Verified
Mississippi Trailer Brake Laws 2026: Required Over 2,000 lb
Mississippi Code 63-7-51 source review verifies the brake and automatic breakaway trigger for trailers carrying over one ton. The accessible code copy is paired with Mississippi DOT as the state transportation authority link.
- Brake threshold
- 2,000lbgross weight
- Breakaway switch
- Required
- Safety chains
- Required
- Towing speed
- Posted limits
- Double towing
- Not recorded
On this page8 sections
Quick answer: 2,000 lb gross weight
In Mississippi, trailer brakes are currently listed at 2,000 lb (gross weight). Mississippi measures gross weight, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it.
Mississippi trailer equipment rules
Breakaway switch
Every trailer carrying over one ton must have brakes applied by the towing vehicle's driver from the cab, designed and connected so the brakes apply automatically in case of an accidental breakaway. The trigger is the load carried, not GVWR.
- Applies when
- Trailer type and weight may matter
- Last checked
- 2026-08-21
Safety chains
Every trailer towed faster than 20 mph must be coupled by a safety chain, cables or equivalent devices in addition to the regular hitch, of sufficient strength to control the trailer if the hitch fails, with slack limited to what turning requires. ICC-compliant fifth-wheel semitrailers and pole, pipe and piling dollies are exempt.
- Applies when
- Conventional trailer couplings
- Last checked
- 2026-08-21
Speed / lane rule
No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits.
- Applies when
- Posted roads and vehicle combinations
- Last checked
- 2026-08-21
Double towing
Needs verification with Mississippi code.
- Applies when
- Multiple-trailer combinations
- Source
- Verified
- Last checked
- 2026-07-13
Read against the linked sources on . Statutes change and enforcement varies by trailer type — confirm before you tow.
Check your setup
How the 2,000 lb threshold applies to three trailers
Mississippi measures gross weight, so the weight of the trailer as loaded is what counts.
| Example trailer | Weight checked | Against 2,000 lb |
|---|---|---|
| Small utility trailer | 1,100 lb | Under the Mississippi threshold by 900 lb |
| Loaded just under the line | 1,900 lb | Inside the Mississippi limit, but one heavy load away from crossing it |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 3,200 lb | Over the Mississippi threshold by 1,200 lb — brakes required |
How Mississippi compares with neighbouring states
None of the 4 states bordering Mississippi 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 Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3,000 lb gross weight | 1,000 lb more permissive |
| Arkansas | 3,000 lb gross weight | 1,000 lb more permissive |
| Louisiana | 3,000 lb gross weight | 1,000 lb more permissive |
| Tennessee | 3,000 lb gross weight | 1,000 lb more permissive |
Planning a multi-state trip? The route brake law checker compares every state on a route at once.
Official source links
Mississippi towing law FAQ
Are trailer brakes required in Mississippi?
Mississippi currently lists a trailer brake threshold at 2,000 lb gross weight. Always verify the official state source before towing.
What weight requires trailer brakes in Mississippi?
The current data lists 2,000 lb gross weight as the brake threshold.
Is a breakaway switch required in Mississippi?
Every trailer carrying over one ton must have brakes applied by the towing vehicle's driver from the cab, designed and connected so the brakes apply automatically in case of an accidental breakaway. The trigger is the load carried, not GVWR. (Miss. Code Ann. 63-7-51(3) (text via Mississippi Legislature bill document))
Are safety chains required in Mississippi?
Every trailer towed faster than 20 mph must be coupled by a safety chain, cables or equivalent devices in addition to the regular hitch, of sufficient strength to control the trailer if the hitch fails, with slack limited to what turning requires. ICC-compliant fifth-wheel semitrailers and pole, pipe and piling dollies are exempt. (Miss. Code Ann. 63-5-25(1) (text via Mississippi Legislature bill document))
Can I tow two trailers in Mississippi?
Needs verification with Mississippi code.
Is there a towing speed limit in Mississippi?
No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits. (Miss. Code Ann. 63-3-501 (text via Mississippi Legislature bill document))
Does Mississippi measure trailer weight as GVWR or actual weight?
Mississippi uses gross weight, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it rather than reading the data plate.
Where can I verify Mississippi towing laws?
Start with the 2 official sources linked on this page, beginning with Miss. Code Ann. 63-7-51 brake equipment (Mississippi Legislature bill text). Prefer state DOT, DMV, legislature, or public-safety pages over summaries from private websites. This page was last checked on 2026-07-13.
Disclaimer: educational summary, not legal advice. Statutes and enforcement practice change — verify the Mississippi sources linked above before towing.