Towing Laws in Wisconsin (2026): Your Complete Roadmap
Most people think towing is simple. Hook up a trailer and go, right? Wrong. Wisconsin has strict towing laws that cover everything from trailer brakes to private property tows. Breaking these rules can cost you hundreds of dollars in fines or even land your car in an impound lot.
Let’s break down exactly what you need to know to stay legal and safe on Wisconsin roads.
What Does Wisconsin Towing Law Cover?
Towing laws in Wisconsin fall into two main categories. First, there are trailer towing laws that cover recreational vehicles, boats, and cargo trailers. Second, there are private property towing laws that deal with unauthorized vehicles being removed from parking lots and rental properties.
Think of it like two different rule books. One tells you how to legally pull a trailer down the highway. The other explains when someone can legally tow your car away.
Both matter. Honestly, both can hit your wallet hard if you get them wrong.
Basic Trailer Towing Requirements
Registration and Titling
You need to register your trailer with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation before you can use it on public roads. Pretty straightforward. If your trailer weighs over 3,000 pounds, you also need a title for it.
The registration must be current. An expired registration can get you ticketed just like driving a car with expired plates.
Safety Equipment Requirements
Wisconsin law requires specific safety features on all trailers. Safety chains or cables are mandatory on every trailer. These must be attached in a crisscross pattern under the hitch to catch the trailer tongue if the main hitch fails.
You need two separate chains. Not one. Two. They should have just enough slack to allow turning but not so much that the drawbar hits the ground if something disconnects.
The only exception? Semitrailers with a fifth wheel and kingpin assembly don’t need safety chains. But if you’re pulling a regular trailer, those chains are non-negotiable.
Hitch and Coupling Standards
Your hitch and coupling must be strong enough to handle the trailer’s weight. The hitch attaches to your towing vehicle. The coupling attaches to your trailer. Both must prevent dangerous side swing or wobble.
The drawbar or connection between your vehicles cannot exceed 12 feet in length. This keeps your setup manageable and safer for everyone on the road.
Here’s where it gets important. Your hitch needs regular inspection for wear and damage. A failing hitch isn’t just dangerous. It’s illegal if it can’t safely hold your trailer.
Brake Requirements
Wondering if your trailer needs brakes? Here’s the rule. If your trailer and its load weigh more than 3,000 pounds, you must have working brakes on the trailer.
You also need trailer brakes if the trailer’s gross weight exceeds the empty weight of your towing vehicle. This prevents situations where your trailer is heavier than your truck.
The brakes must be functional. They must work independently if the trailer detaches from your vehicle. This isn’t just about stopping power. It’s about controlling a runaway trailer.
Lighting Requirements
Your trailer needs proper lighting for visibility and safety. Taillights and brake lights must be visible from at least 500 feet away.
Turn signals are required if the trailer blocks the turn signals on your towing vehicle. Most trailers need them. Red reflectors go on the rear. Amber reflectors go on the sides.
Don’t forget the license plate light. You need a white light that illuminates your trailer’s license plate at night. Without it, you’re breaking the law.
Size and Weight Limits
Length Restrictions
Single vehicles and loads cannot exceed 45 feet in length. For a combination of two vehicles and load, the maximum is 70 feet total.
Three-vehicle combinations are allowed under specific conditions. Recreational vehicle setups can reach 65 feet or even 70 feet if they meet certain requirements. The lighter towed vehicle must be third in line unless that’s structurally impossible.
These combinations have restrictions though. You can’t operate them in heavy snow, freezing rain, icy conditions, high winds, or limited visibility.
Width and Height Limits
Maximum width is 8 feet, 6 inches. This applies to your vehicle and load combined. Certain safety devices like mirrors and turn signals don’t count toward this limit.
Maximum height is 13 feet, 6 inches for most vehicles and loads. Go over this and you need a special permit.
Weight Guidelines
Wisconsin sets weight limits based on axle configuration and road class. Standard gross vehicle weight limit is 80,000 pounds. Individual axles max out at 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles can handle up to 34,000 pounds.
Class B highways have reduced weight limits. These are 60 percent of the normal legal weight limitations. Not all Class B highways are posted, so check with local authorities if you’re hauling heavy loads.
Load Securement Rules
All cargo must be secured properly. Items can’t shift while you’re driving. Boats must be attached at both bow and stern with strong connections.
