Vermont Trailer Brake Laws 2026: Required Over 3,000 lb
Vermont exempts trailers, semitrailers, trailer coaches, and pole trailers not exceeding 3,000 lb only when trailer wheel weight is no more than 40% of the towing vehicle gross weight. Heavier or non-exempt setups need brake verification under the statute.
Quick answer: 3,000 lb gross weight
In Vermont, trailer brakes are currently listed at 3,000 lb (gross weight). Vermont 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, semi-trailers and trailer coaches over 3,000 lb gross weight must have driver-applied brakes designed so that on an accidental breakaway the brakes apply automatically and remain applied not less than 15 minutes. At 6,000 lb or more, brakes are required on all wheels. | Trailer type and weight may matter | 23 V.S.A. 1307(f), (g) | 2026-07-13 |
| Safety chains | In addition to a hitch, a trailer coach â a trailer designed or used for sleeping, eating or living quarters â must be secured to the towing vehicle by a safety chain, and the hitch, coupling and chain must be adequate to ensure public safety. No general chain statute covers other trailers. | Conventional trailer couplings | 23 V.S.A. 1341 (definition at 23 V.S.A. 4(41)) | 2026-07-13 |
| Speed / lane rule | The general statewide maximum is 50 mph, and there is a towing-specific rule: no person may drive a vehicle towing a trailer exempted from the brake requirements at more than 35 mph. | Posted roads and vehicle combinations | 23 V.S.A. 1081(b); 1083(d) | 2026-07-13 |
| Double towing | Needs verification with Vermont statutes. | Multiple-trailer combinations | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
Official source links
Vermont exempts trailers, semitrailers, trailer coaches, and pole trailers not exceeding 3,000 lb only when trailer wheel weight is no more than 40% of the towing vehicle gross weight. Heavier or non-exempt setups need brake verification under the statute.
How the 3,000 lb threshold applies to three trailers
Vermont 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 Vermont threshold by 1,350 lb |
| Loaded just under the line | 2,900 lb | Inside the Vermont limit, but one heavy load away from crossing it |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 4,800 lb | Over the Vermont threshold by 1,800 lb â brakes required |
Vermont trailer equipment rules
Safety chains
RequiredIn addition to a hitch, a trailer coach â a trailer designed or used for sleeping, eating or living quarters â must be secured to the towing vehicle by a safety chain, and the hitch, coupling and chain must be adequate to ensure public safety. No general chain statute covers other trailers.
23 V.S.A. 1341 (definition at 23 V.S.A. 4(41)) âBreakaway system
RequiredTrailers, semi-trailers and trailer coaches over 3,000 lb gross weight must have driver-applied brakes designed so that on an accidental breakaway the brakes apply automatically and remain applied not less than 15 minutes. At 6,000 lb or more, brakes are required on all wheels.
23 V.S.A. 1307(f), (g) âSpeed limit when towing
The general statewide maximum is 50 mph, and there is a towing-specific rule: no person may drive a vehicle towing a trailer exempted from the brake requirements at more than 35 mph.
23 V.S.A. 1081(b); 1083(d) 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 Vermont
Needs verification with Vermont statutes.
Speed and lane rules when towing in Vermont
Needs verification; follow posted limits.
How Vermont compares with neighbouring states
None of the 3 states bordering Vermont 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 Vermont |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 10,000 lb unladen weight | 7,000 lb more permissive |
| New Hampshire | 3,000 lb gross weight | Same threshold |
| New York | 3,000 lb GVWR | Same threshold |
Planning a multi-state trip? The route brake law checker compares every state on a route at once.
Related towing tools
Vermont towing law FAQ
Are trailer brakes required in Vermont?
Vermont 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 Vermont?
The current data lists 3,000 lb gross weight as the brake threshold.
Is a breakaway switch required in Vermont?
Trailers, semi-trailers and trailer coaches over 3,000 lb gross weight must have driver-applied brakes designed so that on an accidental breakaway the brakes apply automatically and remain applied not less than 15 minutes. At 6,000 lb or more, brakes are required on all wheels. (23 V.S.A. 1307(f), (g))
Are safety chains required in Vermont?
In addition to a hitch, a trailer coach â a trailer designed or used for sleeping, eating or living quarters â must be secured to the towing vehicle by a safety chain, and the hitch, coupling and chain must be adequate to ensure public safety. No general chain statute covers other trailers. (23 V.S.A. 1341 (definition at 23 V.S.A. 4(41)))
Can I tow two trailers in Vermont?
Needs verification with Vermont statutes.
Is there a towing speed limit in Vermont?
The general statewide maximum is 50 mph, and there is a towing-specific rule: no person may drive a vehicle towing a trailer exempted from the brake requirements at more than 35 mph. (23 V.S.A. 1081(b); 1083(d))
Does Vermont measure trailer weight as GVWR or actual weight?
Vermont uses gross weight, so weigh the trailer as you actually tow it rather than reading the data plate.
Where can I verify Vermont towing laws?
Start with the 2 official sources linked on this page, beginning with 23 V.S.A. 1307 brake equipment. Prefer state DOT, DMV, legislature, or public-safety pages over summaries from private websites. This page was last checked on 2026-07-13.