VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION Hauling or Trailering National Towing speed limit list

Anybody out there know of a US list of towing speed limits (min/max) for all 50 States?

My search only revealed max speed. This would be helpful as all 50 states have 50 different limits . Thanks

I suspect that would be a project for someone with interest and time. The best single site I found with a quick search is: http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-speed-limits/

Good list Chip!!

Thanks Chip.

I agree as there doesn't seem to be a list for MINIMUM speed. That differs too depending on the state. Guess I'll keep it at 50-55 methinks.

For all you folks crossing CA, the max speed limit towing is 55, and the CA Hwy Patrol is watching for that!!

One thing I found out the hard way is in Maryland that ALL vehicles over 10,000 pounds have to go on a scale not just commercial. I was told that there were some other states that have adopted that policy.
I noticed the scale on my way back from Florida and was chased down by a few Maryland State Troopers, who asked me for my Drivers License, held it and told me it would be at the scale when I got there. Turned around, payed the to$$ went around the cloverleaf, payed the to$$ going back and pulled on to the scale.
Sign said "proceed to the impound yard" while my equipment was inspected, lost two hours of time. They gave me my license back and told me to pay better attention to the signs, also they told me there were some western states that adopted the same policy

John, is that 10 000lbs for the load or entire rig and trailer and load?

GVW the tow vehicle/trailer and contents

The GVW (gross vehicle weight) also includes driver and passengers.

AAA has a listing for various state laws and regulations.

I'm not sure about the western states policies on scales, but I can tell you we towed just about 10Klbs GVW across MO,OK,TX,NM,AZ, and CA and No one gave us a second look as we whizzed past the scales.

I guess to be sure, one should contact the State Police in each state concerned. Typically I have seen only commercial vehicles monitored, but it doesn't hurt to call these folks.

Not for minimum speeds, only maximum. I checked.

According to a posting by a retired California Highway Patrol guy, they starting noticing folks that are going 10 mph below the lowest maximum speed that is posted for the area.

So, if trucks are supposed to only go 55 mph, cars should not go slower than 45 mph.

In general, you are supposed to keep up with traffic and not create a hazard.

Be safe, Dean

Thanks Dean. Makes good common sense--a skill seriously lacking in this century.

I stay off the interstates here in So Cal as it's too dangerous to drive 55 in the 65 zones with folks cutting in front of me. They do this even on the city streets. If you don't pull a jack rabbit start from the light they jump in front just when you get up to speed. Using hand signals confuses these folks too.

Driving an old car on modern roads with modern drivers can be challenging, and I posted some pointers to our region newsletter guy.

I see folks w/trailers doing 65 mph all the time...Where's the CHP when you need one...? Any faster than 55 is just plain dangerous...

I was riding with a friend in his old jeep on a state highway doing 40 mph ( with a trailer ), and he got a ticket for driving too slow...Something about obstructing traffic because there were 4 or more cars behind him that couldn't pass...

Good point Kevin. I too rarely see a CHP cruiser on the highways here in San Diego. We have had 7 DUI deaths in 7 weeks here, which is a new record. Last week, a drunk sailor flew off the Coronado Bridge and landed 60 feet below onto 4 people at a biker festival, killing them and injuring 9 others. He is now charged with murder.

I try to avoid highways when driving my 51, but it's tough as there are few direct routes on secondary roads.
What I found driving out here in 9 days, was that if I just maintained my 55MPH in the right lane towing, most crazies just passed me by and we were able to just enjoy a traffic free ride in the right lane. Be safe out there.