Sound complicated? It’s actually not. The goal is simple. Nothing should move or fall off your trailer while you’re on the road.
If your load extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear of your trailer, you must mark it. Use a red flag during daylight hours. Use a red light visible from 500 feet at night.
The load must create at least 35 pounds of weight at the hitch connection point. This prevents the trailer from bouncing or becoming unstable.
Private Property Towing Laws
When Can Your Car Be Towed?
Property owners in Wisconsin can have unauthorized vehicles towed from their property. But they have to follow specific rules.
If the property has proper signage, they can tow immediately without a ticket. If there’s no sign, they must have law enforcement ticket the vehicle first before towing it.
Landlords can also tow cars from rental properties. They can do this whether or not they’ve posted tow-away signs. The sign just determines if police need to ticket the car first.
Signage Requirements
Proper tow-away signs must be at least 12 inches by 18 inches. The lettering must be at least 2 inches high. These signs must clearly state that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Signs must be placed at each vehicular entrance to the property. They also need to be visible from where vehicles park. The bottom of the sign must be at least 4 feet above the parking surface.
Without proper signage, the towing company or property owner might be liable for costs. This is a big deal for property owners trying to control their parking.
Towing Company Notification Rules
Before towing any vehicle from private property, the towing company must notify local law enforcement. They need to report the make, model, vehicle identification number, and license plate number.
They also must tell police where the vehicle will be stored. This notification must happen before the tow. No notification means the towing company can’t collect any fees.
Law enforcement agencies tell towing companies how they want to be notified. Usually it’s the non-emergency line for local police or the sheriff’s department.
Maximum Fees for Private Property Tows
Wisconsin sets strict limits on what towing companies can charge. For removal using any method (flatbed, wheel-lift, boom), the maximum is $150.
Storage costs are capped too. Outdoor storage costs $25 per 24-hour period. Indoor storage costs $35 per 24-hour period.
There’s one catch though. If the storage facility is open less than 4 hours on a given day, they can’t charge for that day.
The municipality can also request a service fee of up to $35. The towing company collects this from you and sends it to the city.
Getting Your Vehicle Back
If your car gets towed, the towing company must release your personal property from inside the vehicle. This happens during regular business hours when you show proper ID.
They can’t charge you to get your personal items. But here’s the thing. If you remove your property without paying the tow bill, your vehicle is considered abandoned unless you sign a payment agreement.
The towing company can impound your vehicle until you pay. If you don’t pay within 30 days and haven’t made a payment arrangement, they can dispose of your car as abandoned.
Operating Conditions and Speed
Wisconsin doesn’t impose separate speed limits for vehicles towing trailers. The regular speed limits apply. However, you’re expected to adjust your speed for conditions.
Road conditions matter. Trailer size matters. Load weight matters. If conditions are bad, slow down. Common sense applies here.
Your towing vehicle must be able to handle the trailer safely. If you can’t maintain control or stop safely, you’re going too fast.
Special Situations
Three-Vehicle Combinations
Select three-vehicle trains are allowed without permits. These include combinations of cars, campers, boats, and recreational trailers.
But they must meet specific requirements. Total length can’t exceed 65 or 70 feet depending on setup. If the combined weight of towed vehicles exceeds 3,000 pounds, one needs brakes.
Weather restrictions apply. Don’t operate these combinations in heavy snow, ice, high winds, or poor visibility.
Double Towing
Double towing (pulling two trailers) is generally prohibited in Wisconsin. There are exceptions for recreational vehicle setups under specific conditions.
If you think you might qualify for an exception, check with WisDOT first. Don’t guess. The rules are complicated and the penalties aren’t worth the risk.
Disabled Vehicles
If you’re towing a disabled vehicle on the highway, different rules may apply. Law enforcement or the property owner can request the tow. The towing service must follow the same notification and fee requirements.
Penalties and Consequences
Traffic Violations
Violating size and load limitations can result in fines. The exact amount varies based on the specific violation. Parking violations on private property start at $20 for the first offense.
Second offenses within a year jump to $50 or more. These add up quickly if you’re a repeat offender.
Illegal Towing Practices
Towing companies that fail to follow the rules face serious consequences. If they don’t notify law enforcement before towing, they can’t collect any fees from the vehicle owner.
