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Trailering horses in Minnesota: which laws affect you?

Horse trailer
Before hauling your horse, understand which regulations apply to your vehicle.

Minnesota has its own state transportation laws that can vary from federal regulations. These state laws apply to everybody that operates a vehicle in Minnesota. Being aware of state laws and applying them are key to creating safe roadways. It’s important for you to understand how these laws affect you when trailering your horse around Minnesota.

Do you drive a commercial motor vehicle?

Commercial motor vehicles are defined as any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or combination of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds and meet one of the following.

  • Is used in commerce or business-related activity

  • Is placarded for hazardous materials

  • Fits the definition of a bus

If you drive a commercial motor vehicle, you must follow the appropriate regulations for the location(s) you travel (i.e. interstate or intrastate).

If you’re not in commerce or operation of a commercial motor vehicle, you are only bound to state laws and potentially a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

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Do you need a CDL to haul your horses?

Even if your vehicle isn’t a commercial motor vehicle, you may still need a CDL to haul your horses. Take the following steps to determine if you need a CDL in Minnesota.

  1. Check your truck’s GVWR. Is it over 26,000 pounds?

    1. If yes, you need a CDL

    2. If no, continue to step 2.

  2. Check your trailer’s GVWR. Does the combination of the truck’s and trailer’s GVWR exceed 26,000 pounds?

    1. If yes, continue to step 3.

    2. If no, you don’t need a CDL.

  3. Check your trailer’s GVWR. Is it over 10,000 pounds?

    1. If yes, continue to step 4.

    2. If no, you don’t need a CDL.

  4. Does your trailer have living quarters or temporary living quarters?

    1. If yes, continue to step 5.

    2. If no, you need a CDL.

  5. Are you in commerce or use your truck and trailer for business-related reasons?

    1. If yes, you need a CDL.

    2. If no, you don’t need a CDL.

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Do you have to stop at weigh stations?

If your vehicle’s or combination’s GVWR exceeds 10,000 pounds you must stop at the weigh station. All drivers are subject to weigh stations in Minnesota. Most weigh stations will take your vehicle’s weight as you enter. Lights will further direct you through the weigh station. If your truck and trailer meet the regulations you will be sent through a bypass lane. If your truck and trailer fail to meet regulations you will be directed to further inspection.

Weigh station regulations will vary by state. Always follow the listed regulations at each weigh station. Some states may have RV exemptions for weight stations. When traveling out of Minnesota, it’s a good idea to have a hard copy of Minnesota’s definition of RV as it may differ out of state.

There are six operating weigh stations in Minnesota.

Brakes and hitch ratings on your trailer

Trailers with a GVW or GVWR of 3,000 pounds or more is required by Minnesota state law to have the following.

  • Brakes adequate to stop and hold the vehicle

  • A break-away system

You should attach tethers in a break-away system directly to the towing unit, not to the chains or hitch itself. Minnesota law requires safety chains adequate to hold the vehicle.

Be aware and follow the ratings of your hitching components including

  • The hitch

  • The receiver

  • The ball

 Author: Minnesota State Patrol

Reviewed in 2021

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