Speed limits when towing

[GuitarPhotog]

Until 2 weeks ago, I had never taken my trailer out of Calif. California has a separate speed limit for all vehicles when towing anything: 55 MPH.

In Oregon, the speed limit signs on I-5 say Speed Limit 65 Trucks 55. Does that mean I can legally tow my trailer at 65 or are cars towing trailers considered Trucks?

Do other states have similar restrictions? Is there one place where I can download all the state speed limits for towing?

Thanks

<Chas>

[rmclarke]

Hi Charlie

Here's a pdf link from the OR DMV:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/docs/VehEq/Towing_Trailer.pdf

As far as I can understand it, your car pulling your rig is not considered a truck; you can legally pull your tear at 65 (heck, I've been passed by BIG TV/Trailer combinations doing a lot faster than that....not that it was legal). Of course, I don't get much over 60 with my Ranger anyway...it just feels safer at that speed. Besides, with all those hills and mountains in Southern OR, I couldn't go any faster anyway
There are at least 5 major summits (at least to me) between where we live and the Cali border, so when traveling south my little truck gets quite a workout.

How was it pulling your rig over Siskyou Summit (Mt Ashland)?...I usually spend most of the time going up in the slow truck lane

BTW, sorry to hear about you tire mishap on the way home....glad it worked out ok.

Cheers,

Richard

[pete42]

when I was in california back about 10 years ago I was sailing along about 65 passing a lot of trailers in the right lane
when over the CB I heard "this is the CHP if you continue in that lane I'm going to give you a ticket" I don't know if
it was a real CHP or someone else but it did get my attention.
I was more scared driving 55 than 65 I just knew I was going to get run over.
that was until we got near riverside and it was stop and go.
I was stationed in Long Beach the drive to my Uncle's home in redlands was non-stop and the orange trees
smelled so good now everything is houses and concrete.
Here in Ohio the speed is posted and it is not 55 so go as fast as the limit allows.

pete

[GuitarPhotog]

Hi Richard,

You were in the rest stop just south of the border when I passed you headed north Sunday AM.

Siskyou Summit was OK. I had to downshift (for the first time on the trip), but my trailer weighs so little it was no real effort. Because of my speed limit question, I stayed under 60 with the trucks.

Thanks for the replies so far. Anyone from Washington, Idaho, or Nevada like to weigh in?

<Chas>

[asianflava]

Until 2 weeks ago, I had never taken my trailer out of Calif. California has a separate speed limit for all vehicles when towing anything: 55 MPH.

In Oregon, the speed limit signs on I-5 say Speed Limit 65 Trucks 55. Does that mean I can legally tow my trailer at 65 or are cars towing trailers considered Trucks?

Do other states have similar restrictions? Is there one place where I can download all the state speed limits for towing?

Thanks

<Chas>

I think CA is the is the only place like that. It's probably one of the stupidest traffic laws I've encountered, I usually push it to 60 though. When I first moved to TX, they had different speed limits for day and night, they got rid of that nonsense.

[Wolfgang92025]

In California I go about 62 mph. That seems to be the speed of the 18 wheelers.
Here in Utah we have a few stretches of I-15 were the limit is 80.
I set the cruise to 70. I know can can do 80 without a problem, but the mileage would really suck.
70 is plenty fast for me.

[robfisher]

in Idaho towing a trailer is the same as posted for cars. Most of our freeway miles are set at 75 except in urban areas.

[Shadow Catcher]

From the Ca drivers manual "The maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph. You may drive 70 mph where posted. Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways and for vehicles towing trailers.'

[S. Heisley]

...This might help:

Resource 1: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws ... _laws.html
Resource 2: http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/trailer-speed-limits/

[S. Heisley]

I have been on the interstate to boise in idaho in may of 2009 and it was posted at 65 for the semis.

and they defently were doing it.

the rest were moving at 75 and the semis were stacking cars up. it was a a road hazard to have that may semis forced to rachet it down to 10 miles below the speed limet of the cars.

slow

I thought you said you always pull your trailer slower, Slow, not 65 & 75?

[doug hodder]

Having got a "performance award" from the CHP for towing a trailer at 65 on the freeway....I'd definitely keep the speed down to at least the large trucks, seems to be about 60. Calif. isn't giving any warnings anymore since we are in a financial hole and the state needs the dough. 5 years ago it cost me 300$...got it down to 240$ by taking the safety class and no points. The guy that picked up my Rambler last weekend got one on the way up here. CHP told him it was between 3 and 400$. Doug

[canned o minimum]

Since I have purchased a TTT with 10 inch tires, I have lowered my speed to 60 MAX ! It's prolly MORE fun now that I save $$ on gas. The TTT is a German made caravan.. Eriba, Puck. Made in 1968 and has all the original equipment.. never restored.

Jus got home from a trip to Las Vegas from Riverside,Ca... bout 250 miles one way. Went to a VW event with my 1965 VW Bug with Puck in tow !

I must admit.... I miss flyin past them 40ft diesel pushers goin 85 with a honk and a wave !