Trailer brake requirements by state

United States

Most states draw the line at the same weight, but not all of them, and a few measure something else. Here is every state, read from the law itself.

Trailer brake laws by state

Every state sets its own line for private trailers. We have read 48 of the 51 (the fifty states and DC). 42 set a weight line, and 3,000 lb is by far the most common, used by 34 states. 6 set no weight line in the section we read, usually because the number sits in a regulation we have not opened yet.

For an answer for your own rig, the brake checker takes the state and the trailer's loaded weight and applies the same rows.

Law, not advice. Each row is what the section we cite says, in plain words. The rule that applies is the one where you are towing, not where the trailer is registered.

Trailer brake requirements, all 50 states and DC

Lines are in pounds, the unit the statutes use, with kilograms after them.

Trailer brake rules by state, read at source
State Brakes required What is required Breakaway Law
Alabama Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Department of Public Safety rule, not a statute. The exemption at 3,000 lb or less also needs the 40 percent condition and the stopping performance rule. Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after January 1, 1972 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes Ala. Admin. Code r. 760-X-1-.09(c) and (d)
Alaska Check my trailer over 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)GVWR of the trailer A trailer with a GVWR over 5,000 lb needs working brakes (at least one wheel each side on a single or double axle, two each side on a triple axle) Regulation, not statute. Measured on GVWR, not actual weight. Text read on Cornell LII's reproduction of the Alaska Administrative Code; the official akleg.gov viewer could not be loaded as a static page. Required on any towed vehicle that must have brakes: a breakaway system able to apply all required brakes if it separates 13 AAC 04.205(d)
Arizona Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more, applied from the cab or working automatically with the tow vehicle's service brakes (surge brakes qualify) Read on Justia's 2025 Arizona Revised Statutes. The official azleg.gov page (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00952.htm) sits behind a JavaScript challenge and could not be opened as a static page. Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 28-952(A)(3)
Arkansas Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes applied from the cab when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more; new trailers sold in the state need service brakes on all wheels (semitrailers under 1,500 lb excepted) Read on Justia's 2025 Arkansas Code; the official Arkansas Code is hosted by LexisNexis and is not a stable public URL. Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway Ark. Code § 27-37-501(c) and (d)
California Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Trailers first registered after January 1, 1966 with a gross weight of 3,000 lb or more need brakes on at least two wheels Section 26303 sets a separate rule for trailer coaches and camp trailers that was not opened at source; see that section before stating a camp trailer figure. Trailers built after January 1, 1982 with air brakes need brakes on all wheels. Power brakes on trailers built after December 31, 1955 that must have brakes must apply on breakaway and hold for at least 15 minutes (§ 26304) Cal. Veh. Code § 26302(b); § 26304(a)
Colorado Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes applied from the cab on all wheels when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more Read on Justia's 2025 Colorado Revised Statutes (official C.R.S. is published as title PDFs). Horse trailers of two horses or less and some farm and fertilizer trailers are exempt from the all-wheel rule. Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-223(1)(c) and (1)(d)(III)
Connecticut Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)GVWR of the trailer Brakes on all wheels when the trailer's GVWR is 3,000 lb or more Measured on GVWR (changed from gross weight in 2009). Trailers with a GVWR of 8,000 lb or less need not have brakes controllable from the driver's seat. Section 14-81 itself has no breakaway clause. None in the section cited Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-81(a)
Delaware Check my trailer over 4,000 lb (1,814 kg)gross weight A trailer over 4,000 lb gross (vehicle plus load) may not go faster than 10 mph unless it has brakes controlled by the driver of the tow vehicle Threshold is 'in excess of 4,000 pounds', so it applies above 4,000 lb, not at it. No breakaway clause in § 4305. None in the section cited 21 Del. C. § 4305
District of Columbia Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Municipal regulation. Breakaway rule is at https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/SectionList.aspx?SectionNumber=18-721. Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after September 15, 1963 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes (18 DCMR 721.1) 18 DCMR 720.9 and 721.1
Florida Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Trailers over 3,000 lb gross need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes Fla. Stat. § 316.261(3)(a) and (4)
