Towing Regulations: Trailer Requirements & Safe Towing Practices

Licence and Permit Requirements:

You must have a valid driver's licence (Class G1, G2 or G) or higher to tow a trailer with gross vehicle weight up to 4,600 kilograms. If your trailer and load exceeds size and weight specified in Highway Traffic Act, you may need a higher class licence or oversize vehicle permit.

It is against the law to tow more than one trailer behind non-commercial vehicles.

Trailer Registration:

A trailer is considered a separate vehicle. Before towing on any public road, you must register it and pay a one-time registration fee at ServiceOntario centre. You will receive a licence plate and vehicle permit. Attach licence plate to back of trailer where clearly visible. Always carry permit or copy to show police when asked.

Trailer Safety Requirements:

Your trailer must be in safe operating condition. If not, police may remove it from road until made safe.

Brakes: If trailer has gross weight of 1,360 kilograms or more, it must have brakes strong enough to stop and hold the trailer.

Lights Required:

• White licence plate light

• Red tail light

• Two red reflectors at rear, as far apart as possible

• If wider than 2.05 metres: two yellow clearance lights at front, two red clearance lights at rear

Mud guards, fenders and flaps required or designed not to spray traffic behind.

Trailer Hitch and Attachment:

Trailer must have two separate ways of attaching to vehicle so if one fails, trailer stays attached. If using safety chains, they must be crossed under tongue to prevent tongue dropping if primary hitch disconnects. Chain hooks must have latches preventing accidental detachment.

Use good-quality trailer hitch appropriate for gross weight of trailer. Hitch-ball should be installed level when trailer attached and tightened. If hitch pulls down rear of vehicle, may need load-equalizing hitch or shift load in trailer toward rear.

Loading Your Trailer:

Strap everything down inside and outside. Do not overload trailer. Generally, more trailer load should be in front of axle than behind for proper hitch weight. About 5-10% of trailer's total weight should be supported on hitch, within weight limit marked on hitch.

Poor load balance can cause trailer to sway or fishtail. Heavy and improperly placed loads can pull down rear of vehicle, lifting front end and affecting steering.

Safe Towing Techniques:

Before each trip, check trailer hitch, wheels, tires, lights, load distribution and security.

Curves and Turns: Stay close to middle of lane. For sharp right turns, move ahead until front wheels well ahead of curb before turning. For left turns, swing wide by driving well into intersection before turning.

Slowing and Stopping: Sudden stops can cause jackknifing or sliding. Increase following distance and avoid fast lanes. Maintain speed allowing smooth stops.

Passing: Cannot accelerate as quickly when towing. Need more space due to increased length. Allow more room before moving back to lane after passing.

Being Passed: If holding up traffic, pull over and let vehicles pass. Large trucks create strong air disturbance that may whip trailer sideways.

Backing Up: Back up very slowly with someone directing. Use series of small turns. To back right, steer left; to back left, steer right.

No Passengers: You may not carry any person in any trailer, including house or boat trailer, when being towed.

Towing Disabled Vehicles:

Use tow truck designed for towing. If must use another vehicle, use warning signals and attach vehicles securely. Someone must sit in disabled vehicle to use brakes. Don't tow vehicles with power braking/steering if engine cannot run.