Virginia Trailer Laws & Trailer Regulations

Virginia's laws and regulations for trailers are listed below:

Virginia Trailer Brake Laws

Trailers must be equipped with brakes if the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs.

Trailers must be equipped with at least 1 red brake light on the rear of the vehicle.

Virginia Trailer Dimension Laws

Total length: 65 feet (includes coupling in the combination measurement); trailer length: 45 feet; width: 102 inches (allows outside width to exceed 102 inches if excess is attributed to appurtenance); height: 13 feet 6 inches. 

Virginia Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

The connection between any two vehicles, one of which is towing or drawing the other on a highway, shall consist of a fifth wheel, drawbar, trailer hitch, or other similar device not to exceed 15 feet in length from one vehicle to the other. Any such two vehicles shall, in addition to such drawbar or other similar device, be equipped at all times when so operated on the highway with an emergency chain or cable that is structurally adequate to securely stop and hold the trailer being towed.

Virginia Trailer Lighting Laws

Trailers must carry at the rear a red light plainly visible in clear weather from a distance of 500 ft.
Alternatively, a separate white light shall be so mounted as to illuminate the rear license plate from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of such vehicle.

Reflectors must be affixed to the rear end of the trailer.

Virginia Trailer Mirror Laws

Mirrors are required to give view of not less than 200 feet to rear of the vehicle; 1 outside and 1 inside. If inside view is obstructed to rear, then 1 on each side of the vehicle on the outside is required. 

Virginia Trailer Speed Limit Laws

70 mph or as posted. 

Virginia Trailer Towing Laws

No person may occupy a house trailer or camping trailer while it is being towed on a public highway.