Georgia Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more; surge brakes allowed within GVWR ratio limits Read on Justia's 2025 Code of Georgia; the official code is hosted by LexisNexis. The breakaway clause in § 40-8-50 is written as a condition for surge brakes. Farm trailers up to 4,000 lb empty are exempt. Required for surge-brake trailers: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway (§ 40-8-50(e)(5)) O.C.G.A. § 40-8-50(d) and (e)
Hawaii Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight At safety inspection, a trailer over 3,000 lb gross fails without brakes actuated from the tow vehicle Inspection rule (Department of Transportation administrative rule), not a statute; read on Cornell LII's reproduction. No trailer brake weight was found in HRS chapter 291. Required on trailers over 3,000 lb gross: brakes must self-actuate on breakaway Haw. Code R. § 19-133.2-40(b)(8)
Idaho Check my trailer at or over 1,500 lb (680 kg)see note Brakes when the trailer's unladen (empty) weight is 1,500 lb or more, applied by the driver from the cab Measured on unladen weight, not loaded weight. Farm trailers hauling farm products within 50 miles are exempt (§ 49-933(4)). Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway Idaho Code § 49-933(3)
Illinois Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes when gross weight is over 3,000 lb, operable from the cab; between 3,001 and 5,000 lb, brakes on one wheel each side are enough Threshold is 'over 3,000 pounds'. Boat trailers have a parallel rule in (a)(4.1). Required on towed trailers over 5,000 lb 625 ILCS 5/12-301(a)(4) and (a)(5)
Indiana Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes when gross weight is at least 3,000 lb, applied by the driver from the cab Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway Ind. Code 9-19-3-3
Iowa Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more, with a way to apply them from the cab (or self-actuating brakes), plus a weight-equalizing hitch with sway control Section 321.430 has no breakaway clause. The hitch and sway-control part does not apply to trailers pulled by a truck or truck tractor. None in the section cited Iowa Code § 321.430(3)
Kansas Check my trailer No weight line in the section read No weight threshold in statute: every vehicle and combination must stop from 20 mph within 40 feet; the secretary of transportation may require more Performance rule only in the statute. Any Kansas administrative regulation adding a trailer threshold was not checked. None in the section cited Kan. Stat. Ann. § 8-1734
Kentucky Check my trailer No weight line in the section read No trailer weight threshold in statute: a vehicle or combination must stop from 20 mph within 40 feet; commercial vehicles over 10,000 lb declared gross follow 49 CFR 393 Performance rule only. The 10,000 lb figure applies to commercial motor vehicles, not private trailers. None in the section cited Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.090
Louisiana Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes applied from the cab on trailers of 3,000 lb gross or more that are used in commerce or were originally built with brakes (as amended by Act 778 of 2026) The consolidated page still shows the pre-2026 wording (any trailer of 3,000 lb or more). Act 778 of the 2026 Regular Session (HB 868) narrows (C) to trailers used in commerce or originally manufactured with brakes: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1480688. The Act's effective date was not confirmed from its text. Required on the same trailers: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway La. R.S. 32:341(C), as amended by Acts 2026, No. 778
Maine Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels of all axles, except a trailer not exceeding 3,000 lb gross Section 1902 has no breakaway clause. None in the section cited 29-A M.R.S. § 1902(4)
Maryland Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer's registered gross weight is 3,000 lb or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Measured on registered gross weight. Over 3,000 lb and up to 10,000 lb registered gross (built after June 1, 1970): breakaway brakes on all wheels of at least one axle, holding 15 minutes. Over 10,000 lb: on all wheels Md. Code, Transp. § 22-301(d) and (e)
Massachusetts Check my trailer Not yet verified Statute read at source. The weight at which a trailer must have brakes is left to the registrar's regulations, which were not opened, so no threshold is given. The 10,000 lb unladen figure is for the type of brake (air or electric), not for whether brakes are needed. Not yet verified Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 7
Michigan Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight New trailers sold in Michigan need brakes on all wheels unless under 3,000 lb gross and within the 40 percent rule; any trailer of 15,001 lb gross or more needs brakes on all wheels applied from the cab Two thresholds: (d) 3,000 lb for new trailers sold in the state (with a 40 percent of tow vehicle condition), (c) 15,001 lb for all trailers operated on a highway. Farm trailers are excluded from (d). None in the section cited MCL 257.705(1)(c) and (d)
Minnesota Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes when the trailer's gross vehicle weight is 3,000 lb or more, or when its gross weight exceeds the empty weight of the tow vehicle; surge brakes qualify Two triggers: 3,000 lb, or heavier than the empty tow vehicle, whichever comes first. Trailers over 3,000 lb gross vehicle weight need brakes that stop and hold the trailer if it detaches Minn. Stat. § 169.67, subd. 3
