Are license plates required on trailers pulled by cars in NC? Here’s the law

North Carolina law requires all motor vehicles to have license plates.

License plates can confirm that a vehicle is registered, help law enforcement identify vehicles and make it easier to collect tolls and parking fees.

But does the law apply to trailers pulled by cars or trucks in North Carolina? What about rules for trailers having brake lights and turn signals? It depends on the type of trailer.

Here’s what to know.

Are license plates required on trailers pulled by cars in NC?

Licence plates are required on most trailers , according to NCTrailers.com .

Like cars, trailers have to be titled and registered in North Carolina , according to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles , but there are exceptions.

Trailers used for agricultural purposes or tow dollies do not have to be registered, NCTrailers.com says.

How to get a title and register your trailer

You’ll need the following documents to get a title and register your trailer, according to NCTrailers.com:

• A driver’s license

• Proof of liability insurance on the trailer

• Manufacturer’s certificate of origin

• Bill of sale

Fees vary by county, but generally include the highway use tax, which is 3% of the purchase price, a title fee of $66.75 and a registration fee of $32.25, according to NCDMV.

What lighting is required on trailers in NC?

North Carolina law also requires trailers that weigh more than 4,000 pounds to have brake lights and turn signals that are in “good working order” and visible from 500 feet away.

Trailers that weigh less than 4,000 pounds don’t need brake lights, but they must be equipped with two red rear reflectors with a diameter of at least three inches.

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