Wyoming Trailer Brake Laws 2026: Performance Rule
State towing-law summaries are educational only and are not legal advice. Verify your trailer type, actual weight or GVWR, and equipment requirements with official Wyoming sources before towing.
Quick answer: verified stopping-distance performance rule
In Wyoming, the verified source set does not show a simple universal numeric trailer brake threshold. The state is modeled as a verified stopping-distance performance rule. Breakaway equipment and safety chains may also be required depending on trailer type, weight, and coupling. Always verify with official Wyoming sources before towing.
| Requirement | State rule | Applies when | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trailer brakes | verified stopping-distance performance rule | performance rule | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
| Breakaway switch | Needs verification | Trailer type and weight may matter | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
| Safety chains | Needs verification | Conventional trailer couplings | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
| Speed / lane rule | Wyoming source review found a combination braking performance requirement of stopping within 40 feet from 20 mph on a level, dry, smooth, hard surface. | Posted roads and vehicle combinations | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
| Double towing | Needs separate verification with Wyoming combination and length rules before towing multiple trailers. | Multiple-trailer combinations | Verified | 2026-07-13 |
Official source links
Wyoming Statutes 31-5-950 is verified as a performance-based braking rule. Every motor vehicle and combination must have a service braking system that stops within 40 feet from 20 mph on a level, dry, smooth, hard surface. The official source does not provide a simple universal private-trailer weight threshold.
Compliance checklist
- Verify trailer GVWR and loaded weight before the trip.
- Check whether brakes are required under the verified stopping-distance performance rule.
- Inspect brake controller, seven-way connector, and trailer brake function.
- Confirm breakaway battery, switch, cable routing, and pin condition.
- Use properly rated safety chains and attachment points.
- Check posted speed limits, lane rules, and trailer tire speed rating.
Related towing tools
Wyoming towing law FAQ
Are trailer brakes required in Wyoming?
Wyoming does not publish a simple universal numeric trailer brake threshold in the verified source set used here. The rule is handled as a verified stopping-distance performance rule, so trailer type, stopping performance, equipment type, speed, or route condition may decide the answer.
What weight requires trailer brakes in Wyoming?
Wyoming is not modeled as a simple pound-threshold state. Use the official source links because this page verifies a verified stopping-distance performance rule instead of a universal weight cutoff.
Is a breakaway switch required in Wyoming?
The breakaway-switch rule for Wyoming needs verification with official state sources.
Are safety chains required in Wyoming?
The safety-chain rule for Wyoming needs verification with official state sources.
Can I tow two trailers in Wyoming?
Needs separate verification with Wyoming combination and length rules before towing multiple trailers.
What is the safest speed when towing in Wyoming?
Wyoming source review found a combination braking performance requirement of stopping within 40 feet from 20 mph on a level, dry, smooth, hard surface. Even where no special towing speed is verified, reduce speed for trailer tire ratings, grades, wind, and stopping distance.
Do RVs and travel trailers follow the same rules in Wyoming?
Many brake rules apply by trailer type and weight, but RV, travel trailer, boat trailer, and utility trailer definitions can differ. Verify your exact trailer type with official state sources.
Where can I verify Wyoming towing laws?
Use the official source links on this page first. Prefer state DOT, DMV, legislature, highway patrol, or public-safety pages over summaries from private websites.