WA Trailer Laws?

[cbzdel]

I hooked up my flat bed 4x8 utility trailer to go get some lumber and my lights are not lighting up, upon searching I have a short somewhere on the wire harness on my vehicle.

I went on google and came across some laws for a different state which said if you have a flatbed trailer and the lights on your vehicle are 100% visible you do not need trailer lights during the daylight hours.

I was unable to find anything for WA which was similar, meaning it probably doesnt exist here. But I though I was ask anyway.

I need to fix the harness either way but I really need to get this lumber as well, it may be faster just to rent a $20/hour truck at this point.

Read More

 

[jbett98]

Check the ground wire, that's the usual culprit when nothing lights up.
Most lumber companies deliver for a nominal fee.

 

[etrain16]

Check page 5 of this document - I don't see any exclusion listed for the tail lights - looks like they're required:

http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/docs/cvd/170_129.pdf

 

[Joe13]

For what it's worth, I have been told by state police that as long as the pulling vehicles tail lights are visible and it is during the DAY then it's ok.

I wouldn't recommend doing it often but in a pinch, it may be doable.

 

[Gunwheeler]

For what it's worth, I have been told by state police that as long as the pulling vehicles tail lights are visible and it is during the DAY then it's ok.

I wouldn't recommend doing it often but in a pinch, it may be doable.

Might be good o mention WSP can impound for defective tail lights.

 

[wichaka]

Liability factor if you get rear ended

 

[clearconscience]

Just like any load sticking out past your vehicle put something red on the back of the trailer like stapling a red flag/plastic/ shirt to a piece of wood.

I take stuff to the dump/ Mcfarlanes, etc all the time and I've never had an issue. But then again if they want a reason they can find one.