Big4x4ride
03-25-2013, 04:00 PM
This is an often argued, and misunderstood item when it comes our hobby. This is the info that applies to us when hauling for PERSONAL RECREATIONAL use.
Trailer laws are not new, they have been around for years.. Enforcing them though has become a big issue lately. We can sit here and argue/complain all year long but its still a law.. These law enforcing "Tards"(as some people call them), are doing their job..
Noone cares what axles are under the trailer for inspection, they can be 100 lb or 100000 lb.. What matters is what the GVWR is. 4500 lbs and higher it gets an inspection plain and simple.. It doesnt matter what any dealer, salesman, cousin, neighbor or whoever says, the law is the law. To pass inspection it must meet this criteria:
Items of Inspection
05.06 Inspect All Trailers, Semitrailers, Pole Trailers, or Mobile Homes Exceeding 4,500 Pounds Actual Gross Weight or Registered Weight For: (Listed in suggested order of inspection) Refer to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, if required.
* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility on towing vehicle
1. Brakes (system) (If gross weight exceeds 4,500 pounds)
2. Tires
3. Wheel Assembly
4. Safety Guards or Flaps (if four tires or more on rearmost axle) Pole trailers exempt.
5. Tail Lamps (2)
6. Stop Lamps (2)
7. License Plate Lamp (1)
8. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
9. Turn Signal Lamps
10. Clearance Lamps
11. Side Marker Lamps
12. Side Reflectors
13. Side Marker Lamps and Reflectors (30 feet or more in overall length)
(Refer to Reference Section as per lighting diagrams and as applicable to the particular trailer being inspected.)
14. Serial or Vehicle Identification Number
501.032. ASSIGNMENT OF SERIAL NUMBER BY DEPARTMENT. (a) On proper application, the department shall assign a serial number to a house trailer, a trailer or semitrailer that has a gross vehicle weight that exceeds 4,0
00 pounds, or an item of equipment, including a tractor, farm implement, unit of special mobile equipment, or unit of off-road construction equipment on which: (1) a serial number was not die-stamped by the manufacturer; or (2) the serial number die-stamped by the manufacturer has been lost, removed, or obliterated. (b) The applicant shall die-stamp the assigned serial number at the place designated by the department on the house trailer, trailer, semitrailer, or equipment. (c) The manufacturer's serial number or the serial number assigned by the department shall be affixed on the carriage or axle part of the house trailer, trailer, or semitrailer. The department shall use the number as the major identification of the vehicle in the issuance of a certificate of title. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 502.166. FEE: TRAILER OR SEMITRAILER.
(a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a trailer or semitrailer is $25 plus an amount determined according to the vehicle's gross weight and tire equipment, as follows:Gross weightFee for each 100 pounds orin poundsfraction of 100 poundsEquipped withEquipped withpneumatic tiressolid tires 1-6,000$0.33$0.44 6,001-8,000 0.440.55 8,001-10,0000.550.66 10,001-17,0000.660.88 17,001 and over0.7150.99
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011
(b) The gross weight of a trailer or semitrailer is the actual weight of the vehicle, as certified by a public weigher or a license and weight inspector of the Department of Public Safety, plus its net carrying capacity.
(c) The net carrying capacity of a vehicle is the heaviest net load to be carried on the vehicle, but not less than the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity.
(d) The department may issue specially designed license plates for rental trailers and travel trailers that include, as appropriate, the words "rental trailer" or "travel trailer."
(e) In this section:
(1) "Rental fleet" means five or more vehicles that are:
(A) owned by the same owner;
(B) offered for rent or rented without drivers; and
(C) designated by the owner in the manner prescribed by the department as a rental fleet.
(2) "Rental trailer" means a utility trailer that:
(A) has a gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less; and
(B) is part of a rental fleet.
(3) "Travel trailer" means a house trailer-type vehicle or a camper trailer that is:
(A) less than eight feet in width or 40 feet in length, exclusive of any hitch installed on the vehicle; and
(B) designed primarily for use as temporary living quarters in connection with recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use and not as a permanent dwelling; provided that "travel trailer" shall not include a utility trailer, enclosed trailer, or other trailer not having human habitation as its primary purpose.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 545.410. TOWING SAFETY CHAINS.
(a) An operator of a passenger car or light truck may not draw a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or another motor vehicle unless safety chains of a type approved by the department are attached in a manner approved by the department from the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle to the drawing vehicle. This subsection does not apply to the drawing of a trailer or semitrailer used for agricultural purposes.
(b) The department shall adopt rules prescribing the type of safety chains required to be used according to the weight of the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or motor vehicle being drawn. The rules shall:
(1) require safety chains to be strong enough to maintain the connection between the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle and the drawing vehicle; and
(2) show the proper method to attach safety chains between the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle and the drawing vehicle.
(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, or house trailers that are equipped with safety chains installed by the original manufacturer before the effective date of the rules.
(d) This section does not apply to a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle that is operated in compliance with the federal motor carrier safety regulations.
(e) In this section, "safety chains" means flexible tension members connected from the front of a drawn vehicle to the rear of the drawing vehicle to maintain connection between the vehicles if the primary connecting system fails.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.113(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1357, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 545.409. DRAWBARS AND TRAILER HITCHES; SADDLE-MOUNT TOWING.
(a) The drawbar or other connection between a vehicle drawing another vehicle and the drawn vehicle:
(1) must be strong enough to pull all weight drawn; and
(2) may not exceed 15 feet between the vehicles except for a connection between two vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of structural nature that cannot readily be dismembered.
