What Are The Trailer Laws in Georgia?

Towing a trailer in Georgia is subject to specific legal requirements designed to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and cargo on the road. Whether you’re hauling a small utility trailer, transporting equipment for work, or heading out on a weekend trip with a camper, understanding the state’s trailer laws is essential. Georgia regulates everything from registration and lighting to safety equipment and weight limits, and failing to follow these rules can lead to fines or unsafe driving conditions. In this guide, we’ll break down the key trailer laws in Georgia so you can tow with confidence and stay fully compliant.

Registration & Titling Requirements

The state has clear requirements for when trailers must be registered, titled, or inspected, and these rules vary depending on weight and use. Below is a breakdown of the key regulations to help ensure your trailer is fully compliant on Georgia’s roads.

Do Trailers Need to Be Registered in Georgia?

Yes, in most cases, you must register your trailer in Georgia to get a license plate, specifically if it exceeds certain weight thresholds. Trailers under 2,000lbs of shipping weight don’t need a title, but they still require registration and a tag to be used on public roads. 

Do Trailers Need Titles in Georgia?

Yes, you must have a title for your trailer in Georgia if it has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 3,000 pounds or more, or if it’s a newer model exceeding 2,000 pounds. 

Does My Trailer Need To Be Inspected in Georgia?

Yes, your trailer will likely need an inspection in Georgia. Commercial trailers, particularly those over 10,000 pounds used in interstate operations, must undergo annual DOT inspections. For state registration or titling, Georgia may also require a VIN verification using Form T-22B and, in some cases, a basic safety check. Additionally, commercial operators must complete daily Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), covering items like lights, brakes, tires, and coupling components to ensure the trailer is safe and road-ready.

Does My Trailer Need A Permit in Georgia?

Yes, most trailers in Georgia require a permit, such as registration and a license plate, and many heavier trailers must also be titled. Trailers over certain weight limits, such as those exceeding 2,000 pounds shipping weight or 3,000 pounds GVWR, generally need both a title and tags issued through your County Tag Office. While a few farm or very lightweight trailers may qualify for exemptions, nearly all others must display a plate to be legally used on public roads. Oversized or specialty loads may also need additional permits. Owners should be prepared to provide the necessary paperwork, such as a Bill of Sale or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), pay applicable fees, and note that homemade trailers require a VIN inspection and a state-issued serial plate.

Trailer Dimensions & Weight Restrictions

Georgia enforces specific trailer size and weight limits to ensure safe travel and prevent roadway damage. Knowing these restrictions, such as maximum width, height, length, and allowable weight, helps you stay compliant and avoid costly fines or travel interruptions.

Weight Limits

In Georgia, a typical 5-axle semi-truck is limited to a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds, though actual limits vary based on axle spacing and configuration. Single axles are generally capped at 20,340 pounds and tandem axles at 34,000 pounds, with non-interstate roads allowing slight weight tolerances and special permits enabling higher limits for certain setups.

Standard Commercial Truck Weight Limits:

• 5 Axles: 80,000 lbs (Interstate & Non-Interstate)
• 4 Axles: 70,000 lbs
• 2 or 3 Axles: 20,340 lbs per axle
• Tandem Axles: 34,000 lbs

Non-Interstate Exemptions & Tolerances:

• Georgia allows a 5% enforcement variance on non-interstate highways, permitting roughly 84,000 lbs before citations.
• Some configurations, such as 6-axle trucks, may reach 90,000 lbs with the proper permit.

For Smaller/Utility Trailers:

• Trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR must be equipped with brakes.
• All trailers must have functioning lights, reflectors, and safety chains for legal operation.

For more information on trailer weight, please visit our blog on How Much Does A Trailer Weigh. 

Trailer Size Requirement

Standard trailer dimensions in Georgia are maxed at 8 feet 6 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches tall, and 48 feet long for a single semi-trailer. Combined vehicle lengths or single-unit trucks pulling additional trailers follow separate limits, generally ranging between 60 and 100 feet in total. Anything exceeding these measurements or the 80,000-pound gross weight limit requires an oversize or overweight permit. Check our Trailer Size blog for more information. 

Lighting, Equipment, & Mirrors

Georgia requires trailers to have proper lighting and safety equipment, including tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, and safety chains, to ensure visibility and secure towing. Vehicles and trailers must also have adequate mirrors that provide a clear view of the roadway behind them, helping drivers maintain safe awareness while towing.

Do You Need Lights on a Trailer in Georgia? 

Yes, Georgia law requires every trailer to have working tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, and reflectors, particularly when operating at night or in poor visibility conditions. Your trailer lights must meet Georgia’s Code Title 40’s visibility and mounting standards, and even a single non-functioning or missing light can justify a traffic stop, making proper lighting essential for both legal compliance and safe towing. 

Safety Chains, Hitches, and Couplers

Towing a trailer involves more than simply hooking it up and hitting the road; it requires the right equipment, proper installation, and compliance with state safety laws. Georgia has specific requirements for trailer components such as hitches, couplers, safety chains, lighting, and mirrors to help prevent accidents and ensure safe travel. Understanding these basics not only keeps you legal but also protects you, your cargo, and everyone else on the road.

