Are Towing Mirrors Required by Law?
Adhering to the proper state guidelines when it comes to transporting vehicles on major highways and roads is quintessential. The law for carrying and towing trailer in the United States often vary from state to state. This article will outline pertinent rules and regulations of towing in Arizona, as well as give advice on specific numbers, calculations, and behaviors that need to be met in order to execute a safe and legal tow.
Currently as the law states, in Arizona, it is required that a driver who is hauling a trailer that obstructs the drivers view must be able to utilize mirrors that reflect at least, but not limited to, 200 feet. What this means furthermore is that any mirrors that are already present in the vehicle can be deemed as viable towing mirrors, assuming the criteria of 200 feet of visibility is met. In the event that standard mirrors are not reflective of up to 200 feet, it is important for the party who is doing the towing to make proper adjustments by purchasing extensions. The law in Arizona also states that this parameter applies to not just one, but two trailers as well.
Once the configuration for proper visibility is established, it is important to also make your vehicle and trailer visible to other drivers. Arizona state law is clear about the legalities and appearance of a towing trailer. Reflective patches are essential to driver safety for both the party driving the trailer, and those around the road. Trailers that exceed 3000 pounds are required by law to have clearance lamps mounted near the rear and front. Along with these lamps, reflector strips also must be placed near the front and back of the trail vehicle.
Once the proper lamps and strips are established, the back end of the trailer must act as the superficial rear of the lead vehicle. What this means is that all of the traffic and safety systems that are found on the back of a standard truck or car must be present on the back of the trailer. This includes apparatus' such as brake lights, license plate lamps, and blinker lamps. These devices must be cleaned and visible in heavy darkness by law.
It is also important to briefly describe the conduct of trailer hauling on the road in this excerpt. In Arizona, there are mainly three different variants of roadway that a driver may encounter. These roads are stratified by lane density and are subjugated by one lane, two lanes, and three or more lanes. In any event where a trailer is driving on any road with two or more lanes, the driver of the trailer must abide in the right lane at all times and never exceed the prescribed speed limit. For single lane roads, courteously pull over and let cars pass you if there is a line of vehicles forming. This can be inconvenient but it is described in Arizona law as a statute of trailer hauling.
In all cases, make sure to check your trailer before hitching and hauling. Happy travels and as always, stay safe out there!
Currently as the law states, in Arizona, it is required that a driver who is hauling a trailer that obstructs the drivers view must be able to utilize mirrors that reflect at least, but not limited to, 200 feet. What this means furthermore is that any mirrors that are already present in the vehicle can be deemed as viable towing mirrors, assuming the criteria of 200 feet of visibility is met. In the event that standard mirrors are not reflective of up to 200 feet, it is important for the party who is doing the towing to make proper adjustments by purchasing extensions. The law in Arizona also states that this parameter applies to not just one, but two trailers as well.
Once the configuration for proper visibility is established, it is important to also make your vehicle and trailer visible to other drivers. Arizona state law is clear about the legalities and appearance of a towing trailer. Reflective patches are essential to driver safety for both the party driving the trailer, and those around the road. Trailers that exceed 3000 pounds are required by law to have clearance lamps mounted near the rear and front. Along with these lamps, reflector strips also must be placed near the front and back of the trail vehicle.
Once the proper lamps and strips are established, the back end of the trailer must act as the superficial rear of the lead vehicle. What this means is that all of the traffic and safety systems that are found on the back of a standard truck or car must be present on the back of the trailer. This includes apparatus' such as brake lights, license plate lamps, and blinker lamps. These devices must be cleaned and visible in heavy darkness by law.
It is also important to briefly describe the conduct of trailer hauling on the road in this excerpt. In Arizona, there are mainly three different variants of roadway that a driver may encounter. These roads are stratified by lane density and are subjugated by one lane, two lanes, and three or more lanes. In any event where a trailer is driving on any road with two or more lanes, the driver of the trailer must abide in the right lane at all times and never exceed the prescribed speed limit. For single lane roads, courteously pull over and let cars pass you if there is a line of vehicles forming. This can be inconvenient but it is described in Arizona law as a statute of trailer hauling.
In all cases, make sure to check your trailer before hitching and hauling. Happy travels and as always, stay safe out there!