Mississippi Check my trailer over 2,000 lb (907 kg)see note Brakes applied from the cab on any trailer carrying over one ton (2,000 lb) of load The statute measures the load carried ('over one ton'), not the trailer's gross weight; 2,000 lb is one ton in pounds. New trailers sold in the state need brakes on all wheels unless two-axle, under 2,000 lb gross and towed by an automobile (§ 63-7-51(4)). Read on Justia's 2025 Mississippi Code. Required on those trailers: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway Miss. Code Ann. § 63-7-51(3)
Missouri Check my trailer Not yet verified Section 307.170.3 read at source; it sets no trailer brake weight. No other trailer brake section was found in chapter 307's index, but absence across the whole code was not confirmed, so this stays unverified. Not yet verified Mo. Rev. Stat. § 307.170
Montana Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Breakaway section: https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0090/part_0030/section_0050/0610-0090-0030-0050.html Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after January 1, 1966 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes (§ 61-9-305) Mont. Code Ann. § 61-9-304(1); § 61-9-305
Nebraska Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Cabin (camping) trailers and boat trailers: brakes on at least two wheels from 3,000 lb gross loaded weight, and on every wheel from 6,500 lb; commercial trailers with over 10,000 lb carrying capacity need brakes on every wheel The 3,000 lb rule names cabin trailers and recreational (boat) trailers only; utility trailers are covered for safety chains but not by a brake weight. Cabin and boat trailers that must have brakes need a breakaway, surge, or impulse switch Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,246
Nevada Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Trailers over 3,000 lb gross need brakes on all wheels; trailers built after July 1, 1975 need service brakes on all wheels unless under 1,500 lb gross Two thresholds depending on build date: 1,500 lb gross for trailers manufactured after July 1, 1975 (subsection 9), 3,000 lb for the general rule (subsection 2). Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after July 1, 1969 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes NRS 484D.250(2), (5) and (9)
New Hampshire Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Trailers need adequate brakes, except a trailer under 3,000 lb gross whose axle weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's rated axle weights; house trailers over 1,500 lb always need brakes Read in the chapter 266 merged page (https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-mrg.htm). No breakaway clause in 266:30. None in the section cited N.H. RSA 266:30
New Jersey Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels, controlled by the driver, unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Read on Justia's 2025 New Jersey Revised Statutes; the official NJ statutes viewer needs JavaScript. Every trailer required to have brakes must have brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and hold it for an adequate period N.J. Stat. § 39:3-67
New Mexico Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer's gross vehicle weight is under 3,000 lb; house trailers of 3,000 lb or more need brakes applied by the driver Read on Justia's 2025 New Mexico Statutes; the official NMOneSource viewer needs JavaScript. Section 66-3-840 has no breakaway clause. None in the section cited N.M. Stat. Ann. § 66-3-840(A)(3) and (4)
New York Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on any trailer over 1,000 lb unladen, and on any trailer built from January 1, 1971 with a gross weight over 3,000 lb Two tests: over 1,000 lb unladen (any age), or over 3,000 lb gross (registered maximum, actual, or unladen plus manufacturer's rated capacity) for trailers built from 1971. No breakaway clause in § 375(1)(c). None in the section cited N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 375(1)(c)
North Carolina Check my trailer at or over 4,000 lb (1,814 kg)gross weight Brakes controlled by the driver on trailers with a gross weight of two tons (4,000 lb), and on house trailers of 1,000 lb gross or more The statute says 'two tons'; 4,000 lb is that figure in pounds. House trailers: 1,000 lb gross. No breakaway clause in § 20-124(f). None in the section cited N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-124(f)
North Dakota Check my trailer No weight line in the section read No weight threshold: any trailer towed faster than 25 mph needs safety chains or brakes applied from the cab Speed based, not weight based: chains or brakes above 25 mph. Where brakes are used, they must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway N.D. Cent. Code § 39-21-32(3)
Ohio Check my trailer at or over 2,000 lb (907 kg)see note Brakes applied from the cab on trailers with an empty weight of 2,000 lb or more; boat trailers of 3,000 lb or more (built from 2008) need surge or electric brakes Measured on empty weight, not loaded weight. Manufactured homes and travel trailers built from 2001 follow the same 2,000 lb empty-weight rule. Required on the same trailers: brakes must apply automatically on breakaway Ohio Rev. Code § 4513.20(A)(4) and (5)