(b) An operator drawing another vehicle and using a chain, rope, or cable to connect the vehicles shall display on the connection a white flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square.
(c) A motor vehicle may not draw more than three motor vehicles attached to it by the triple saddle-mount method. In this subsection, "triple saddle-mount method" means the mounting of the front wheels of trailing vehicles on the bed of another vehicle while leaving the rear wheels only of the trailing vehicles in contact with the roadway.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
- - - Updated - - -
Sec. 547.304. APPLICABILITY.
(a) A provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with fixed electric lights does not apply to a farm trailer or fertilizer trailer registered under Section 504.504 or a boat trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less if the trailer is not operated at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a).
(b) Except for Sections 547.323 and 547.324, a provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with fixed electric lights does not apply to a boat trailer with a gross weight of less than 4,500 pounds if the trailer is not operated at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a).
(c) Except for Sections 547.323 and 547.324, a provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with lamps, reflectors, and lighting equipment does not apply to a mobile home if the mobile home:
(1) is moved under a permit issued by the Texas Department of Transportation under Subchapter D, Chapter 623; and
(2) is not moved at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a).
(d) A mobile home lighted as provided by this section may be moved only during daytime.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 280, Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2007.
Pretty interesting law regarding lighting here..
Sec. 547.322. TAILLAMPS REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or vehicle that is towed at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with at least two taillamps.
(b) A passenger car or truck that was manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one taillamp.
(c) Taillamps shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle:
(1) at a height from 15 to 72 inches; and
(2) at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable if a vehicle is equipped with more than one lamp.
(d) A taillamp shall emit a red light plainly visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the rear of the vehicle.
(e) If vehicles are traveling in combination, only the taillamps on the rearmost vehicle are required to emit a light for the distance specified in Subsection (d).
(f) A taillamp or a separate lamp shall be constructed and mounted to emit a white light that:
(1) illuminates the rear license plate; and
(2) makes the plate clearly legible at a distance of 50 feet from the rear.
(g) A taillamp, including a separate lamp used to illuminate a rear license plate, must emit a light when a headlamp or auxiliary driving lamp is lighted.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.323. STOPLAMPS REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two stoplamps.
(b) A passenger car manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one stoplamp.
(c) A stoplamp shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
(d) A stoplamp shall emit a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, that is:
(1) visible in normal sunlight at a distance of at least 300 feet from the rear of the vehicle; and
(2) displayed when the vehicle service brake is applied.
(e) If vehicles are traveling in combination, only the stoplamps on the rearmost vehicle are required to emit a light for the distance specified in Subsection (d).
(f) A stoplamp may be included as a part of another rear lamp.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.324. TURN SIGNAL LAMPS REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps that indicate the operator's intent to turn by displaying flashing lights to the front and rear of a vehicle or combination of vehicles and on that side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a passenger car or truck less than 80 inches wide manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960.
(c) Turn signal lamps:
(1) shall be mounted at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable on the front and on the rear of the vehicle; and
(2) may be included as a part of another lamp on the vehicle.
(d) A turn signal lamp shall emit:
(1) a white or amber light, or a color between white and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the front of the vehicle; or
(2) a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
(e) A turn signal lamp must be visible in normal sunlight at a distance of:
(1) at least 500 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is at least 80 inches wide; and
(2) at least 300 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is less than 80 inches wide.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.354. MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) A reflector shall be mounted:
(1) at a height from 24 to 60 inches; or
(2) as high as practicable on the permanent structure of the vehicle if the highest part of the permanent structure is less than 24 inches.
(b) A rear reflector may be:
(1) included as a part of a taillamp if the reflector meets each other requirement of this subchapter; and
(2) mounted on each side of the bolster or load, if the vehicle is a pole trailer.
(c) A clearance lamp shall be mounted, if practicable, on the permanent structure of the vehicle to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle, except that:
(1) a clearance lamp on a truck-tractor shall be mounted to indicate the extreme width of the cab; and
(2) a front clearance lamp may be mounted at a height that indicates, as near as practicable, the extreme width of the trailer if mounting of the lamp as otherwise provided by this section would not indicate the extreme width of the trailer.
(d) A clearance lamp and side marker lamp may be mounted in combination if each lamp complies with the visibility requirements of Section 547.355.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.401. BRAKES REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or combination of those vehicles shall be equipped with brakes that comply with this chapter.
(b) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is not required to have brakes if:
(1) its gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less; or
(2) its gross weight is heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds, and it is drawn at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.354. MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) A reflector shall be mounted:
(1) at a height from 24 to 60 inches; or
(2) as high as practicable on the permanent structure of the vehicle if the highest part of the permanent structure is less than 24 inches.
(b) A rear reflector may be:
(1) included as a part of a taillamp if the reflector meets each other requirement of this subchapter; and
(2) mounted on each side of the bolster or load, if the vehicle is a pole trailer.
(c) A clearance lamp shall be mounted, if practicable, on the permanent structure of the vehicle to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle, except that:
(1) a clearance lamp on a truck-tractor shall be mounted to indicate the extreme width of the cab; and
(2) a front clearance lamp may be mounted at a height that indicates, as near as practicable, the extreme width of the trailer if mounting of the lamp as otherwise provided by this section would not indicate the extreme width of the trailer.
(d) A clearance lamp and side marker lamp may be mounted in combination if each lamp complies with the visibility requirements of Section 547.355.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.401. BRAKES REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or combination of those vehicles shall be equipped with brakes that comply with this chapter.
