Verified
North Dakota Trailer Brake Laws 2026: Rules by Trailer Type
North Dakota Century Code Chapter 39-21 is verified for trailer brake/safety-chain language. Section 39-21-32 requires every trailer or semitrailer operated over 25 mph to have safety chains or brakes adequate to control, stop, and hold the trailer, with breakaway-automatic application language when brakes are used. The official source does not provide a simple universal weight threshold.
- Brake threshold
- No weight cutofftrailer-specific rule
- Breakaway switch
- Not required statewide
- Safety chains
- Required
- Towing speed
- Posted limits
- Double towing
- Not recorded
On this page7 sections
Quick answer: verified trailer-type rule
In North Dakota, the verified source set does not show a simple universal numeric trailer brake threshold. The state is modeled as a verified trailer-type rule.
North Dakota trailer equipment rules
Trailer brakes
verified trailer-type rule
North Dakota has a trailer equipment rule tied to operation over 25 mph, rather than a simple recreational-trailer pound threshold.
- Applies when
- trailer-specific rule
- Source
- Verified
- Last checked
- 2026-07-13
Breakaway switch
There is no standalone mandate. A trailer driven over 25 mph must carry safety chains or brakes, and only where brakes are used must they be driver-applied from the cab and apply automatically on accidental breakaway.
- Applies when
- Trailer type and weight may matter
- Source
- N.D.C.C. 39-21-32(3)
- Last checked
- 2026-08-21
Safety chains
The drawbar or other coupling device must include safety chains connecting the vehicles, of a design, strength and construction that prevents unintentional uncoupling. Fifth-wheel coupling devices and implements of husbandry towed at 25 mph or less are exempt.
- Applies when
- Conventional trailer couplings
- Source
- N.D.C.C. 39-21-44.2
- Last checked
- 2026-08-21
Speed / lane rule
No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits. Limits are set by road type up to 75 mph on interstates for the driver of a vehicle; the speed chapter never mentions trailers or towing.
- Applies when
- Posted roads and vehicle combinations
- Source
- N.D.C.C. 39-09-02
- Last checked
- 2026-08-21
Double towing
Needs separate verification with North Dakota combination and length rules before towing multiple trailers.
- 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 North Dakota compares with neighbouring states
None of the 3 states bordering North Dakota 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 North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 3,000 lb gross weight | Different rule type — compare directly |
| Montana | 3,000 lb gross weight | Different rule type — compare directly |
| South Dakota | 3,000 lb gross weight | 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
North Dakota towing law FAQ
Are trailer brakes required in North Dakota?
North Dakota does not publish a simple universal numeric trailer brake threshold in the verified source set used here. The rule is handled as a verified trailer-type rule, so trailer type, stopping performance, equipment type, speed, or route condition may decide the answer.
What weight requires trailer brakes in North Dakota?
North Dakota is not modeled as a simple pound-threshold state. Use the official source links because this page verifies a verified trailer-type rule instead of a universal weight cutoff.
Is a breakaway switch required in North Dakota?
There is no standalone mandate. A trailer driven over 25 mph must carry safety chains or brakes, and only where brakes are used must they be driver-applied from the cab and apply automatically on accidental breakaway. (N.D.C.C. 39-21-32(3))
Are safety chains required in North Dakota?
The drawbar or other coupling device must include safety chains connecting the vehicles, of a design, strength and construction that prevents unintentional uncoupling. Fifth-wheel coupling devices and implements of husbandry towed at 25 mph or less are exempt. (N.D.C.C. 39-21-44.2)
Can I tow two trailers in North Dakota?
Needs separate verification with North Dakota combination and length rules before towing multiple trailers.
Is there a towing speed limit in North Dakota?
No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits. Limits are set by road type up to 75 mph on interstates for the driver of a vehicle; the speed chapter never mentions trailers or towing. (N.D.C.C. 39-09-02)
Does North Dakota measure trailer weight as GVWR or actual weight?
North Dakota uses trailer-specific rule, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it rather than reading the data plate.
Where can I verify North Dakota towing laws?
Start with the 2 official sources linked on this page, beginning with North Dakota Century Code Chapter 39-21. 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 North Dakota sources linked above before towing.