Oklahoma Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)GVWR of the trailer Brakes applied from the cab when the trailer's GVWR is 3,000 lb or more Measured on GVWR. A trailer under 3,000 lb GVWR still needs brakes if it exceeds the 40 percent of tow vehicle condition in 12-301(C)(3). Required: brakes must apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes 47 O.S. § 12-301(C)
Oregon Check my trailer No weight line in the section read No weight threshold in statute: a combination needs a brake system on one or more of its vehicles that meets the stopping standard Performance rule: combinations must stop from 20 mph within 35 feet. Read in the chapter 815 page. None in the section cited ORS 815.125
Pennsylvania Check my trailer Not yet verified Statute read on Justia's 2025 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (the official palegis.us page would not load as a static page). The weight at which a trailer must carry service brakes is set by PennDOT regulation, which was not opened, so no threshold is given. The 3,000 lb figure in § 4502(c) is the breakaway trigger. Not yet verified 75 Pa.C.S. § 4502
Rhode Island Check my trailer at or over 4,000 lb (1,814 kg)gross weight Brakes applied from the driver's position when gross weight is 4,000 lb or more Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-4(c)
South Carolina Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels (vehicles built after June 7, 1949) unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Read in the chapter 5 page of Title 56. Trailers over 3,000 lb gross need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes S.C. Code § 56-5-4850(c) and (d)
South Dakota Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer's maximum gross weight is 3,000 lb or less (7,000 lb if built before July 1, 1974) and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Breakaway section: https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-18-17.html Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after July 1, 1967 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes (§ 32-18-17) S.D. Codified Laws § 32-18-2, 32-18-3 and 32-18-17
Tennessee Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes applied from the cab when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more Read on Justia's 2025 Tennessee Code; the official code is hosted by LexisNexis. Intrastate trailers up to 7,500 lb GVWR with surge brakes and a separate hydraulic breakaway are exempt from (c)(1). Some farm trailers are exempt. Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-204(c)
Texas Check my trailer over 4,500 lb (2,041 kg)gross weight Brakes on trailers over 4,500 lb gross; trailers over 4,500 lb and up to 15,000 lb are exempt if never drawn faster than 30 mph Read on Justia's 2025 Texas Statutes; the official statutes.capitol.texas.gov page needs JavaScript. Breakaway rules sit in § 547.405, which was not opened, so breakaway is left blank. None in the section cited Tex. Transp. Code § 547.401
Utah Check my trailer No weight line in the section read No weight threshold in statute: every vehicle and combination must stop from 20 mph within 40 feet; the department may require more by rule Performance rule only in the statute. Any department rule adding a trailer threshold was not checked. None in the section cited Utah Code § 41-6a-1623
Vermont Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Over 3,000 lb and under 6,000 lb gross: brakes on at least one axle, applied from the cab. 6,000 lb or more: brakes on all wheels. At 3,000 lb or less no brakes are needed if the trailer is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Required above 3,000 lb: brakes must apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes 23 V.S.A. § 1307(e), (f) and (g)
Virginia Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes controlled by the driver when the trailer's actual gross weight is 3,000 lb or more Measured on actual gross weight. No breakaway clause in § 46.2-1070. None in the section cited Va. Code § 46.2-1070
Washington Check my trailer over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after January 1, 1964 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes RCW 46.37.340(3)(a) and (4)
West Virginia Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes applied from the cab when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway W. Va. Code § 17C-15-31(3)
Wisconsin Check my trailer at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)gross weight Brakes when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more (trailers built after January 1, 1942), unless the trailer is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight and the combination meets the stopping standard Brake system design is left to department rule (§ 347.35(3)(b)); the statute itself has no breakaway clause. Farm trailers are excluded. None in the section cited Wis. Stat. § 347.35(3)(a) and (am)
Wyoming Check my trailer No weight line in the section read No weight threshold in statute: every vehicle and combination must stop from 20 mph within 40 feet; the superintendent may require more by regulation Performance rule only in the statute. Any highway department regulation adding a trailer threshold was not checked. None in the section cited Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-950