(b) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is not required to have brakes if:
(1) its gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less; or
(2) its gross weight is heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds, and it is drawn at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.402. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BRAKES.
(a) Required brakes shall operate on each wheel of a vehicle except:
(1) special mobile equipment;
(2) a vehicle that is towed as a commodity when at least one set of the towed vehicle's wheels is on the roadway, if the combination of vehicles complies with the performance requirements of this chapter; and
(3) a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds drawn at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour, if the brakes operate on both wheels of the rear axle.
(b) A truck or truck-tractor that has at least three axles is not required to have brakes on the front wheels, but must have brakes that:
(1) operate on the wheels of one steerable axle if the vehicle is equipped with at least two steerable axles; and
(2) comply with the performance requirements of this chapter.
(c) A trailer or semitrailer that has a gross weight of 15,000 pounds or less may use surge or inertia brake systems to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a).
(d) Brakes shall be maintained in good working order and adjusted to operate on wheels on each side of the vehicle as equally as practicable.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.405. EMERGENCY BRAKES REQUIRED.
(a) A vehicle used to tow another vehicle equipped with air-controlled brakes shall be equipped with the following means, together or separate, for applying the trailer brakes in an emergency:
(1) an automatic device that applies the brakes to a fixed pressure from 20 to 45 pounds per square inch if the towing vehicle's air supply is reduced; and
(2) a manual device to apply and release the brakes that is readily operable by a person seated in the operator's seat and arranged so that:
(A) its emergency position or method of operation is clearly indicated; and
(B) its use does not prevent operation of the automatic brakes.
(b) In addition to the single control device required by Section 547.403, a vehicle used to tow another vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes shall be equipped with a second control device that:
(1) is used to operate the brakes on a towed vehicle in an emergency;
(2) is independent of brake air, hydraulic, or other pressure and independent of other controls, unless the braking system is arranged to automatically apply the towed vehicle's brakes if the pressure for the second control device on the towing vehicle fails; and
(3) is not required to provide modulated braking.
(c) Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a vehicle that tows another vehicle as a commodity when at least one set of wheels of the towed vehicle is on the roadway.
(d) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is equipped with air or vacuum brakes or that has a gross weight heavier than 3,000 pounds shall be equipped with brakes that:
(1) operate on all wheels; and
(2) are promptly applied automatically and remain applied for at least 15 minutes in case of a breakaway from the towing vehicle.
(e) A motor vehicle used to tow a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer equipped with brakes shall be equipped with service brakes arranged so that, in case of a breakaway of the towed vehicle, the towing vehicle is capable of stopping by use of its service brakes.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 548.051. VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION.
(a) A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home, registered in this state, must have the following items inspected at an inspection station or by an inspector:
(1) tires;
(2) wheel assembly;
(3) safety guards or flaps, if required by Section 547.606;
(4) brake system, including power brake unit;
(5) steering system, including power steering;
(6) lighting equipment;
(7) horns and warning devices;
( mirrors;
(9) windshield wipers;
(10) sunscreening devices, unless the vehicle is exempt from sunscreen device restrictions under Section 547.613;
(11) front seat belts in vehicles on which seat belt anchorages were part of the manufacturer's original equipment;
(12) tax decal, if required by Section 548.104(d)(1);
(13) exhaust system;
(14) exhaust emission system;
(15) fuel tank cap, using pressurized testing equipment approved by department rule; and
(16) emissions control equipment as designated by department rule.
(b) A moped is subject to inspection in the same manner as a motorcycle, except that the only items of equipment required to be inspected are the brakes, headlamps, rear lamps, and reflectors, which must comply with the standards prescribed by Sections 547.408 and 547.801.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1189, Sec. 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 548.052. VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION.
This chapter does not apply to:
(1) a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home moving under or bearing a current factory-delivery license plate or current in-transit license plate;
(2) a vehicle moving under or bearing a paper dealer in-transit tag, machinery license, disaster license, parade license, prorate tab, one-trip permit, antique license, temporary 24-hour permit, or permit license;
(3) a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home having an actual gross weight or registered gross weight of 4,500 pounds or less;
(4) farm machinery, road-building equipment, a farm trailer, or a vehicle required to display a slow-moving-vehicle emblem under Section 547.703;
(5) a former military vehicle, as defined by Section 502.275;
(6) a vehicle qualified for a tax exemption under Section 152.092, Tax Code; or
(7) a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued but that is not required to be registered.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.121(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 963, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1423, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 19.006, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Dates back to at least 2001, over 4500 lbs needs inspection.
Sec. 548.604. PENALTY FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates or moves a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home, or a combination of those vehicles, that is:
(1) equipped in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter; or
(2) in a mechanical condition that endangers a person, including the operator or an occupant, or property.
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 621.205. MAXIMUM LENGTH OF VEHICLE COMBINATIONS.
(a) Except as provided by this section, a combination of not more than three vehicles, including a truck and semitrailer, truck and trailer, truck-tractor and semitrailer and trailer, or a truck-tractor and two trailers, may be coupled together if the combination of vehicles, other than a truck-tractor combination, is not longer than 65 feet.
(b) A passenger car or another motor vehicle that has an unloaded weight of less than 2,500 pounds may not be coupled with more than one other vehicle or towing device at one time. This subsection does not apply to the towing of a disabled vehicle to the nearest intake place for repair.
(c) A motor vehicle, including a passenger car, that has an unloaded weight of 2,500 pounds or more may be coupled with a towing device and one other vehicle.
