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My DMV here in KY told me I did not have to have a license plate on my trailer no matter where in the country I pull it. They said the police have to follow the laws in the state its registered. Ive pulled into Tennessee but not on any long trips yet. Im wondering if anyone has been hassled due to not having a plate on their trailer? Had to pay $2.51 tax on the trailer. LOVE MY CAT Thanks Ed 2001 Pantera III 200 HP Merc EFI”Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by an unscrupulous main- stream media which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
I have dealt with Cali to Arkansas twice in two different forms. Both states are opposites in that Cali licenses the boat and not the trailer and Arkansas is just the opposite. Your dealer is correct. Chad Martin and I have had no problems handled 2 different ways- boat originating in Cali and boat originating in AR. Imagine the officer will look at origin of boat based on boat numbers and go from there-C.O.D. Jr. III
conan1 – I live in Alabama and we do not license a boat trailer as long as it is being pulled by an Alabama licensed vehicle. Things like RVs require their own tag. Go figure! I have been stopped in Texas by the state trooper one time on interstate 30 headed to Lake Fork. I simple told the trooper where I was from and the non-tag requirement. He said to have a nice day and went his merry way.
There are several states which do not register small trailers. Some would be required in states to be registered, though they do not realize the weights being pulled. Sort of an old standard that says if it is a boat trailer it is not required.
I live in Arkansas, but fish primarily in Oklahoma. Arkansas registers the boat and tags the trailer. Oklahoma registers the boat and “tags” the motor (no tag on trailer). I also lived in Oklahoma for a few years and fished in Arkansas quite a bit. Never had an issue pulling the boat in either state. Fort Smith is a border city, so we see a lot of Oklahoma trailers over here. Also have a lot of fishing friends in OK. Never heard of anyone being hassled by LEOs in either state because of the difference in tagging procedures. Just be sure you have everything that YOUR state requires, and you will be fine.
Im in the army and live in Missouri and my boat is still registered in KY and never had any issues at all08 Bass Cat Pantera IV 08 Mercury 200HP OPTI 08 NISSAN TITAN CC 4×4 07 POLARIS OUTLAW 500
Texas – Not the licensing or plate thing here, but a guy got a ticket in Texas, for not “crossing” their chains while having boat in tow. Watch out for those Texas Black n Whites….. http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubb … ost3651947
Thanks for all your replies. I didnt know the deal with crossing the chains??? I didnt know that was required. This forum and the people are just two of the reasons I have for and will never regret getting my BassCat. Thanks Ed 2001 Pantera III 200 Hp Merc EFI”Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by an unscrupulous main- stream media which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
The chain-crossing rule is stupid. A properly-sized safety chain, on a properly designed trailer tongue does not need to be crossed. It is a useful trick when towing a friends boat where his chains are a bit too long. The idea is that you do not want the tongue to hit the ground if the hitch comes off the ball, else it will dig in. IMHO all this rule does is sell an extra 6″ of chain to each trailer owner. 2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200
In the older days of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s crossing a chain would prevent the trailer from dropping down, as the chains were on the same higher plane with bumper hitches. The newer recessed hitches do not work geometrically the same, thus crossing chains often will not prevent the trailer from dropping today.
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