Not yet verified: Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania. The brake checker says so too, rather than guessing.

Do I need trailer brakes in Florida?

Brakes are required over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg), measured on gross weight. Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Source: Fla. Stat. § 316.261(3)(a) and (4).

A boat trailer is a trailer like any other here: weigh it with the boat, motor, fuel and gear on it. The boat trailer weight calculator adds those up the way a scale will.

Federal DOT rules and state brake laws

49 CFR 393.42, Brakes required on all wheels (FMCSA) applies to commercial motor vehicles. A private pickup and camper is governed by the state's own code, which is why the lines differ. If you tow for business, check both.

Towing into Canada?

Provinces write their lines in kilograms, and several also compare the trailer with the tow vehicle. The province table has every one from the same data.

Sources

  • Ala. Admin. Code r. 760-X-1-.09(c) and (d): Alabama: Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after January 1, 1972 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Department of Public Safety rule, not a statute. The exemption at 3,000 lb or less also needs the 40 percent condition and the stopping performance rule. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • 13 AAC 04.205(d): Alaska: A trailer with a GVWR over 5,000 lb needs working brakes (at least one wheel each side on a single or double axle, two each side on a triple axle). Breakaway: Required on any towed vehicle that must have brakes: a breakaway system able to apply all required brakes if it separates. Regulation, not statute. Measured on GVWR, not actual weight. Text read on Cornell LII's reproduction of the Alaska Administrative Code; the official akleg.gov viewer could not be loaded as a static page. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 28-952(A)(3): Arizona: Brakes when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more, applied from the cab or working automatically with the tow vehicle's service brakes (surge brakes qualify). Breakaway: Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. Read on Justia's 2025 Arizona Revised Statutes. The official azleg.gov page (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00952.htm) sits behind a JavaScript challenge and could not be opened as a static page. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Ark. Code § 27-37-501(c) and (d): Arkansas: Brakes applied from the cab when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more; new trailers sold in the state need service brakes on all wheels (semitrailers under 1,500 lb excepted). Breakaway: Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. Read on Justia's 2025 Arkansas Code; the official Arkansas Code is hosted by LexisNexis and is not a stable public URL. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Cal. Veh. Code § 26302(b); § 26304(a): California: Trailers first registered after January 1, 1966 with a gross weight of 3,000 lb or more need brakes on at least two wheels. Breakaway: Power brakes on trailers built after December 31, 1955 that must have brakes must apply on breakaway and hold for at least 15 minutes (§ 26304). Section 26303 sets a separate rule for trailer coaches and camp trailers that was not opened at source; see that section before stating a camp trailer figure. Trailers built after January 1, 1982 with air brakes need brakes on all wheels. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-223(1)(c) and (1)(d)(III): Colorado: Brakes applied from the cab on all wheels when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more. Breakaway: Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. Read on Justia's 2025 Colorado Revised Statutes (official C.R.S. is published as title PDFs). Horse trailers of two horses or less and some farm and fertilizer trailers are exempt from the all-wheel rule. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-81(a): Connecticut: Brakes on all wheels when the trailer's GVWR is 3,000 lb or more. Measured on GVWR (changed from gross weight in 2009). Trailers with a GVWR of 8,000 lb or less need not have brakes controllable from the driver's seat. Section 14-81 itself has no breakaway clause. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • 21 Del. C. § 4305: Delaware: A trailer over 4,000 lb gross (vehicle plus load) may not go faster than 10 mph unless it has brakes controlled by the driver of the tow vehicle. Threshold is 'in excess of 4,000 pounds', so it applies above 4,000 lb, not at it. No breakaway clause in § 4305. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • 18 DCMR 720.9 and 721.1: District of Columbia: Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after September 15, 1963 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes (18 DCMR 721.1). Municipal regulation. Breakaway rule is at https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/SectionList.aspx?SectionNumber=18-721. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Fla. Stat. § 316.261(3)(a) and (4): Florida: Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • O.C.G.A. § 40-8-50(d) and (e): Georgia: Brakes on all wheels when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more; surge brakes allowed within GVWR ratio limits. Breakaway: Required for surge-brake trailers: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway (§ 40-8-50(e)(5)). Read on Justia's 2025 Code of Georgia; the official code is hosted by LexisNexis. The breakaway clause in § 40-8-50 is written as a condition for surge brakes. Farm trailers up to 4,000 lb empty are exempt. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Haw. Code R. § 19-133.2-40(b)(8): Hawaii: At safety inspection, a trailer over 3,000 lb gross fails without brakes actuated from the tow vehicle. Breakaway: Required on trailers over 3,000 lb gross: brakes must self-actuate on breakaway. Inspection rule (Department of Transportation administrative rule), not a statute; read on Cornell LII's reproduction. No trailer brake weight was found in HRS chapter 291. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Idaho Code § 49-933(3): Idaho: Brakes when the trailer's unladen (empty) weight is 1,500 lb or more, applied by the driver from the cab. Breakaway: Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. Measured on unladen weight, not loaded weight. Farm trailers hauling farm products within 50 miles are exempt (§ 49-933(4)). Checked 2026-10-24.