(d) In this section:
(1) "Passenger car" means a motor vehicle designed to transport 10 or fewer persons simultaneously.
(2) "Towing device" means a device used to tow a vehicle behind a motor vehicle by supporting one end of the towed vehicle above the surface of the road and permitting the wheels at the other end of the towed vehicle to remain in contact with the road.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 727.003. TIRE EQUIPMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE, TRAILER, OR TRACTOR; OFFENSE.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates or permits to be operated on a public highway a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or tractor equipped with:
(1) solid rubber tires less than one inch in thickness at any point from the surface to the rim; or
(2) pneumatic tires, one or more of which has been removed.
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
__________________
Regarding crossing trailer chains:
Texas Administrative Code
Next Rule>> TITLE 37PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS PART 1TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY CHAPTER 21EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE STANDARDS RULE §21.7Safety Chains (a) A person may not operate a passenger car or light truck while towing a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or another motor vehicle on a public highway unless safety chains of a type approved by the department are attached in a manner approved by the department from the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle to the towing vehicle. (b) Exceptions. (1) does not apply to trailers, or semitrailers, used for agricultural purposes. (2) does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, house trailers, or drawn motor vehicles operated in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. (3) does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, house trailers, or drawn motor vehicles which are equipped with safety chains installed by the original manufacture before the effective date of this section. (4) does not apply to fifth wheel or gooseneck semitrailers. (c) Definition of Terms. (1) House Trailer--A trailer or semitrailer: (A) which is designed, constructed, and equipped as a dwelling place, living abode, or sleeping place (either permanently or temporarily) and equipped for use as a conveyance on streets and highways; or (B) whose chassis and exterior shell is designed and constructed for use as a house trailer, as defined in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, but which is used instead permanently or temporarily for the services, or for any other commercial purpose except the transportation of property for hire or the transportation of property for distribution by a private carrier. (2) Light truck--Any truck with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity not to exceed 2,000 pounds and is intended to include those trucks commonly known as pickup trucks, panel delivery trucks and carryall trucks. (3) Motor Vehicle--A self-propelled or towed vehicle used to transport passengers or property upon a public highway. (4) Passenger car--A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, golf cart, light truck, or bus, designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons. (5) Safety chains--A series of metal links or rings connected to or fitted into one another, and are inclusive of the hooks, coupling devices, and other connections, necessary in the coupling together of a towing or towed vehicle. (6) Semitrailer--Every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle. (7) Trailer--Every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so connected that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle. (8) Truck--Every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for transportation of property. (d) Specifications for safety chains. (1) Two separate and individual safety chains shall be used simultaneously in all situations where safety chains are required. (2) The two safety chains will be of equal length, long enough to permit free turning of the vehicles without placing stress on the chains, and attached to the towing vehicle equidistant right and left of the point at which the vehicles are connected. They must be of appropriate length to allow for them to be crossed under the tongue, or connecting apparatus, of the towed vehicle in such a manner that they would prevent it from coming into contact with the road surface should the vehicles become detached. In no event will the safety chains be allowed to contact the road surface during movement of the vehicles. (3) Safety chains shall be of sufficient strength to prevent the vehicles from separating in the event the towed vehicle disengages from the towing vehicle under ordinary towing conditions. (4) Safety chains must be attached to either side of the tongue or connecting apparatus of the towed vehicle, equidistant forward and aft of the hitch or connector. They shall not be directly welded to the towed vehicle, but rather shall be connected by means of bolts, pins, or other secure connecting methods, that meet necessary strength requirements. (e) Enforcement Policy. When the use of safety chains are required in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, enforcement actions should be initiated against all persons apprehended who are operating a towing and towed vehicle in combination: (1) without both safety chains securely attached; (2) when safety chains are improperly attached to the degree that one or both are in contact with surface of the road; (3) when the failure of either or both safety chains or the manner in which they are attached allow the vehicles to become disconnected or allow the tongue or connecting apparatus of the towed vehicle to come into contact with the road surface during ordinary towing operations; or (4) when the failure of either or both safety chains or the manner in which they are attached results in an accident. Source Note: The provisions of this §21.7 adopted to be effective August 18, 1994, 19 TexReg 6116; amended to be effective March 7, 1996, 21 TexReg 1588; amended to be effective February 15, 2000, 25 TexReg 1128
And, for those that try to skirt the system with a farm tagged trailer:
Farm Trailer
An owner is not required to register a farm trailer or farm semitrailer that has a gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less. A vehicle owner may obtain a "FARM TRAILER" license plate for a farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a gross of more than 4,000 pounds but not more than 34,000 pounds. The fee for a "FARM TRAILER" license plate is $5.00 per year. A farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a "FARM TRAILER" license plate is exempt from the state inspection certificate requirements. "FARM TRAILER" license plates may only be used on farm trailers and farm semitrailers used exclusively to transport
seasonally harvested agricultural products or livestock from the place of production to the place of processing, market, storage: or
farm supplies from the place of loading to the farm.
This section also applies to:
a farm trailer or farm semitrailer owned by a cotton gin and used exclusively to transport agricultural products without charge from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage.
a trailer used exclusively to transport fertilizer without charge form a place of supply or storage to a farm.
a trailer used exclusively to transport cottonseed without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm or place of processing.
This section does not apply to a farm trailer or farm semitrailer that:
is used for hire; or
has metal tires operating in contact with the highway: or
is not equipped with an adequate hitch pinned or locked so that it will remain securely engaged to the towing vehicle while in motion; or
is not operated and equipped in compliance with all other law.
