Has anyone been ticketed for not having their plate on the trailer or had issues traveling thru other states? I've never installed any plates on my trailers but am now questioning my actions. 2019 I put on well over 5,000 miles in Wisconsin with zero issues..
Thanks for any info. Steve
2023 Ranger 521R DC
Mercury 250 Pro XS 4S
Got pulled over once going out elk hunting on our way to Colorado. The trooper asked why we didnt have a plate on the trailer, and we said in wisconsin you dont need one. He gave us a funny look and went to his cruiser to make a couple calls. He came back and said he had never heard of that before and sent us on our way. Only time I have been stopped for no plate.
Not required if trailer under a certain wt. I think it's 3000 lbs, your state trumps other state as far as personal use licence.
Last edited by Beast; 05-10-2020 at 07:27 AM.
My Illinois trailer plate has increased in value by 100 dollars, I will display it proudly every mile I travel....
Some crazy laws in all states. I would guess you have a small boat if you are under the 3000 lb limit. I would think most bass boats would have at least a 3000 lb rating on their trailers.
Why would a state not require you to have plates, that makes no sense as almost all states now you pay your tolls based on the plate.
The above is correct with exception to the weight. The weight is 3000 and under no tag needed. Over you have to have it. The weight of the trailer is the trailer and all it’s contents being carried. I have a 15 ranger z119c. Hull weight 1650lbs, Motor 450 lbs. batteries 300lbs. Add in fuel, tackle, gear, TM, power poles or talons, etc. and I know I’m about 300lbs from the 3,000 before I even lookup my trailer weight.
In MN is based on weight.
No plates on boats in Okla
1989 184DC Champion
1990 Johnson 150GT
+1, and have pulled through probably 30 states with no issues.Originally Posted by okiebass
2018 Ranger 521C, 2023 Merc 250 Pro XS 4S (3B261295), 36V Ultrex, 10" Atlas, Power Poles, Lowrance 12 Carbon, and 2-12 Lives.
Just to clear up any confusion, I realize I am supposed to have the plate on my trailer since the DMV sent the plate a few weeks after purchasing the boat. Just questioning what the ramifications are if it's not on the trailer?
2023 Ranger 521R DC
Mercury 250 Pro XS 4S
I was told by the dealer, If you have a loan on trailer, you'll get a plate, it's up to the individual if they want to put it on or not. so I would say there would be none
Never had a plate for a boat trailer ( I live in WI ) . Never been asked for one nor ever had one sent to me by the state when registering .
Hmm. No loan and I still received a plate?
2023 Ranger 521R DC
Mercury 250 Pro XS 4S
My son got his new trailer plate but had not changed out the old one. Gets pulled over by the local county deputy because the plate was expired. Showed him the new plate and the deputy told him he couldn't move the trailer until he installed the new plate or he would get a ticket.
John the Garage Doorman
That's strange, I have no idea why you recieved a plate but I'd say you don't need it and nothing will come of it. It's pretty easy to think there was some confusion at the DMV and that's why you recieved one in the first place.
Cheese County Bass Club
SC does not require a plate on a boat trailer. My buddies from SC who come to Canada with me in the summer are inevitably questioned about not having a plate in their trailer when going through customs on both sides of the border.
"The man of system is apt to be very wise in his own conceit; and is often so enamored with the supposed beauty of his own ideal plan of government that he cannot suffer the smallest deviation from any part of it…He seems to imagine that he can arrange the different members of a great society with as much ease as the hand arranges the different pieces upon a chessboard.” Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Interesting makes it easier to track down and repossess with tags....However if you see tags then you'll know it's not owned by a Cash Paying BBCer.
I have never registered a boat trailer. Its kind of a grey area law I think. You cannot register a trailer without a title and the state will not issue a title for the boat trailer, I have tried getting one because of selling boat/trailer combos out of state. If you look on the DNR website you dont need a trailer title. If you look on the DMV website you have to register all trailers with a gross weight over 5000 lbs. I guess the only thing you could tell some cop with nothing better to do is that as soon as they get their shit together you will too.
Hummm, don't know then, I purchased a new Boat motor trailer, and was told if financed would revive a trailer plate. maybe it's something Wisconsin is implementing.
Or they could leave it off and let you THINK they paid cash.
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