Question about plates.

[Hillmann]

In Wisconsin we don't have to license small trailers (I think it doesn't have to be licensed so long as the gross weight of the tow vehicle and trailer are under 10,00 lbs). So my question is what happens when I take a trailer from Wisconsin to a state that does require them to be licensed? I assume if I got pulled over I would just explain that my home state doesn't require license plates on small trailers and it would be ok. But what if I go to a state that requires trailers to be licensed and barrow a vehicle from friends or family which has plates from that state on it, then it might be harder to convince the cop who pulled me over that the trailer is from Wisconsin and doesn't need to be licensed. Or go one step further and I lone the trailer to someone from a state that requires licenses on trailers and they get pulled over, it would be hard for them to convince the cop that the trailer is from Wisconsin when the plates on their vehicle and their drivers licenses are from a state that requires plates on trailers. The first situation, me taking the unlicensed trailer out of state is a real concern for me and the other two are just hypothetical situations that could easily happen.

[gregp136]

In theory, you could take a copy of Wisconsin state law along. I believe it does not need to be lic. if it is under 3000 lbs. On the other hand, we are taking our teardrop to North Carolina in a few weeks, so we have decided to get a Lic. plate for it. We figure it is the easiest way to avoid the hassles. The DMV website suggests getting one if you are going to be traveling to States that require it.


Greg(and Laurie)

[planovet]

As a police officer, I have a unique perspective of this situation. I stopped a truck pulling a horse trailer once that did not have a tag. Turns out it was from OK and they don't require tags for that particular trailer. I still ran the guy and it cost them 10 mins of sitting on the side of the highway. But he did not get a citation.

If you are traveling in your state only, then don't worry. But if you are going out of state then you can be stopped by the po-po at anytime if their state requires tags. That's a big probable cause to stop someone for some state troopers and drug interdiction units. Especially if your TV tags are out of state. You may be able to talk your way out of it or you may get a paper souvenir for your troubles. Then again you may travel the 50 states and never get stopped. But anytime the po-po stops you it's a hassle. If you CAN get a plate, why not. Then you don't have to worry (unless you speed, run red lights, etc.).

Others may have a different perspective.

[dh]

Do you still have to register your trailer, as in get a VIN# for it? Just keep the registration papers.

[Hillmann]

dh,
no we don't have to register them at all in Wisconsin which is part of the reason I don't want to bother with getting plates because I don't know what hassle it would be to get a homemade trailer registered since it doesn't have a serial number or title or certificate of manufacture. And the other reason I don't want to register it is because I don't want to spend the $40.00 to get it registered. Although I looks like it may in the end be easier to just register it if I plan on taking it out of state.

[halfpastsix]

In the UK, the trailer has to have the same plate as the car that is towing it. Could you not just do that?

[planovet]

In the UK, the trailer has to have the same plate as the car that is towing it. Could you not just do that?

Not in the states...

[willik]

In Alabama, you can go to a trophy shop and get them to make you a little metal tag with a unique number on it (as your serial #). Rivet it to the trailer (usually recommended the left side of the tongue). They walk out look at the number, pay your fees... you get a tag. Other than waiting in the DMV line, not much of a hassle... and our good ole' boys have written books on hassle...

dh,
no we don't have to register them at all in Wisconsin which is part of the reason I don't want to bother with getting plates because I don't know what hassle it would be to get a homemade trailer registered since it doesn't have a serial number or title or certificate of manufacture. And the other reason I don't want to register it is because I don't want to spend the $40.00 to get it registered. Although I looks like it may in the end be easier to just register it if I plan on taking it out of state.