Trailer laws are not new, they have been around for years.. Enforcing them though has become a big issue lately. We can sit here and argue/complain all year long but its still a law.. These law enforcing "Tards"(as some people call them), are doing their job..
Noone cares what axles are under the trailer for inspection, they can be 100 lb or 100000 lb.. What matters is what the GVWR is. 4500 lbs and higher it gets an inspection plain and simple.. It doesnt matter what any dealer, salesman, cousin, neighbor or whoever says, the law is the law. To pass inspection it must meet this criteria:
Items of Inspection
05.06 Inspect All Trailers, Semitrailers, Pole Trailers, or Mobile Homes Exceeding 4,500 Pounds Actual Gross Weight or Registered Weight For: (Listed in suggested order of inspection) Refer to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, if required.
* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility on towing vehicle
1. Brakes (system) (If gross weight exceeds 4,500 pounds)
2. Tires
3. Wheel Assembly
4. Safety Guards or Flaps (if four tires or more on rearmost axle) Pole trailers exempt.
5. Tail Lamps (2)
6. Stop Lamps (2)
7. License Plate Lamp (1)
8. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
9. Turn Signal Lamps
10. Clearance Lamps
11. Side Marker Lamps
12. Side Reflectors
13. Side Marker Lamps and Reflectors (30 feet or more in overall length)
(Refer to Reference Section as per lighting diagrams and as applicable to the particular trailer being inspected.)
14. Serial or Vehicle Identification Number
501.032. ASSIGNMENT OF SERIAL NUMBER BY DEPARTMENT. (a) On proper application, the department shall assign a serial number to a house trailer, a trailer or semitrailer that has a gross vehicle weight that exceeds 4,0
00 pounds, or an item of equipment, including a tractor, farm implement, unit of special mobile equipment, or unit of off-road construction equipment on which: (1) a serial number was not die-stamped by the manufacturer; or (2) the serial number die-stamped by the manufacturer has been lost, removed, or obliterated. (b) The applicant shall die-stamp the assigned serial number at the place designated by the department on the house trailer, trailer, semitrailer, or equipment. (c) The manufacturer's serial number or the serial number assigned by the department shall be affixed on the carriage or axle part of the house trailer, trailer, or semitrailer. The department shall use the number as the major identification of the vehicle in the issuance of a certificate of title. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 502.166. FEE: TRAILER OR SEMITRAILER.
(a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a trailer or semitrailer is $25 plus an amount determined according to the vehicle's gross weight and tire equipment, as follows:Gross weightFee for each 100 pounds orin poundsfraction of 100 poundsEquipped withEquipped withpneumatic tiressolid tires 1-6,000$0.33$0.44 6,001-8,000 0.440.55 8,001-10,0000.550.66 10,001-17,0000.660.88 17,001 and over0.7150.99
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011
(b) The gross weight of a trailer or semitrailer is the actual weight of the vehicle, as certified by a public weigher or a license and weight inspector of the Department of Public Safety, plus its net carrying capacity.
(c) The net carrying capacity of a vehicle is the heaviest net load to be carried on the vehicle, but not less than the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity.
(d) The department may issue specially designed license plates for rental trailers and travel trailers that include, as appropriate, the words "rental trailer" or "travel trailer."
(e) In this section:
(1) "Rental fleet" means five or more vehicles that are:
(A) owned by the same owner;
(B) offered for rent or rented without drivers; and
(C) designated by the owner in the manner prescribed by the department as a rental fleet.
(2) "Rental trailer" means a utility trailer that:
(A) has a gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less; and
(B) is part of a rental fleet.
(3) "Travel trailer" means a house trailer-type vehicle or a camper trailer that is:
(A) less than eight feet in width or 40 feet in length, exclusive of any hitch installed on the vehicle; and
(B) designed primarily for use as temporary living quarters in connection with recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use and not as a permanent dwelling; provided that "travel trailer" shall not include a utility trailer, enclosed trailer, or other trailer not having human habitation as its primary purpose.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 545.410. TOWING SAFETY CHAINS.
(a) An operator of a passenger car or light truck may not draw a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or another motor vehicle unless safety chains of a type approved by the department are attached in a manner approved by the department from the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle to the drawing vehicle. This subsection does not apply to the drawing of a trailer or semitrailer used for agricultural purposes.
(b) The department shall adopt rules prescribing the type of safety chains required to be used according to the weight of the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or motor vehicle being drawn. The rules shall:
(1) require safety chains to be strong enough to maintain the connection between the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle and the drawing vehicle; and
(2) show the proper method to attach safety chains between the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle and the drawing vehicle.
(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, or house trailers that are equipped with safety chains installed by the original manufacturer before the effective date of the rules.
(d) This section does not apply to a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle that is operated in compliance with the federal motor carrier safety regulations.
(e) In this section, "safety chains" means flexible tension members connected from the front of a drawn vehicle to the rear of the drawing vehicle to maintain connection between the vehicles if the primary connecting system fails.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.113(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1357, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 545.409. DRAWBARS AND TRAILER HITCHES; SADDLE-MOUNT TOWING.
(a) The drawbar or other connection between a vehicle drawing another vehicle and the drawn vehicle:
(1) must be strong enough to pull all weight drawn; and
(2) may not exceed 15 feet between the vehicles except for a connection between two vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of structural nature that cannot readily be dismembered.
