Tow Dolly in Canada?

[Outtahere100]

Hi All,

We use a tow dolly behind our class A, no license plate, vendor told us plates are not required in the US, but, "may" be required in Canada.

Any Canadians out there with info on this? Or people that have taken a tow dolly into Canada from the US?

Thanks!

John

[doc73]

Not for Canada help sorry, but you might want to call your states DMV.. In PA your tow dolly would need a reg plate.

[Fun finders]

Up here in Canada tow dollies require plates but because you are not from here you may be exempt. Best check with your local DMV office

[kenandterry]

I’m not sure anyone has the correct answer. I’ve been reading the Ministry of Transport documentation, and as anything from the government, it’s as clear as mud.

That said.....up here in Ontario, where we are required to have license plates front and rear, I see lots of other vehicles from all over where they only require one plate in their home state or province and they seem to be allowed to continue on their journey without being hassled.

I suspect that as long as you meet the requirements of where your vehicle is registered, you’re good for travel in Canada.

[Outtahere100]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

I’m not sure anyone has the correct answer. I’ve been reading the Ministry of Transport documentation, and as anything from the government, it’s as clear as mud.

That said.....up here in Ontario, where we are required to have license plates front and rear, I see lots of other vehicles from all over where they only require one plate in their home state or province and they seem to be allowed to continue on their journey without being hassled.

I suspect that as long as you meet the requirements of where your vehicle is registered, you’re good for travel in Canada.

Thank you. It does seem to be difficult to find clear information. I'd hate to get to the border and have a problem......

[Jeff from Burlington Ont]

I agree with Kenandterry.. As long as you are legal in your home location, you will be legal here in Canada

[k9jkfham]

Several states require a plate on the tow dolly...First make sure your state does not require a plate...Get some documentation to assist you if you have any issues at the border.

Several states like Florida do not require a plate if car is on dolly.

[oldsmasma]

Last year I posed this very question to the Ministry of Transport here in Ontario. I received a lengthy (and clear) email reply confirming that in Ontario a dolly is considered a "linking device " and as such requires no brakes/ownership/plate. Those are required for both the "tow-er and the tow-ee".

[amblt]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

I’m not sure anyone has the correct answer. I’ve been reading the Ministry of Transport documentation, and as anything from the government, it’s as clear as mud.

That said.....up here in Ontario, where we are required to have license plates front and rear, I see lots of other vehicles from all over where they only require one plate in their home state or province and they seem to be allowed to continue on their journey without being hassled.

I suspect that as long as you meet the requirements of where your vehicle is registered, you’re good for travel in Canada.

I believe that is true in all the provinces- our standards are very similar across the board, to do otherwise would be making "busywork" for the police whose budgets are overstressed in this country as it is.
Cheers

[JOhn_R_C]

I live in Colorado where dollies do not need to be licensed. We traveled in Alberta and British Columbia summer of 2018 with no issues, either at the border or inland.

John C

[HerveVR]

Outtahere100,

Contact your local AAA Club.

Here, my CAA Club is providing me the information prior to my trips in USA.

[BobHanke]

Traveled six provinces in Canada with a tow dolly. The dolly needs to have lights visible from the rear or lights on the back of the towed vehicle (magnetic mounted, etc).

[SQROOT]

Not to steal the thread, but Alabama does not require license plates for boat trailers. The boat has a registration and that is all. Interesting comment only.