I am trying to find reliable information on towing laws for Alabama. As has been stated in this forum and others, the lists published by the private websites, e.g. hitchemup.com, towingworld.com, readybrake.com, etc., all differ amongst themselves. So what can one depend on?
I have been looking for an Alabama government site which has info on towing laws, but have found none. Don't states publish this type of information?
as good a place aas any to start is your district or regional Dept. of Public Safety. if you call be sure you make it clear you have questions regarding *recreational* towing laws else you may find yourself talking with someone about tow trucks, etc. click here for the Alabama DPS website. you're wise to question the websites that claim to have the most current informtion.
good luck to you.
73,
rich, n9dko www.bananaboatbytes.com
I know a guy who's addicted to brake fulid. He says he can stop anytime.
_________________________________
2000 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
'46 Willys CJ2A
'03 Jeep Wrangler TJ
'10 Jeep Liberty KK
All the laws relating to motor vehicles should be contained in one section of the state laws. Once you find that section, the search for specifics becomes relatively easy.
Here in Montana, it is MCA (Montana Code Annotated) 61-X-xxx. For instance, the section that describes the legal requirements for braking performance is MCA 61-9-312.
Your state government website should have a searchable database of all state laws. Find that database, and look for motor vehicle laws.
Good luck in your search.
CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
Other toad: '06 PT Cruiser, Kar Kaddy dolly
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2inAlabama wrote: I am trying to find reliable information on towing laws for Alabama. As has been stated in this forum and others, the lists published by the private websites, e.g. hitchemup.com, towingworld.com, readybrake.com, etc., all differ amongst themselves. So what can one depend on?
I have been looking for an Alabama government site which has info on towing laws, but have found none. Don't states publish this type of information?
Could you be a bit more specific in your question? Here is a good starting point:
"ALABAMA: Maximum RV width 102 in.; maximum motorhome length 45 ft.; maximum trailer length 40 ft.; maximum RV height 13.5 ft.; maximum combined length of two vehicles 65 ft. Triple towing is not allowed. Riding allowed in truck campers. Overnight parking in rest areas permitted where posted. RV Safety Requirements: At 3,000 lbs.: trailer brakes, flares and breakaway switch. Driving Laws: Wipers on/headlights on. Right turn on red permitted unless posted otherwise. All front-seat occupants must use seat belts; children under age 3 must be in child-restraint safety seats; ages 3-6 must wear seat belts. More Information: Department of Public Safety, RSA Criminal Justice Center, Bldg. C, 5th Fl., Suite C5-15, 301 S. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 31604. Emergency number: (334) 242-4395 *HP or *47 on cellular phones."
source: http://www.woodalls.com/articledetails.aspx?articleID=1195129
As to specific laws, you need to find a copy of the specific code in question. Most LEOs carry a small paperback state vehicle & traffic code book which they refer to when checking the state law.
Alabama has always been one of those "our way" states when it comes to the V&T laws. You would not believe some of the truck driving stories my father in law told from his experiences down there. Reciprocally was meaningless. Except for picking up a load of peanuts in Enterprise now and them, I tried to stay away from Alabama.
My questions have mostly to do with speed limits. Specifically, what is the legal speed limit for motorhomes on interstate highways when towing a car? When not towing? Do the general speed limit laws apply to motorhomes, whether towing or not?
Regarding the setup of my towed vehicle, if I am legal in Alabama shouldn't I be legal in other states due to reciprocity agreements?
Yes, I saw the Woodall's information, but I as said in my original post, how do you know which to trust since they all differ? That is why I am trying to get the information "straight from the horse's mouth". I thought that maybe someone here had already done that. Thx
2inAlabama wrote: My questions have mostly to do with speed limits. Specifically, what is the legal speed limit for motorhomes on interstate highways when towing a car? When not towing? Do the general speed limit laws apply to motorhomes, whether towing or not?
Regarding the setup of my towed vehicle, if I am legal in Alabama shouldn't I be legal in other states due to reciprocity agreements?
Yes, I saw the Woodall's information, but I as said in my original post, how do you know which to trust since they all differ? That is why I am trying to get the information "straight from the horse's mouth". I thought that maybe someone here had already done that. Thx
speed limits will be posted on the interstate. if there are dfferent limits for different types of vehicles then they will be posted as well. for example...here in illinois the speed limit was 65-mph for cars but 55-mph for motorhomes, vehicles towing trailers, etc. that law was changed so now everything but the large commercial trucks move at 65-mph, 55-mph near chicago, st. louis, etc.
you should be fine if your towing setup includes a break-a-way cable that activates the toad's braking system, safety chains and an electrical hookup for the toad's tail lights, blinkers and brake lights.
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