Towing in Michigan: Safety Chains, Trailer Brakes, and Speed Limits

Towing rules are different from state to state, so it's worth knowing what Michigan's law actually says. We read the official text of the Michigan Vehicle Code for a few of the rules that come up most often when towing a utility, landscape, or equipment trailer. Here's a plain-English summary, with links to the source so you can read it for yourself.

Please note: this is a general summary, not legal advice. Laws change, and some rules have exceptions we don't cover here. Always check the current law at the Michigan Legislature website, linked below.

Safety chains are required

Michigan law says a trailer must be connected to the towing vehicle with suitable safety chains or devices, one on each side of the coupling, attached at the outer edge of the trailer. Each chain and its connection must be strong enough to haul the loaded trailer.

In practice, that means:

• Use both chains, every time
• Make sure the chains are rated for your loaded trailer
• Cross them under the tongue, and hook them securely to the tow vehicle

Source: MCL 257.721, Michigan Legislature

The trailer has to track straight

The same section says the coupling must keep the trailer tracking closely behind the tow vehicle. On a level, smooth, paved road, the trailer can't wander more than 3 inches to either side of the tow vehicle's path.

A worn coupler, a loose ball, or a badly loaded trailer can cause wandering and sway. Our guides to hitch basics and trailer sway can help.

Source: MCL 257.721

One trailer at a time (with a narrow exception)

Under the same law, a passenger vehicle or pickup truck can't tow more than one trailer on a Michigan highway. There's a narrow exception for certain pickups with a fifth-wheel hitch pulling a fifth-wheel camper plus one more trailer, with extra conditions on length and weight. For most people towing a utility or equipment trailer, the rule is simple: one trailer.

The law also says the drawbar or connection between the two vehicles can't be longer than 15 feet. Violating this section is a civil infraction.

Source: MCL 257.721

Trailer brakes

Michigan's brake law is detailed, and the rules depend on weight and when the trailer was sold. A few key points from the text:

• A trailer with a gross weight of 15,001 pounds or more must have brakes on all wheels that the driver can apply from the cab.
• A new trailer sold in Michigan generally must have brakes on all wheels. There is an exception for trailers under 3,000 pounds gross weight, as long as the trailer's weight doesn't exceed 40 percent of the towing vehicle's gross weight.
• In a combination with trailer brakes, there must be a way to apply the trailer brakes along with the tow vehicle's brakes.

The full section has more detail and exceptions, so read it if you're buying or building a trailer. Our guide to trailer brakes and brake controllers explains how the equipment works.

Source: MCL 257.705, Michigan Legislature

Speed limits when towing

Michigan's speed limit law sets a 65 mph limit on freeways and state trunk line highways posted higher than 65 for school buses, trucks with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more, and truck-tractors with trailers. The law doesn't set a separate towing speed for an ordinary passenger car pulling a trailer, so in that case the posted limit applies. If you drive a heavier truck, read the section to see how it applies to you.

The same law also has a "basic speed law": you must always drive at a careful, reasonable speed for the traffic, road, and conditions, and be able to stop within the clear distance ahead. With a heavy trailer behind you, that often means driving slower than the posted limit, especially in wind, rain, or snow.

Source: MCL 257.627, Michigan Legislature

Beyond the law: good habits

The law sets the minimum. Safe towing goes further:

• Run a pre-trip checklist every time
• Load about 60 percent of the weight in front of the axles
• Strap down every load and recheck after a few miles
• Leave extra room to stop

Our trailers

Our 24 ft flatbed has a 10,000 lb GVWR and needs a properly rated tow vehicle and a working brake controller. Our 18 ft landscape trailer has a 7,000 lb GVWR. Have questions about what your truck can tow? Check our Which Trailer Do I Need? guide or send us a message.

Sources checked on the Michigan Legislature website in October 2026. Follow us on Facebook for more towing tips.