Minnesota Trailer Brake Laws 2026: Required Over 3,000 lb
Minnesota requires brakes when trailer or semitrailer gross vehicle weight is 3,000 lb or more, or when gross weight exceeds the empty weight of the towing vehicle. Breakaway-style braking is required over 3,000 lb gross vehicle weight.
Quick answer: 3,000 lb gross weight
In Minnesota, trailer brakes are currently listed at 3,000 lb (gross weight). Minnesota 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 | A trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,000 lb may not be drawn on a highway unless equipped with brakes so constructed that they are adequate to stop and hold it whenever it becomes detached from the towing vehicle. | Trailer type and weight may matter | Minn. Stat. 169.67, subd. 3(b) | 2026-07-13 |
| Safety chains | Every trailer and semitrailer must have safety chains or cables permanently attached to the trailer, attached near the bumper attachment points of each vehicle and of sufficient strength to control the trailer if the towing device fails. Regulation fifth-wheel assemblies and implements of husbandry are exempt. | Conventional trailer couplings | Minn. Stat. 169.82, subd. 3(b) | 2026-07-13 |
| Speed / lane rule | No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits. | Posted roads and vehicle combinations | Minn. Stat. 169.14, subd. 2 | 2026-07-13 |
| Double towing | Needs verification with Minnesota statutes. | Multiple-trailer combinations | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
Official source links
Minnesota requires brakes when trailer or semitrailer gross vehicle weight is 3,000 lb or more, or when gross weight exceeds the empty weight of the towing vehicle. Breakaway-style braking is required over 3,000 lb gross vehicle weight.
How the 3,000 lb threshold applies to three trailers
Minnesota 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 Minnesota threshold by 1,350 lb |
| Loaded just under the line | 2,900 lb | Inside the Minnesota limit, but one heavy load away from crossing it |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 4,800 lb | Over the Minnesota threshold by 1,800 lb â brakes required |
Minnesota trailer equipment rules
Safety chains
RequiredEvery trailer and semitrailer must have safety chains or cables permanently attached to the trailer, attached near the bumper attachment points of each vehicle and of sufficient strength to control the trailer if the towing device fails. Regulation fifth-wheel assemblies and implements of husbandry are exempt.
Minn. Stat. 169.82, subd. 3(b) âBreakaway system
RequiredA trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,000 lb may not be drawn on a highway unless equipped with brakes so constructed that they are adequate to stop and hold it whenever it becomes detached from the towing vehicle.
Minn. Stat. 169.67, subd. 3(b) âSpeed limit when towing
No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits.
Minn. Stat. 169.14, subd. 2 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 Minnesota
Needs verification with Minnesota statutes.
Speed and lane rules when towing in Minnesota
Towed custom service vehicles over 30,000 lb gross weight may not exceed 45 mph under the listed exception; recreational towing speed rules still need route verification.
How Minnesota compares with neighbouring states
None of the 4 states bordering Minnesota set a stricter numeric brake threshold in this dataset, but bases and equipment rules still differ â check each state page before a trip.
| Bordering state | Brake threshold | Compared with Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| North Dakota | verified trailer-type rule | Different rule type â compare directly |
| South Dakota | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| Wisconsin | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
Planning a multi-state trip? The route brake law checker compares every state on a route at once.
Related towing tools
Minnesota towing law FAQ
Are trailer brakes required in Minnesota?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
The current data lists 3,000 lb gross weight as the brake threshold.
Is a breakaway switch required in Minnesota?
A trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,000 lb may not be drawn on a highway unless equipped with brakes so constructed that they are adequate to stop and hold it whenever it becomes detached from the towing vehicle. (Minn. Stat. 169.67, subd. 3(b))
Are safety chains required in Minnesota?
Every trailer and semitrailer must have safety chains or cables permanently attached to the trailer, attached near the bumper attachment points of each vehicle and of sufficient strength to control the trailer if the towing device fails. Regulation fifth-wheel assemblies and implements of husbandry are exempt. (Minn. Stat. 169.82, subd. 3(b))
Can I tow two trailers in Minnesota?
Needs verification with Minnesota statutes.
Is there a towing speed limit in Minnesota?
No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits. (Minn. Stat. 169.14, subd. 2)
Does Minnesota measure trailer weight as GVWR or actual weight?
Minnesota uses gross weight, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it rather than reading the data plate.
Where can I verify Minnesota towing laws?
Start with the 2 official sources linked on this page, beginning with Minnesota Statutes 169.67 brakes. Prefer state DOT, DMV, legislature, or public-safety pages over summaries from private websites. This page was last checked on 2026-07-13.