(b) An operator drawing another vehicle and using a chain, rope, or cable to connect the vehicles shall display on the connection a white flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square.
(c) A motor vehicle may not draw more than three motor vehicles attached to it by the triple saddle-mount method. In this subsection, "triple saddle-mount method" means the mounting of the front wheels of trailing vehicles on the bed of another vehicle while leaving the rear wheels only of the trailing vehicles in contact with the roadway.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
- - - Updated - - -
Sec. 547.304. APPLICABILITY.
(a) A provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with fixed electric lights does not apply to a farm trailer or fertilizer trailer registered under Section 504.504 or a boat trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less if the trailer is not operated at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a).
(b) Except for Sections 547.323 and 547.324, a provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with fixed electric lights does not apply to a boat trailer with a gross weight of less than 4,500 pounds if the trailer is not operated at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a).
(c) Except for Sections 547.323 and 547.324, a provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with lamps, reflectors, and lighting equipment does not apply to a mobile home if the mobile home:
(1) is moved under a permit issued by the Texas Department of Transportation under Subchapter D, Chapter 623; and
(2) is not moved at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a).
(d) A mobile home lighted as provided by this section may be moved only during daytime.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 280, Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2007.
Pretty interesting law regarding lighting here..
Sec. 547.322. TAILLAMPS REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or vehicle that is towed at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with at least two taillamps.
(b) A passenger car or truck that was manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one taillamp.
(c) Taillamps shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle:
(1) at a height from 15 to 72 inches; and
(2) at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable if a vehicle is equipped with more than one lamp.
(d) A taillamp shall emit a red light plainly visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the rear of the vehicle.
(e) If vehicles are traveling in combination, only the taillamps on the rearmost vehicle are required to emit a light for the distance specified in Subsection (d).
(f) A taillamp or a separate lamp shall be constructed and mounted to emit a white light that:
(1) illuminates the rear license plate; and
(2) makes the plate clearly legible at a distance of 50 feet from the rear.
(g) A taillamp, including a separate lamp used to illuminate a rear license plate, must emit a light when a headlamp or auxiliary driving lamp is lighted.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.323. STOPLAMPS REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two stoplamps.
(b) A passenger car manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one stoplamp.
(c) A stoplamp shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
(d) A stoplamp shall emit a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, that is:
(1) visible in normal sunlight at a distance of at least 300 feet from the rear of the vehicle; and
(2) displayed when the vehicle service brake is applied.
(e) If vehicles are traveling in combination, only the stoplamps on the rearmost vehicle are required to emit a light for the distance specified in Subsection (d).
(f) A stoplamp may be included as a part of another rear lamp.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.324. TURN SIGNAL LAMPS REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps that indicate the operator's intent to turn by displaying flashing lights to the front and rear of a vehicle or combination of vehicles and on that side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a passenger car or truck less than 80 inches wide manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960.
(c) Turn signal lamps:
(1) shall be mounted at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable on the front and on the rear of the vehicle; and
(2) may be included as a part of another lamp on the vehicle.
(d) A turn signal lamp shall emit:
(1) a white or amber light, or a color between white and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the front of the vehicle; or
(2) a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
(e) A turn signal lamp must be visible in normal sunlight at a distance of:
(1) at least 500 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is at least 80 inches wide; and
(2) at least 300 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is less than 80 inches wide.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.354. MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) A reflector shall be mounted:
(1) at a height from 24 to 60 inches; or
(2) as high as practicable on the permanent structure of the vehicle if the highest part of the permanent structure is less than 24 inches.
(b) A rear reflector may be:
(1) included as a part of a taillamp if the reflector meets each other requirement of this subchapter; and
(2) mounted on each side of the bolster or load, if the vehicle is a pole trailer.
(c) A clearance lamp shall be mounted, if practicable, on the permanent structure of the vehicle to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle, except that:
(1) a clearance lamp on a truck-tractor shall be mounted to indicate the extreme width of the cab; and
(2) a front clearance lamp may be mounted at a height that indicates, as near as practicable, the extreme width of the trailer if mounting of the lamp as otherwise provided by this section would not indicate the extreme width of the trailer.
(d) A clearance lamp and side marker lamp may be mounted in combination if each lamp complies with the visibility requirements of Section 547.355.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.401. BRAKES REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or combination of those vehicles shall be equipped with brakes that comply with this chapter.
(b) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is not required to have brakes if:
(1) its gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less; or
(2) its gross weight is heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds, and it is drawn at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.354. MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) A reflector shall be mounted:
(1) at a height from 24 to 60 inches; or
(2) as high as practicable on the permanent structure of the vehicle if the highest part of the permanent structure is less than 24 inches.
(b) A rear reflector may be:
(1) included as a part of a taillamp if the reflector meets each other requirement of this subchapter; and
(2) mounted on each side of the bolster or load, if the vehicle is a pole trailer.
(c) A clearance lamp shall be mounted, if practicable, on the permanent structure of the vehicle to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle, except that:
(1) a clearance lamp on a truck-tractor shall be mounted to indicate the extreme width of the cab; and
(2) a front clearance lamp may be mounted at a height that indicates, as near as practicable, the extreme width of the trailer if mounting of the lamp as otherwise provided by this section would not indicate the extreme width of the trailer.
(d) A clearance lamp and side marker lamp may be mounted in combination if each lamp complies with the visibility requirements of Section 547.355.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.401. BRAKES REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or combination of those vehicles shall be equipped with brakes that comply with this chapter.