Charging excessive fees or towing without proper authorization is prohibited. These are considered predatory towing practices in Wisconsin.
Property owners who tow without proper signage may be liable for the costs. This protects vehicle owners from unfair towing.
Weight Violations
Operating overweight vehicles can lead to significant fines. Traffic officers can stop and weigh vehicles. If you’re over the limit, they can require you to remove excess load before continuing.
Overweight violations go on your record. Courts report these convictions. If you’re a commercial operator, this can affect your business.
How to Stay Compliant
Before You Tow
Inspect your trailer before every trip. Check brakes, lights, hitch, and tires. Make sure your safety chains are properly attached.
Verify your trailer is properly registered. Keep your registration documents in your vehicle.
Calculate your total weight including cargo. Make sure you’re within legal limits and your vehicle can handle the load.
Plan Your Route
Know which roads have weight restrictions. Some county and local roads have Class B designations with reduced weight limits.
These aren’t always posted. When in doubt, contact local authorities to verify weight limits before you travel.
Avoid routes that restrict trailers if you’re hauling oversized loads. Plan around construction zones and low bridges.
Adjust for Weather
Wisconsin weather can change fast. Rain, snow, and ice require extra caution when towing.
Reduce your speed in bad weather. Increase your following distance. Give yourself more time to stop. Your loaded trailer doesn’t stop as quickly as your vehicle alone.
If Your Car Gets Towed
Contact local law enforcement first. They have records of recent tows and can tell you where your vehicle was taken.
Get to the impound lot as soon as possible. Storage fees add up daily. Bring your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
If you can’t pay immediately, ask about a payment plan. Get it in writing. This prevents your car from being considered abandoned.
Important Contact Information
If you need clarification on towing regulations, contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Their website has detailed information on permits, weight limits, and registration requirements.
For questions about private property towing in your area, contact your local police department or sheriff’s office. They can explain local ordinances and towing procedures.
If you believe you’ve been towed illegally, contact a local attorney or the Wisconsin Attorney General’s office. You may have legal recourse if the towing company violated state regulations.
Recent Changes to Know
Wisconsin’s towing laws have evolved over the years. The current regulations went into effect in 2016 and have remained relatively stable since then.
Maximum towing fees were set by emergency rules in 2015 and formalized in 2016. These limits protect consumers from excessive charges while allowing towing companies to cover their costs.
Always check for updates before towing. Laws can change. Don’t rely on old information or advice from years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to tow a trailer in Wisconsin? No special license is required for most recreational towing. However, if your combined vehicle and trailer weight exceeds 26,000 pounds, or if you’re towing commercially, you may need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Can I ride in a trailer while it’s being towed? You can ride in a fifth-wheel trailer in Wisconsin with some restrictions. You cannot ride in a standard travel trailer. Riding in a pickup camper is allowed.
What happens if I don’t have safety chains on my trailer? You can be ticketed for not having required safety equipment. The fine varies but it’s not worth the risk. Safety chains prevent serious accidents and are required by law.
How do I know if a parking lot has proper tow-away signage? Look for signs at each entrance that are at least 12×18 inches with 2-inch lettering. The signs should clearly state that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. If you don’t see these signs, the property owner may need to have your car ticketed before towing.
Can a towing company charge me to get my personal items from my towed car? No. Wisconsin law requires towing companies to release personal property from towed vehicles during regular business hours at no charge when you show proper ID.
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin towing laws exist to keep everyone safe and prevent unfair practices. Whether you’re hauling a boat to the lake or parking at your apartment, knowing these rules protects you from expensive mistakes.
The key takeaways? Keep your trailer properly equipped and maintained. Know the weight and size limits. Understand private property towing rights. When in doubt, check with authorities before you act.
Now you know the basics. Stay informed, stay safe, and happy towing.
References
- Wisconsin Statute 349.13 – Towing of Unauthorized Vehicles on Private Property https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/349.13
- Wisconsin Statute 347.47 – Drawbars, Trailer Hitches and Mobile Home Couplings https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/347.47
- Wisconsin Statute 348.08 – Vehicle Trains https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/348/II/08
- Wisconsin Administrative Code Trans 319 – Private Property Towing Regulations https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/Trans%20319.03
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Vehicle Size and Weight Limits https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/sp4415.pdf