Tennessee Trailer Brake Laws 2026: Required Over 3,000 lb
Tennessee Code 55-9-204 source review verifies the 3,000 lb gross-weight brake and automatic breakaway trigger, with farm-trailer exceptions. TDOT remains linked as the state transportation authority.
Quick answer: 3,000 lb gross weight
In Tennessee, trailer brakes are currently listed at 3,000 lb (gross weight). Tennessee 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 | Trailers equipped with brakes must have an emergency breakaway braking device. Brakes are required on one axle from 1,500 to 3,000 lb gross weight and on all wheels at 3,000 lb or more. | Trailer type and weight may matter | Tenn. Code Ann. 55-9-204, per Tennessee Highway Patrol trailer inspection requirements | 2026-07-13 |
| Safety chains | Safety chains must be adequate to maintain attachment if the attaching device fails, and two chains are required to be crossed under the hitch. | Conventional trailer couplings | Tenn. Code Ann. 55-7-114, per Tennessee Highway Patrol trailer inspection requirements | 2026-07-13 |
| Speed / lane rule | No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits. Statutory maximums are 70 mph on interstates and 65 mph on all other public roads, with lower truck-only limits possible locally. | Posted roads and vehicle combinations | Tenn. Code Ann. 55-8-152 | 2026-07-13 |
| Double towing | Needs verification with Tennessee law. | Multiple-trailer combinations | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
Official source links
Tennessee Code 55-9-204 source review verifies the 3,000 lb gross-weight brake and automatic breakaway trigger, with farm-trailer exceptions. TDOT remains linked as the state transportation authority.
How the 3,000 lb threshold applies to three trailers
Tennessee 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 Tennessee threshold by 1,350 lb |
| Loaded just under the line | 2,900 lb | Inside the Tennessee limit, but one heavy load away from crossing it |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 4,800 lb | Over the Tennessee threshold by 1,800 lb â brakes required |
Tennessee trailer equipment rules
Safety chains
RequiredSafety chains must be adequate to maintain attachment if the attaching device fails, and two chains are required to be crossed under the hitch.
Tenn. Code Ann. 55-7-114, per Tennessee Highway Patrol trailer inspection requirements âBreakaway system
RequiredTrailers equipped with brakes must have an emergency breakaway braking device. Brakes are required on one axle from 1,500 to 3,000 lb gross weight and on all wheels at 3,000 lb or more.
Tenn. Code Ann. 55-9-204, per Tennessee Highway Patrol trailer inspection requirements âSpeed limit when towing
No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits. Statutory maximums are 70 mph on interstates and 65 mph on all other public roads, with lower truck-only limits possible locally.
Tenn. Code Ann. 55-8-152 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 Tennessee
Needs verification with Tennessee law.
Speed and lane rules when towing in Tennessee
Needs verification; follow posted limits.
How Tennessee compares with neighbouring states
1 of the 8 states bordering Tennessee 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 Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| Arkansas | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| Georgia | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| Kentucky | verified stopping-distance performance rule | Different rule type â compare directly |
| Mississippi | 2,000 lb gross weight | 1,000 lb stricter |
| Missouri | verified trailer-type rule | Different rule type â compare directly |
| North Carolina | 4,000 lb gross weight | 1,000 lb more permissive |
| Virginia | 3,000 lb actual weight | Same threshold |
Planning a multi-state trip? The route brake law checker compares every state on a route at once.
Related towing tools
Tennessee towing law FAQ
Are trailer brakes required in Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The current data lists 3,000 lb gross weight as the brake threshold.
Is a breakaway switch required in Tennessee?
Trailers equipped with brakes must have an emergency breakaway braking device. Brakes are required on one axle from 1,500 to 3,000 lb gross weight and on all wheels at 3,000 lb or more. (Tenn. Code Ann. 55-9-204, per Tennessee Highway Patrol trailer inspection requirements)
Are safety chains required in Tennessee?
Safety chains must be adequate to maintain attachment if the attaching device fails, and two chains are required to be crossed under the hitch. (Tenn. Code Ann. 55-7-114, per Tennessee Highway Patrol trailer inspection requirements)
Can I tow two trailers in Tennessee?
Needs verification with Tennessee law.
Is there a towing speed limit in Tennessee?
No towing-specific speed limit; follow posted limits. Statutory maximums are 70 mph on interstates and 65 mph on all other public roads, with lower truck-only limits possible locally. (Tenn. Code Ann. 55-8-152)
Does Tennessee measure trailer weight as GVWR or actual weight?
Tennessee uses gross weight, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it rather than reading the data plate.
Where can I verify Tennessee towing laws?
Start with the 2 official sources linked on this page, beginning with Tennessee Highway Patrol trailer inspection requirements (cites TCA 55-7-114, 55-9-204). Prefer state DOT, DMV, legislature, or public-safety pages over summaries from private websites. This page was last checked on 2026-07-13.