Texas Requirements for Trailer Inspection And Registration
The State of Texas has a significant number of rules and requirements for trailers that travel down the state’s roads. For example, registration is required for all non-farm trailers that operate on public roads. This includes trailers that are built by trailer manufacturers or those that are built by hand at home. It is important for vehicle owners to know the rules for trailer inspection and registration and adhere to them in order to avoid fines and penalties for failing to abide by them.
Manufactured Trailer Inspection And Registration Requirements
Manufactured trailers with a gross weight that exceeds 4,000 pounds must be titled in order to be registered. In order to be titled, the individual must provide the manufacturer’s certificate of origin on new trailers. For used trailers with a gross weight over 4,000 pounds, a certificate of title is sufficient, and for used trailers under 4,000 pounds, a bill of sale plus the registration receipt is sufficient.
Trailers that have a gross weight that exceeds 4,500 pounds must pass an annual safety inspection. These inspections may require the owner to provide photographs of the trailer and to provide a weight certificate with their paperwork.
Homemade Trailer Inspection And Registration Requirements
Homemade trailers that have a gross weight in excess of 4,000 pounds must title their trailer. Individuals must provide proof of ownership. New trailers must be registered using form VTR-141.
Used trailers with a gross weight in excess of 4,000 pounds must have a certificate of title, and used trailers with a weight below or equal to 4,000 pounds must have a Bill of Sale plus the registration receipt. These can be submitted with Form 130-U.
The State of Texas does not require individuals to secure a Vehicle Identification Number on their homemade trailers unless they need to be titled. However, the state does advise trailer owners to get a VIN number because it can help with recovery in the event the trailer is stolen.
As with manufactured trailers, homemade trailers with a gross weight in excess of 4,500 pounds are required to pass an annual safety inspection, provide photographs, and secure a weight certificate certifying the trailer’s weight and capacity.
Farm Trailer Inspection And Registration Requirements
Farmers and ranchers in Texas that use their trailers to transport livestock, timber, or farm products qualify for farm registration. Farmers are not required to register these farm trailers or semi-trailers that have a gross weight that is equal to or less than 4,000 pounds. If the trailer exceeds this weight and is less than 34,000 pounds, farmers or ranchers can secure a farm trailer license.
In addition to carrying farm products, the trailer may be used to transport family members, farm employees, and materials used for farming purposes. However, under no circumstances may farmers or ranchers use the vehicle to secure or pursue gainful employment or payment for any non-farming or non-ranching purposes.
The fee is minimal for farm trailers and is currently $5 per year. Trailers with a farm license plate are exempt from the requirements of state inspection certificates. Individuals wishing to secure farm license plates for their trailer are required to submit form VTR-52A.
Area Trailer Sales and Rentals is your best choice for trailer sales and rentals in Amarillo, Lubbock and Odessa, Texas
Contact Area Trailer Sales and Rentals to learn more about the trailers we offer and their titling and registration requirements. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the trailer that meets the needs of your business, ranch, or farm.
No matter what kind of job you need to get done, Area Trailer Sales and Rentals in Amarillo, Lubbock and Odessa, Texas has a wide variety of inventory available to help you get the job done right. Contact us today to learn more about which trailer is best for your needs and if we have new, used or rental trailers available. Our customers are small and large businesses alike as well as independent operators who buy and rent trailers for every purpose imaginable from cargo transport to crop transport.
If you are looking to purchase or rent a trailer to make any job easier, call or visit Area Trailer Sales and Rentals in the Amarillo, Lubbock, or Odessa, Texas areas. Call Area Trailer Sales and Rentals TODAY (Amarillo (806) 331-2174, Lubbock (855) 862-7252 or Odessa (432) 561-9725). Check out our inventory online or stop-by one of our locations in Amarillo TX, Lubbock TX or Odessa TX. You can also connect with us via email. Whether you are looking for trailers for harvest, agriculture, construction or oilfield applications, we’ve got you covered. Rent a belt or dump trailer or buy a livestock or tank trailer. No matter what your needs are, we will find the right trailer for you at Area Trailer Sales and Rentals.
