Verified
California Trailer Brake Laws 2026: Required Over 1,500 lb
California DMV states brakes are required on trailer coaches or camp trailers with gross weight of 1,500 lb or more.
- Brake threshold
- 1,500lbgross weight
- Breakaway switch
- Required
- Safety chains
- Required
- Towing speed
- Special limit
- Double towing
- Not recorded
On this page8 sections
Quick answer: 1,500 lb gross weight
In California, trailer brakes are currently listed at 1,500 lb (gross weight). California measures gross weight, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it.
California trailer equipment rules
Breakaway switch
Power brakes on any trailer manufactured after December 31 1955 that is required to have brakes must be designed to apply automatically upon breakaway and hold the vehicle stationary for not less than 15 minutes.
- Applies when
- Trailer type and weight may matter
- Source
- Cal. Veh. Code 26304
- Last checked
- 2026-08-21
Safety chains
A towed vehicle must be coupled by a safety chain, cable or equivalent device in addition to the regular drawbar or tongue, strong enough to control the towed vehicle if the primary hitch fails. Fifth-wheel and kingpin semitrailers are exempt.
- Applies when
- Conventional trailer couplings
- Source
- Cal. Veh. Code 29004
- Last checked
- 2026-08-21
Speed / lane rule
A 55 mph maximum applies to a passenger vehicle or bus drawing any other vehicle, and to any motortruck or truck tractor drawing another vehicle, regardless of a higher posted limit.
55 mph towing rule should be verified against current California Vehicle Code before relying on it.
- Applies when
- Posted roads and vehicle combinations
- Source
- Cal. Veh. Code 22406
- Last checked
- 2026-08-21
Double towing
Needs verification with California Vehicle Code and DMV guidance.
- Applies when
- Multiple-trailer combinations
- Source
- Verified
- Last checked
- 2026-06-18
Read against the linked sources on . Statutes change and enforcement varies by trailer type — confirm before you tow.
Check your setup
How the 1,500 lb threshold applies to three trailers
California measures gross weight, so the weight of the trailer as loaded is what counts.
| Example trailer | Weight checked | Against 1,500 lb |
|---|---|---|
| Small utility trailer | 850 lb | Under the California threshold by 650 lb |
| Loaded just under the line | 1,400 lb | Inside the California limit, but one heavy load away from crossing it |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 2,400 lb | Over the California threshold by 900 lb — brakes required |
How California compares with neighbouring states
None of the 3 states bordering California set a stricter numeric brake threshold in this dataset, but bases and equipment rules still differ — check each state page before a trip.
| Bordering state | Brake threshold | Compared with California |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 3,000 lb gross weight | 1,500 lb more permissive |
| Nevada | 1,500 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| Oregon | verified stopping-distance performance rule | Different rule type — compare directly |
Planning a multi-state trip? The route brake law checker compares every state on a route at once.
Official source links
California towing law FAQ
Are trailer brakes required in California?
California currently lists a trailer brake threshold at 1,500 lb gross weight. Always verify the official state source before towing.
What weight requires trailer brakes in California?
The current data lists 1,500 lb gross weight as the brake threshold.
Is a breakaway switch required in California?
Power brakes on any trailer manufactured after December 31 1955 that is required to have brakes must be designed to apply automatically upon breakaway and hold the vehicle stationary for not less than 15 minutes. (Cal. Veh. Code 26304)
Are safety chains required in California?
A towed vehicle must be coupled by a safety chain, cable or equivalent device in addition to the regular drawbar or tongue, strong enough to control the towed vehicle if the primary hitch fails. Fifth-wheel and kingpin semitrailers are exempt. (Cal. Veh. Code 29004)
Can I tow two trailers in California?
Needs verification with California Vehicle Code and DMV guidance.
Is there a towing speed limit in California?
A 55 mph maximum applies to a passenger vehicle or bus drawing any other vehicle, and to any motortruck or truck tractor drawing another vehicle, regardless of a higher posted limit. (Cal. Veh. Code 22406)
Does California measure trailer weight as GVWR or actual weight?
California uses gross weight, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it rather than reading the data plate.
Where can I verify California towing laws?
Start with the 2 official sources linked on this page, beginning with California Vehicle Code 26302 trailer brakes. Prefer state DOT, DMV, legislature, or public-safety pages over summaries from private websites. This page was last checked on 2026-06-18.
Disclaimer: educational summary, not legal advice. Statutes and enforcement practice change — verify the California sources linked above before towing.