lights not connected or not working
- Overloaded trailer (exceeding rated capacity)
- No brakes on a trailer over 3,000 lbs GVW
- Improper hitch ball size
- Trailer exceeding width limits without a permit