(b) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is not required to have brakes if:
(1) its gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less; or
(2) its gross weight is heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds, and it is drawn at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.402. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BRAKES.
(a) Required brakes shall operate on each wheel of a vehicle except:
(1) special mobile equipment;
(2) a vehicle that is towed as a commodity when at least one set of the towed vehicle's wheels is on the roadway, if the combination of vehicles complies with the performance requirements of this chapter; and
(3) a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds drawn at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour, if the brakes operate on both wheels of the rear axle.
(b) A truck or truck-tractor that has at least three axles is not required to have brakes on the front wheels, but must have brakes that:
(1) operate on the wheels of one steerable axle if the vehicle is equipped with at least two steerable axles; and
(2) comply with the performance requirements of this chapter.
(c) A trailer or semitrailer that has a gross weight of 15,000 pounds or less may use surge or inertia brake systems to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a).
(d) Brakes shall be maintained in good working order and adjusted to operate on wheels on each side of the vehicle as equally as practicable.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 547.405. EMERGENCY BRAKES REQUIRED.
(a) A vehicle used to tow another vehicle equipped with air-controlled brakes shall be equipped with the following means, together or separate, for applying the trailer brakes in an emergency:
(1) an automatic device that applies the brakes to a fixed pressure from 20 to 45 pounds per square inch if the towing vehicle's air supply is reduced; and
(2) a manual device to apply and release the brakes that is readily operable by a person seated in the operator's seat and arranged so that:
(A) its emergency position or method of operation is clearly indicated; and
(B) its use does not prevent operation of the automatic brakes.
(b) In addition to the single control device required by Section 547.403, a vehicle used to tow another vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes shall be equipped with a second control device that:
(1) is used to operate the brakes on a towed vehicle in an emergency;
(2) is independent of brake air, hydraulic, or other pressure and independent of other controls, unless the braking system is arranged to automatically apply the towed vehicle's brakes if the pressure for the second control device on the towing vehicle fails; and
(3) is not required to provide modulated braking.
(c) Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a vehicle that tows another vehicle as a commodity when at least one set of wheels of the towed vehicle is on the roadway.
(d) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is equipped with air or vacuum brakes or that has a gross weight heavier than 3,000 pounds shall be equipped with brakes that:
(1) operate on all wheels; and
(2) are promptly applied automatically and remain applied for at least 15 minutes in case of a breakaway from the towing vehicle.
(e) A motor vehicle used to tow a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer equipped with brakes shall be equipped with service brakes arranged so that, in case of a breakaway of the towed vehicle, the towing vehicle is capable of stopping by use of its service brakes.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 548.051. VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION.
(a) A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home, registered in this state, must have the following items inspected at an inspection station or by an inspector:
(1) tires;
(2) wheel assembly;
(3) safety guards or flaps, if required by Section 547.606;
(4) brake system, including power brake unit;
(5) steering system, including power steering;
(6) lighting equipment;
(7) horns and warning devices;
( mirrors;
(9) windshield wipers;
(10) sunscreening devices, unless the vehicle is exempt from sunscreen device restrictions under Section 547.613;
(11) front seat belts in vehicles on which seat belt anchorages were part of the manufacturer's original equipment;
(12) tax decal, if required by Section 548.104(d)(1);
(13) exhaust system;
(14) exhaust emission system;
(15) fuel tank cap, using pressurized testing equipment approved by department rule; and
(16) emissions control equipment as designated by department rule.
(b) A moped is subject to inspection in the same manner as a motorcycle, except that the only items of equipment required to be inspected are the brakes, headlamps, rear lamps, and reflectors, which must comply with the standards prescribed by Sections 547.408 and 547.801.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1189, Sec. 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 548.052. VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION.
This chapter does not apply to:
(1) a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home moving under or bearing a current factory-delivery license plate or current in-transit license plate;
(2) a vehicle moving under or bearing a paper dealer in-transit tag, machinery license, disaster license, parade license, prorate tab, one-trip permit, antique license, temporary 24-hour permit, or permit license;
(3) a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home having an actual gross weight or registered gross weight of 4,500 pounds or less;
(4) farm machinery, road-building equipment, a farm trailer, or a vehicle required to display a slow-moving-vehicle emblem under Section 547.703;
(5) a former military vehicle, as defined by Section 502.275;
(6) a vehicle qualified for a tax exemption under Section 152.092, Tax Code; or
(7) a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued but that is not required to be registered.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.121(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 963, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1423, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 19.006, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Dates back to at least 2001, over 4500 lbs needs inspection.
Sec. 548.604. PENALTY FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates or moves a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home, or a combination of those vehicles, that is:
(1) equipped in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter; or
(2) in a mechanical condition that endangers a person, including the operator or an occupant, or property.
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 621.205. MAXIMUM LENGTH OF VEHICLE COMBINATIONS.
(a) Except as provided by this section, a combination of not more than three vehicles, including a truck and semitrailer, truck and trailer, truck-tractor and semitrailer and trailer, or a truck-tractor and two trailers, may be coupled together if the combination of vehicles, other than a truck-tractor combination, is not longer than 65 feet.
(b) A passenger car or another motor vehicle that has an unloaded weight of less than 2,500 pounds may not be coupled with more than one other vehicle or towing device at one time. This subsection does not apply to the towing of a disabled vehicle to the nearest intake place for repair.
(c) A motor vehicle, including a passenger car, that has an unloaded weight of 2,500 pounds or more may be coupled with a towing device and one other vehicle.
