Colorado Trailer Towing Laws: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

When it comes to towing a trailer in Colorado, ensuring the safety of the equipment falls squarely on the operator’s shoulders. Negligence in this regard can lead to car accidents, making the driver liable for any resulting damages. Familiarizing yourself with Colorado’s trailer towing laws is essential for safely transporting cargo, animals, or vehicles and understanding the financial responsibility associated with trailer-related accidents in Denver.

If you sustained injuries in a big rig accident in Colorado, contact the personal injury lawyers at Front Range Injury Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced legal team are knowledgeable and zealous advocates for our clients and their cases. We treat our clients as people, not case files. Learn more about how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact our Denver law firm to learn more.

Registration and Title Requirements

To comply with Colorado law, all trailers must be registered and titled appropriately. Trailers being towed behind vehicles must display license plates with up-to-date registrations. Failing to register or title a trailer can lead to traffic tickets and render the trailer unusable until the necessary registration is obtained.

Trailer Brake Requirements

According to Section 42-4-223 of the Colorado Vehicles and Traffic Code, all motor vehicles, excluding motorcycles, must possess brakes capable of adequately stopping and holding the vehicle. For commercial trailers or semitrailers weighing 3,000 pounds or more, it is mandatory for the trailer to have its own brakes to ensure proper control and the ability to come to a stop.

Furthermore, when the vehicle’s brakes are applied, they should automatically engage the trailer’s brakes as well. In the event of an accidental breakaway, the trailer must be designed to apply the brakes automatically.

Trailers or semitrailers weighing less than 3,000 pounds, horse trailers designed for two horses or fewer, and non-commercial trailers owned by farmers for transporting agricultural products are exempt from brake requirements. However, if brakes are necessary, they must be well-maintained and fully operational.

Legal Trailer Dimensions in Colorado

When towing a trailer in Colorado, it is vital to adhere to the state’s regulations regarding trailer dimensions. The total length of the trailer, including the hitch and bumper, must not exceed 70 feet. The width should not surpass 8.5 feet, and the height should not exceed 14.5 feet. Exceeding these legal dimensions poses significant risks, including potential accidents caused by wide turns or insufficient control over the trailer’s movements.

Trailer Lighting and Signal Requirements

To ensure optimal visibility during nighttime towing, drivers must comply with Colorado’s lighting requirements for trailers. State law mandates that all trailers be equipped with at least one rear light. This taillamp must emit a red light visible from a distance of no less than 500 feet. The light should be mounted on the trailer between 20 and 72 inches above the ground.

Trailer Hitches Require Safety Chains

In Colorado, it is mandatory for drivers towing trailers to use safety chains at the connection points between the trailer and the vehicle. These safety chains should possess the strength to support the entire weight being towed in the event of hitch failure, preventing the trailer from becoming detached.

Liability for a Trailer Towing Accident in Colorado

Drivers in Colorado must comply with state laws, regulations, and restrictions governing trailer towing. These laws are in place to ensure safety on the road, and disregarding them can result in accidents caused by improper trailer towing. If you find yourself involved in an accident due to an illegal or improperly connected trailer in Colorado, the operator of the towing vehicle may be held liable.

Holding the driver responsible for a trailer towing accident entails seeking compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other economic damages. If you have sustained injuries in a trailer towing accident, it is crucial to consult a car accident lawyer in Denver. They can assess your case and determine if you are eligible for financial compensation.

By adhering to Colorado’s trailer towing laws and prioritizing safety, you can ensure a smooth and secure towing experience while avoiding potential legal and financial repercussions. Remember to stay informed, comply with regulations, and seek professional assistance when needed.

If you were injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle hauling a trailer, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Our experienced truck accident attorneys pursue claims for people injured in accidents involving tractor-trailers, smaller delivery trucks and passenger cars hauling trailers. Contact our Denver law firm to speak with an attorney at no cost about your case and your right to recover fair compensation for your damages.