Brakes mandatory for which US States? Canada?

[Carmella in Canada]

Hi All

I am a Canadian about to embark on a solo road trip down through the Western part of the United States with my little Trillium. I do not have brakes on it now and was not planning on getting them since I will likely stay relatively flat (Nevada and such). I drive really carefully and slow. But my concern is the police perhaps giving me trouble...has this happened to anyone? Could they make me park my trailer because of some law? What about these pesky lights that seem to not be fully functional in the back...the plug just seems to be really old style 7 plug RV...

Much obliged for any tips and or advice

[coop]

I don't know about brake regulations, but get those lights fixed. It's got nothing to do with regulations, really. It's all about safety!

coop

[Tom U]

Originally Posted by Carmella in Canada

Hi All

I am a Canadian about to embark on a solo road trip down through the Western part of the United States with my little Trillium. I do not have brakes on it now and was not planning on getting them since I will likely stay relatively flat (Nevada and such). I drive really carefully and slow. But my concern is the police perhaps giving me trouble...has this happened to anyone? Could they make me park my trailer because of some law? What about these pesky lights that seem to not be fully functional in the back...the plug just seems to be really old style 7 plug RV...

Much obliged for any tips and or advice

Brake laws are normally for trailers registered in state. I wouldn't worry too much about brakes - if it is legal in your home province you will not be dinged down here.

HOWEVER - Your lights need to be fixed - Yes, for safety. But, also, you will be pulled over and cited with a fix-it-ticket (at least in CA) and will have to appear in court to prove you fixed the problem.

If your brake lights work and you only have trouble with your running lights you can just travel during daylight hours - in CA that is 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Again - for safety I travel with my running lights on during the day.....

Good luck and enjoy the western U.S.

[Jon Vermilye]

A couple of links that might help - Towing World,
Rocket Trailers
And, although not as useful to those here, Towed Motor Vehicles by State

[Chester Taje]

I also drive safe and carefull, BUT I would put on brakes. I am not concerned about how good and safe I am, I am worried about the other guy who does not care.

[GordM]

Originally Posted by Chester Taje

I also drive safe and carefull, BUT I would put on brakes. I am not concerned about how good and safe I am, I am worried about the other guy who does not care.

Its like what I say to my wife all the time. "I'm not worried about me, I'm paying attention. Its the masses of other people on the road that aren't paying attention. At least I'm 50% safer than them!" Two people, not paying attention is a recipe for disaster!

[Doug Mager]

seems to me I remember reading somewhere something to the effect that IF its legal where you live its legal on the road with you, might be wrong (yet again though....).