Safety Chains

Georgia law requires trailers to be equipped with safety chains or cables to prevent separation from the tow vehicle if the hitch fails. These chains must be strong enough for the trailer’s weight and properly crossed underneath the tongue to provide added stability and control. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) identifies safety chains as required equipment for safe and legal towing.

Hitches

A proper hitch system is mandatory when towing a trailer in Georgia and must include a hitch receiver, ball mount, and safety chains. State law requires all towing equipment to be securely installed, free from cracks or excessive wear, and appropriately rated for the trailer’s weight. Using a correctly sized and weight-rated hitch helps ensure safe operation and legal compliance.

Couplers

A trailer coupler is essential in Georgia, as it securely locks the trailer to the tow vehicle’s hitch ball. Georgia law and DDS guidance stress the importance of a properly sized, well-maintained coupler that shows no signs of damage or looseness. An improperly secured or worn coupler greatly increases the risk of trailer separation and roadway accidents.

Mirrors

You need proper mirrors when towing a trailer in Georgia, especially towing mirrors that extend your field of view to see at least 200 feet behind and align both sides of your vehicle. Standard mirrors are often blocked by the trailer, which makes additional mirrors necessary for safe operation. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-8-72, drivers must maintain a clear view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear when that view would otherwise be obstructed. Because towing a trailer obstructs rear visibility, properly adjusted towing mirrors are effectively a legal requirement to cover blind spots and ensure compliance.

Brake System Requirements in Georgia

In Georgia, vehicle brake systems must provide reliable stopping power, meeting state standards for braking distance, deceleration, and overall stability. Additionally, newer vehicles must comply with federal ABS requirements. This includes air-braked trucks and buses manufactured after 1997–98, as well as hydraulic-braked trucks and buses produced after 1999. Commercial vehicles and most trailers weighing over 3,000 pounds fall under stricter FMCSA rules that require brakes on all wheels. 

The newly adopted 2025 standards add mandatory roller brake testing or decelerometer checks for heavy commercial units. To remain compliant, brakes must have adequate pad or shoe thickness, fully functional hardware, no hydraulic or air leaks, and properly operating brake lights.

Wheel Requirements

In Georgia, wheel and tire regulations emphasize safe condition and performance, requiring a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch for most vehicles and 4/32 inch for the front tires of buses and commercial trucks, along with prohibitions on exposed cords, major cuts, separations, or improper inflation. Commercial vehicles must also meet additional standards, such as using mud flaps and, during severe winter weather, tire chains when needed for safe travel. 

License Plates & Driver Licensing in GA

In Georgia, most trailers must be titled and registered through your County Tag Office, which requires proof of ownership, such as an MSO or Bill of Sale, along with proper identification, fees, and, in some cases, a VIN inspection. A standard Class C driver’s license is sufficient for towing most utility, boat, and travel trailers. However, larger commercial trailers may require a CDL with specific endorsements like “S,” “T,” or “X.” While certain farm trailers may qualify for exemptions, the majority of utility, RV, and travel trailers must have a valid plate to operate legally on public roads.

Separately, Georgia’s teen licensing requirements under Joshua’s Law mandate 6 hours of professional driving instruction plus 40 hours of supervised practice before obtaining a Class D license.

License Plate & Registration Requirements

Where to Register: Your local County Tag Office.
What You Need (New Trailer):

• Manufacturer’s Statement/Certificate of Origin (MSO/MCO)
• Bill of Sale or purchase receipt
• Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID with current address
• VIN inspection (commonly required for homemade or modified trailers)
• Fees: $12 plate fee, Ad Valorem tax, and title fee when applicable

DIY Trailers: 

Must follow a special process, including a notarized T-23 Affidavit, Form T-22C, and receive a county-issued serial plate.

Plate Display:
Plates must be mounted on the rear, though the state allows front placement if rear mounting risks damage or loss.

Do You Need A CDL to Haul a Trailer in Georgia?

Yes, you need a CDL in Georgia if the Gross Combination Weight Rating of your truck and trailer exceeds 26,001 pounds, particularly when the trailer alone is rated 10,000 pounds, which requires a Class A CDL. You also need a CDL if you’re carrying 16 or more passengers, transporting hazardous materials, or operating oversized or specialized commercial loads. 

But, if the total combined weight remains under 26,001 pounds and the towing is strictly for non-commercial use, a standard Georgia license is usually enough. 

Do You Need Insurance for a Trailer in Georgia?

No, Georgia law typically does not require separate insurance for trailers being towed, as they are usually covered under the liability policy of the towing vehicle. That being said, having trailer insurance is strongly advised to protect against risks such as theft, physical damage, or gaps in liability coverage. Keep in mind that self-powered RVs and certain commercial trailers may be subject to different or additional insurance requirements.

Find A Trailer That Meets Georgia’s Legal Standards

Georgia-Compliant Trailers at A Local Dealer

Are you looking for a reliable trailer in Georgia that meets local requirements? Our experienced trailer dealer helps you find the right equipment, tilt deck, dump, flat deck, car hauler, or tiny home trailers, while ensuring full compliance with Georgia regulations. We work with contractors, business owners, and personal haulers to match the right trailer to your workload and budget, so you can haul with confidence knowing your setup is road-ready and compliant.