Arkansas Trailer Brake Laws 2026: Required Over 3,000 lb
Arkansas source review verifies the 3,000 lb gross-weight brake trigger and automatic breakaway language from the state-hosted motor-vehicle law digest and current public code copies.
Quick answer: 3,000 lb gross weight
In Arkansas, trailer brakes are currently listed at 3,000 lb (gross weight). Arkansas measures gross weight, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it.
| Requirement | State rule | Applies when | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trailer brakes | 3,000 lb | gross weight | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
| Breakaway switch | Every trailer or semitrailer of 3,000 lb gross weight or more must have brakes applied by the towing driver from the cab, designed and connected so that in case of an accidental breakaway the brakes are automatically applied. | Trailer type and weight may matter | Ark. Code 27-37-501(c) | 2026-07-13 |
| Safety chains | When one vehicle tows another there must be an additional connection sufficient to hold the towed vehicle if the drawbar or other regular connection breaks or becomes disconnected. The statute does not specify chains, a count, or crossing. | Conventional trailer couplings | Ark. Code 27-35-111(a)(2) | 2026-07-13 |
| Speed / lane rule | A 55 mph maximum applies to a vehicle towing a manufactured or mobile home, and lower where posted; the DOT may set a lower limit on the oversize permit. There is no separate limit for other trailers. | Posted roads and vehicle combinations | Ark. Code 27-51-210 | 2026-07-13 |
| Double towing | Needs verification with Arkansas code. | Multiple-trailer combinations | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
Official source links
Arkansas source review verifies the 3,000 lb gross-weight brake trigger and automatic breakaway language from the state-hosted motor-vehicle law digest and current public code copies.
How the 3,000 lb threshold applies to three trailers
Arkansas measures gross weight, so the weight of the trailer as loaded is what counts.
| Example trailer | Weight checked | Against 3,000 lb |
|---|---|---|
| Small utility trailer | 1,650 lb | Under the Arkansas threshold by 1,350 lb |
| Loaded just under the line | 2,900 lb | Inside the Arkansas limit, but one heavy load away from crossing it |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 4,800 lb | Over the Arkansas threshold by 1,800 lb â brakes required |
Arkansas trailer equipment rules
Safety chains
RequiredWhen one vehicle tows another there must be an additional connection sufficient to hold the towed vehicle if the drawbar or other regular connection breaks or becomes disconnected. The statute does not specify chains, a count, or crossing.
Ark. Code 27-35-111(a)(2) âBreakaway system
RequiredEvery trailer or semitrailer of 3,000 lb gross weight or more must have brakes applied by the towing driver from the cab, designed and connected so that in case of an accidental breakaway the brakes are automatically applied.
Ark. Code 27-37-501(c) âSpeed limit when towing
A 55 mph maximum applies to a vehicle towing a manufactured or mobile home, and lower where posted; the DOT may set a lower limit on the oversize permit. There is no separate limit for other trailers.
Ark. Code 27-51-210 âRead against the linked sources on . Statutes change and enforcement varies by trailer type â confirm before you tow.
Towing more than one trailer in Arkansas
Needs verification with Arkansas code.
Speed and lane rules when towing in Arkansas
Needs verification; follow posted limits and trailer tire ratings.
How Arkansas compares with neighbouring states
1 of the 6 states bordering Arkansas set a stricter brake threshold, so a trailer that is legal here may need brakes as soon as you cross the line. Equip for the strictest state on your route.
| Bordering state | Brake threshold | Compared with Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| Mississippi | 2,000 lb gross weight | 1,000 lb stricter |
| Missouri | verified trailer-type rule | Different rule type â compare directly |
| Oklahoma | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| Tennessee | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| Texas | 4,500 lb gross weight | 1,500 lb more permissive |
Planning a multi-state trip? The route brake law checker compares every state on a route at once.
Related towing tools
Arkansas towing law FAQ
Are trailer brakes required in Arkansas?
Arkansas currently lists a trailer brake threshold at 3,000 lb gross weight. Always verify the official state source before towing.
What weight requires trailer brakes in Arkansas?
The current data lists 3,000 lb gross weight as the brake threshold.
Is a breakaway switch required in Arkansas?
Every trailer or semitrailer of 3,000 lb gross weight or more must have brakes applied by the towing driver from the cab, designed and connected so that in case of an accidental breakaway the brakes are automatically applied. (Ark. Code 27-37-501(c))
Are safety chains required in Arkansas?
When one vehicle tows another there must be an additional connection sufficient to hold the towed vehicle if the drawbar or other regular connection breaks or becomes disconnected. The statute does not specify chains, a count, or crossing. (Ark. Code 27-35-111(a)(2))
Can I tow two trailers in Arkansas?
Needs verification with Arkansas code.
Is there a towing speed limit in Arkansas?
A 55 mph maximum applies to a vehicle towing a manufactured or mobile home, and lower where posted; the DOT may set a lower limit on the oversize permit. There is no separate limit for other trailers. (Ark. Code 27-51-210)
Does Arkansas measure trailer weight as GVWR or actual weight?
Arkansas uses gross weight, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it rather than reading the data plate.
Where can I verify Arkansas towing laws?
Start with the 2 official sources linked on this page, beginning with Arkansas motor vehicle and traffic laws digest. Prefer state DOT, DMV, legislature, or public-safety pages over summaries from private websites. This page was last checked on 2026-07-13.