(d) In this section:
(1) "Passenger car" means a motor vehicle designed to transport 10 or fewer persons simultaneously.
(2) "Towing device" means a device used to tow a vehicle behind a motor vehicle by supporting one end of the towed vehicle above the surface of the road and permitting the wheels at the other end of the towed vehicle to remain in contact with the road.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 727.003. TIRE EQUIPMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE, TRAILER, OR TRACTOR; OFFENSE.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates or permits to be operated on a public highway a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or tractor equipped with:
(1) solid rubber tires less than one inch in thickness at any point from the surface to the rim; or
(2) pneumatic tires, one or more of which has been removed.
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
__________________
Regarding crossing trailer chains:
Texas Administrative Code
Next Rule>> TITLE 37PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS PART 1TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY CHAPTER 21EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE STANDARDS RULE §21.7Safety Chains (a) A person may not operate a passenger car or light truck while towing a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or another motor vehicle on a public highway unless safety chains of a type approved by the department are attached in a manner approved by the department from the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle to the towing vehicle. (b) Exceptions. (1) does not apply to trailers, or semitrailers, used for agricultural purposes. (2) does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, house trailers, or drawn motor vehicles operated in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. (3) does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, house trailers, or drawn motor vehicles which are equipped with safety chains installed by the original manufacture before the effective date of this section. (4) does not apply to fifth wheel or gooseneck semitrailers. (c) Definition of Terms. (1) House Trailer--A trailer or semitrailer: (A) which is designed, constructed, and equipped as a dwelling place, living abode, or sleeping place (either permanently or temporarily) and equipped for use as a conveyance on streets and highways; or (B) whose chassis and exterior shell is designed and constructed for use as a house trailer, as defined in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, but which is used instead permanently or temporarily for the services, or for any other commercial purpose except the transportation of property for hire or the transportation of property for distribution by a private carrier. (2) Light truck--Any truck with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity not to exceed 2,000 pounds and is intended to include those trucks commonly known as pickup trucks, panel delivery trucks and carryall trucks. (3) Motor Vehicle--A self-propelled or towed vehicle used to transport passengers or property upon a public highway. (4) Passenger car--A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, golf cart, light truck, or bus, designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons. (5) Safety chains--A series of metal links or rings connected to or fitted into one another, and are inclusive of the hooks, coupling devices, and other connections, necessary in the coupling together of a towing or towed vehicle. (6) Semitrailer--Every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle. (7) Trailer--Every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so connected that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle. (8) Truck--Every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for transportation of property. (d) Specifications for safety chains. (1) Two separate and individual safety chains shall be used simultaneously in all situations where safety chains are required. (2) The two safety chains will be of equal length, long enough to permit free turning of the vehicles without placing stress on the chains, and attached to the towing vehicle equidistant right and left of the point at which the vehicles are connected. They must be of appropriate length to allow for them to be crossed under the tongue, or connecting apparatus, of the towed vehicle in such a manner that they would prevent it from coming into contact with the road surface should the vehicles become detached. In no event will the safety chains be allowed to contact the road surface during movement of the vehicles. (3) Safety chains shall be of sufficient strength to prevent the vehicles from separating in the event the towed vehicle disengages from the towing vehicle under ordinary towing conditions. (4) Safety chains must be attached to either side of the tongue or connecting apparatus of the towed vehicle, equidistant forward and aft of the hitch or connector. They shall not be directly welded to the towed vehicle, but rather shall be connected by means of bolts, pins, or other secure connecting methods, that meet necessary strength requirements. (e) Enforcement Policy. When the use of safety chains are required in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, enforcement actions should be initiated against all persons apprehended who are operating a towing and towed vehicle in combination: (1) without both safety chains securely attached; (2) when safety chains are improperly attached to the degree that one or both are in contact with surface of the road; (3) when the failure of either or both safety chains or the manner in which they are attached allow the vehicles to become disconnected or allow the tongue or connecting apparatus of the towed vehicle to come into contact with the road surface during ordinary towing operations; or (4) when the failure of either or both safety chains or the manner in which they are attached results in an accident. Source Note: The provisions of this §21.7 adopted to be effective August 18, 1994, 19 TexReg 6116; amended to be effective March 7, 1996, 21 TexReg 1588; amended to be effective February 15, 2000, 25 TexReg 1128
And, for those that try to skirt the system with a farm tagged trailer:
Farm Trailer
An owner is not required to register a farm trailer or farm semitrailer that has a gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less. A vehicle owner may obtain a "FARM TRAILER" license plate for a farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a gross of more than 4,000 pounds but not more than 34,000 pounds. The fee for a "FARM TRAILER" license plate is $5.00 per year. A farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a "FARM TRAILER" license plate is exempt from the state inspection certificate requirements. "FARM TRAILER" license plates may only be used on farm trailers and farm semitrailers used exclusively to transport
seasonally harvested agricultural products or livestock from the place of production to the place of processing, market, storage: or
farm supplies from the place of loading to the farm.
This section also applies to:
a farm trailer or farm semitrailer owned by a cotton gin and used exclusively to transport agricultural products without charge from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage.
a trailer used exclusively to transport fertilizer without charge form a place of supply or storage to a farm.
a trailer used exclusively to transport cottonseed without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm or place of processing.
This section does not apply to a farm trailer or farm semitrailer that:
is used for hire; or
has metal tires operating in contact with the highway: or
is not equipped with an adequate hitch pinned or locked so that it will remain securely engaged to the towing vehicle while in motion; or
is not operated and equipped in compliance with all other law.