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Can you tow a trailer with a normal driving license?
I recently bought a new trailer for an upcoming camping trip, and I’m so excited to make some memories with it. I heard someone say that you need a special license to tow a trailer, and I wanted to ask if that’s true. Do you need a special license to tow a trailer?
Kevin Martinez · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
First and foremost, congrats on your new trailer! There’s nothing like the joy and excitement of getting ready for a trip and heading out on the road.
You can tow a trailer with a normal driving license—aka Class D driving license—if the combination of the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating and your vehicle is under 26,000 pounds. If it’s over that amount—even slightly—you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (aka CDL).
This weight limit applies to most states, but there are some exceptions, so check with your local DMV before hitting the road.
If you attempt to tow a load exceeding the max weight without the appropriate CDL, you could face federal fines starting at $2,500 and going up to $5,000, in addition to jail time and possible license suspension. Ensure that you’re compliant to avoid these penalties.
In addition, finding out your vehicle’s towing capacity and your camper’s weight is vital. For example, the average camper weighs about 5,200 pounds before accounting for fuel and equipment. Once the trailer is fully loaded, your vehicle’s engine could burn out if it doesn’t have enough towing capacity.
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can help you prepare to hit the road by finding you the right car insurance
to protect you and your new trailer—all at an affordable price!Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that will collect quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of over $800 per year.
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- Gregory R.
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