  • 625 ILCS 5/12-301(a)(4) and (a)(5): Illinois: Brakes when gross weight is over 3,000 lb, operable from the cab; between 3,001 and 5,000 lb, brakes on one wheel each side are enough. Breakaway: Required on towed trailers over 5,000 lb. Threshold is 'over 3,000 pounds'. Boat trailers have a parallel rule in (a)(4.1). Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Ind. Code 9-19-3-3: Indiana: Brakes when gross weight is at least 3,000 lb, applied by the driver from the cab. Breakaway: Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Iowa Code § 321.430(3): Iowa: Brakes when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more, with a way to apply them from the cab (or self-actuating brakes), plus a weight-equalizing hitch with sway control. Section 321.430 has no breakaway clause. The hitch and sway-control part does not apply to trailers pulled by a truck or truck tractor. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Kan. Stat. Ann. § 8-1734: Kansas: No weight threshold in statute: every vehicle and combination must stop from 20 mph within 40 feet; the secretary of transportation may require more. Performance rule only in the statute. Any Kansas administrative regulation adding a trailer threshold was not checked. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.090: Kentucky: No trailer weight threshold in statute: a vehicle or combination must stop from 20 mph within 40 feet; commercial vehicles over 10,000 lb declared gross follow 49 CFR 393. Performance rule only. The 10,000 lb figure applies to commercial motor vehicles, not private trailers. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • La. R.S. 32:341(C), as amended by Acts 2026, No. 778: Louisiana: Brakes applied from the cab on trailers of 3,000 lb gross or more that are used in commerce or were originally built with brakes (as amended by Act 778 of 2026). Breakaway: Required on the same trailers: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. The consolidated page still shows the pre-2026 wording (any trailer of 3,000 lb or more). Act 778 of the 2026 Regular Session (HB 868) narrows (C) to trailers used in commerce or originally manufactured with brakes: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1480688. The Act's effective date was not confirmed from its text. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • 29-A M.R.S. § 1902(4): Maine: Brakes on all wheels of all axles, except a trailer not exceeding 3,000 lb gross. Section 1902 has no breakaway clause. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Md. Code, Transp. § 22-301(d) and (e): Maryland: Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer's registered gross weight is 3,000 lb or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Over 3,000 lb and up to 10,000 lb registered gross (built after June 1, 1970): breakaway brakes on all wheels of at least one axle, holding 15 minutes. Over 10,000 lb: on all wheels. Measured on registered gross weight. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • MCL 257.705(1)(c) and (d): Michigan: New trailers sold in Michigan need brakes on all wheels unless under 3,000 lb gross and within the 40 percent rule; any trailer of 15,001 lb gross or more needs brakes on all wheels applied from the cab. Two thresholds: (d) 3,000 lb for new trailers sold in the state (with a 40 percent of tow vehicle condition), (c) 15,001 lb for all trailers operated on a highway. Farm trailers are excluded from (d). Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Minn. Stat. § 169.67, subd. 3: Minnesota: Brakes when the trailer's gross vehicle weight is 3,000 lb or more, or when its gross weight exceeds the empty weight of the tow vehicle; surge brakes qualify. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross vehicle weight need brakes that stop and hold the trailer if it detaches. Two triggers: 3,000 lb, or heavier than the empty tow vehicle, whichever comes first. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Miss. Code Ann. § 63-7-51(3): Mississippi: Brakes applied from the cab on any trailer carrying over one ton (2,000 lb) of load. Breakaway: Required on those trailers: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. The statute measures the load carried ('over one ton'), not the trailer's gross weight; 2,000 lb is one ton in pounds. New trailers sold in the state need brakes on all wheels unless two-axle, under 2,000 lb gross and towed by an automobile (§ 63-7-51(4)). Read on Justia's 2025 Mississippi Code. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Mont. Code Ann. § 61-9-304(1); § 61-9-305: Montana: Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after January 1, 1966 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes (§ 61-9-305). Breakaway section: https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0090/part_0030/section_0050/0610-0090-0030-0050.html Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,246: Nebraska: Cabin (camping) trailers and boat trailers: brakes on at least two wheels from 3,000 lb gross loaded weight, and on every wheel from 6,500 lb; commercial trailers with over 10,000 lb carrying capacity need brakes on every wheel. Breakaway: Cabin and boat trailers that must have brakes need a breakaway, surge, or impulse switch. The 3,000 lb rule names cabin trailers and recreational (boat) trailers only; utility trailers are covered for safety chains but not by a brake weight. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • NRS 484D.250(2), (5) and (9): Nevada: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross need brakes on all wheels; trailers built after July 1, 1975 need service brakes on all wheels unless under 1,500 lb gross. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after July 1, 1969 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Two thresholds depending on build date: 1,500 lb gross for trailers manufactured after July 1, 1975 (subsection 9), 3,000 lb for the general rule (subsection 2). Checked 2026-10-24.
  • N.H. RSA 266:30: New Hampshire: Trailers need adequate brakes, except a trailer under 3,000 lb gross whose axle weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's rated axle weights; house trailers over 1,500 lb always need brakes. Read in the chapter 266 merged page (https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-mrg.htm). No breakaway clause in 266:30. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • N.J. Stat. § 39:3-67: New Jersey: Brakes on all wheels, controlled by the driver, unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Every trailer required to have brakes must have brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and hold it for an adequate period. Read on Justia's 2025 New Jersey Revised Statutes; the official NJ statutes viewer needs JavaScript. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • N.M. Stat. Ann. § 66-3-840(A)(3) and (4): New Mexico: Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer's gross vehicle weight is under 3,000 lb; house trailers of 3,000 lb or more need brakes applied by the driver. Read on Justia's 2025 New Mexico Statutes; the official NMOneSource viewer needs JavaScript. Section 66-3-840 has no breakaway clause. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 375(1)(c): New York: Brakes on any trailer over 1,000 lb unladen, and on any trailer built from January 1, 1971 with a gross weight over 3,000 lb. Two tests: over 1,000 lb unladen (any age), or over 3,000 lb gross (registered maximum, actual, or unladen plus manufacturer's rated capacity) for trailers built from 1971. No breakaway clause in § 375(1)(c). Checked 2026-10-24.
  • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-124(f): North Carolina: Brakes controlled by the driver on trailers with a gross weight of two tons (4,000 lb), and on house trailers of 1,000 lb gross or more. The statute says 'two tons'; 4,000 lb is that figure in pounds. House trailers: 1,000 lb gross. No breakaway clause in § 20-124(f). Checked 2026-10-24.
  • N.D. Cent. Code § 39-21-32(3): North Dakota: No weight threshold: any trailer towed faster than 25 mph needs safety chains or brakes applied from the cab. Breakaway: Where brakes are used, they must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. Speed based, not weight based: chains or brakes above 25 mph. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Ohio Rev. Code § 4513.20(A)(4) and (5): Ohio: Brakes applied from the cab on trailers with an empty weight of 2,000 lb or more; boat trailers of 3,000 lb or more (built from 2008) need surge or electric brakes. Breakaway: Required on the same trailers: brakes must apply automatically on breakaway. Measured on empty weight, not loaded weight. Manufactured homes and travel trailers built from 2001 follow the same 2,000 lb empty-weight rule. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • 47 O.S. § 12-301(C): Oklahoma: Brakes applied from the cab when the trailer's GVWR is 3,000 lb or more. Breakaway: Required: brakes must apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Measured on GVWR. A trailer under 3,000 lb GVWR still needs brakes if it exceeds the 40 percent of tow vehicle condition in 12-301(C)(3). Checked 2026-10-24.
  • ORS 815.125: Oregon: No weight threshold in statute: a combination needs a brake system on one or more of its vehicles that meets the stopping standard. Performance rule: combinations must stop from 20 mph within 35 feet. Read in the chapter 815 page. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-4(c): Rhode Island: Brakes applied from the driver's position when gross weight is 4,000 lb or more. Breakaway: Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • S.C. Code § 56-5-4850(c) and (d): South Carolina: Brakes on all wheels (vehicles built after June 7, 1949) unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Read in the chapter 5 page of Title 56. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • S.D. Codified Laws § 32-18-2, 32-18-3 and 32-18-17: South Dakota: Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer's maximum gross weight is 3,000 lb or less (7,000 lb if built before July 1, 1974) and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after July 1, 1967 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes (§ 32-18-17). Breakaway section: https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-18-17.html Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-204(c): Tennessee: Brakes applied from the cab when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more. Breakaway: Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. Read on Justia's 2025 Tennessee Code; the official code is hosted by LexisNexis. Intrastate trailers up to 7,500 lb GVWR with surge brakes and a separate hydraulic breakaway are exempt from (c)(1). Some farm trailers are exempt. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Tex. Transp. Code § 547.401: Texas: Brakes on trailers over 4,500 lb gross; trailers over 4,500 lb and up to 15,000 lb are exempt if never drawn faster than 30 mph. Read on Justia's 2025 Texas Statutes; the official statutes.capitol.texas.gov page needs JavaScript. Breakaway rules sit in § 547.405, which was not opened, so breakaway is left blank. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Utah Code § 41-6a-1623: Utah: No weight threshold in statute: every vehicle and combination must stop from 20 mph within 40 feet; the department may require more by rule. Performance rule only in the statute. Any department rule adding a trailer threshold was not checked. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • 23 V.S.A. § 1307(e), (f) and (g): Vermont: Over 3,000 lb and under 6,000 lb gross: brakes on at least one axle, applied from the cab. 6,000 lb or more: brakes on all wheels. At 3,000 lb or less no brakes are needed if the trailer is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Required above 3,000 lb: brakes must apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Va. Code § 46.2-1070: Virginia: Brakes controlled by the driver when the trailer's actual gross weight is 3,000 lb or more. Measured on actual gross weight. No breakaway clause in § 46.2-1070. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • RCW 46.37.340(3)(a) and (4): Washington: Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross made after January 1, 1964 need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • W. Va. Code § 17C-15-31(3): West Virginia: Brakes applied from the cab when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more. Breakaway: Required: brakes must apply automatically on an accidental breakaway. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Wis. Stat. § 347.35(3)(a) and (am): Wisconsin: Brakes when gross weight is 3,000 lb or more (trailers built after January 1, 1942), unless the trailer is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight and the combination meets the stopping standard. Brake system design is left to department rule (§ 347.35(3)(b)); the statute itself has no breakaway clause. Farm trailers are excluded. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-950: Wyoming: No weight threshold in statute: every vehicle and combination must stop from 20 mph within 40 feet; the superintendent may require more by regulation. Performance rule only in the statute. Any highway department regulation adding a trailer threshold was not checked. Checked 2026-10-24.
  • 49 CFR 393.42, Brakes required on all wheels (FMCSA): The federal rule covers commercial motor vehicles. It exempts a semitrailer or full trailer of 1,361 kg (3,000 pounds) gross or less when its axle weight is no more than 40 percent of the towing vehicle's (s. 393.42(b)(3) and (4)). Private towing is set state by state. Checked 2026-10-24.

