Community Forums

Bukiman · 08-15-2018, 09:42 AM

Are tags required on a car dolly ?, insurance ?

AZCactus · 08-15-2018, 09:51 AM

Check your state to be sure - but not required in Arizona, and many other states,(just not positive if there is an outlier out there). Separate insurance is also not required. Had a car tow dolly for years, and travel all over the USA.

Scarab0088 · 08-15-2018, 10:10 AM

No plate required in all the western states near us. Insurance should be an extension of the towing vehicles policy...good to be sure of that.

If you intend to travel to Canada, you will want to get the dolly a plate.

Over 15,000 miles on our dolly - no problems with the dolly or any of the cars we have brought along.

Best luck

charliez · 08-15-2018, 10:19 AM

Inlaws had one with no tags

zigzagrv · 08-15-2018, 10:22 AM

No tags required in PA. Just have bill of sale.

rk911 · 08-15-2018, 10:30 AM

no license plate required in illinois but you must have an aux brake if dollied vehicle weighs more than 3000-lbs. must have a break-away cable that auto engages aux brake if dollied vehicle weighs more than 5000-lbs.

Superburban · 08-15-2018, 10:36 AM

AS stated, depends on the state. I have seen plenty with tags, just don't recall what states. Back in Pa, things that the primary function is not to be a trailer, did not need tags. So things like log splitters, welders, air compressors, But I think dollies did have tags. Here in Co, everything needs tags. so I bet dollies also do, just do not recall seeing them. Everybody seems to do flat towing here.

Check with 3 different DMV's in your state, and you will likely get 5 different answers.

Fkrel · 08-15-2018, 10:53 AM

In minnesota no plate but you get a permanent plastic sticker that you stick on the tongue only pay for it once.

emiddleb · 08-15-2018, 11:01 AM

What I have found is that licensing is dependent upon the state, and you must be in compliance with your state laws. Then, reciprocity rules allow you to drive in all states and Canada as far as the licensing.

What is NOT subject to reciprocity is the towing rules (as opposed to licensing rules.) Different states and Canada have various rules about towing requirements (mostly about brakes, chains, break-away systems and lights) and those you must follow for where you are driving. So your home state may not require dolly brakes but your travels may take you to a locations where brakes are required, and you must have them to drive in that area. Reciprocity does not apply.

Forkyfork · 08-15-2018, 11:42 AM

Regardless of requirements I would at least carry insurance on it. Another member here posted about their mishap and the dolly is a total loss and wasn't covered by insurance. Im sure its not that expensive.

FL420 · 08-15-2018, 12:14 PM

Gary, the guy who makes and sells the American Car Dolly in Colorado told me he thoroughly researched the subject. He said the dolly doesn't meet the definition of a trailer so it is not considered a vehicle and it doesn't require a VIN or a title.

He identifies each dolly he manufacturers by welding a series of numbers and letters on the dolly tongue representing, IIRC, when it was made and by which employee. You can see part of the ID in the pic on my dolly.

Gary recommends each owner record and photograph the number in case it is stolen. My good pic is on my other phone.

Click image for larger version

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AudiDudi · 08-15-2018, 12:20 PM

No title, no registration in Montana.

twinboat · 08-15-2018, 01:39 PM

No title or tags in NY, NJ, or Florida.

Bukiman · 08-15-2018, 01:57 PM

Thanks for all the responses, so I gather I would need a plate in Canada ? or should I ask forgiveness and plead stupitity ? My wife says that'll be easy, not sure what she meant ??