Common questions

What are the trailer brake laws by state?
Each state sets its own weight line for private trailers. Of the 48 states we have read, 42 set a line, and the most common is 3,000 lb (34 states). The others range from 1,500 lb to 5,000 lb. 6 set no weight line in the section we read. Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania are not yet verified.
Do I need trailer brakes in Florida?
Brakes are required over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg), measured on gross weight. Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Source: Fla. Stat. § 316.261(3)(a) and (4).
Do boat trailers need brakes in Florida?
Florida's rule does not treat boat trailers differently, so the same line applies with the boat on it. Brakes are required over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg), measured on gross weight. Brakes on all wheels unless the trailer weighs 3,000 lb gross or less and its loaded weight is no more than 40 percent of the tow vehicle's gross weight. Breakaway: Trailers over 3,000 lb gross need brakes that apply automatically on breakaway and stay on for at least 15 minutes. Source: Fla. Stat. § 316.261(3)(a) and (4). Weigh the trailer with the boat, motor, fuel and gear aboard rather than adding brochure figures.
Do I need trailer brakes in Texas?
Brakes are required over 4,500 lb (2,041 kg), measured on gross weight. Brakes on trailers over 4,500 lb gross; trailers over 4,500 lb and up to 15,000 lb are exempt if never drawn faster than 30 mph. Breakaway: none in the section cited. Source: Tex. Transp. Code § 547.401.
Do I need trailer brakes in California?
Brakes are required at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg), measured on gross weight. Trailers first registered after January 1, 1966 with a gross weight of 3,000 lb or more need brakes on at least two wheels. Breakaway: Power brakes on trailers built after December 31, 1955 that must have brakes must apply on breakaway and hold for at least 15 minutes (§ 26304). Source: Cal. Veh. Code § 26302(b); § 26304(a).
Do I need trailer brakes in Michigan?
Brakes are required at or over 3,000 lb (1,361 kg), measured on gross weight. New trailers sold in Michigan need brakes on all wheels unless under 3,000 lb gross and within the 40 percent rule; any trailer of 15,001 lb gross or more needs brakes on all wheels applied from the cab. Breakaway: none in the section cited. Source: MCL 257.705(1)(c) and (d).
Is there a federal trailer brake law?
For commercial vehicles, yes: 49 CFR 393.42, Brakes required on all wheels (FMCSA) requires brakes on all wheels, with an exemption for light trailers. Private trailers are governed by each state's own law, which is what the table on this page shows.