Trailer width comment

I understand the concern about trailer width and wanting to use a legal piece of equipment. Does anyone (law enforcement) worry about the width of the mirrors on the tow vehicle? I know the factory mirrors on my dually are definately wider than 102". The mirrors do need to be a little wider than the trailer for proper visibility.

(quoted from post at 04:58:21 04/14/10) I understand the concern about trailer width and wanting to use a legal piece of equipment. Does anyone (law enforcement) worry about the width of the mirrors on the tow vehicle? I know the factory mirrors on my dually are definately wider than 102". The mirrors do need to be a little wider than the trailer for proper visibility.

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Apparently the mirrors extending beyond 102" is not a concern. Any truck that is larger than a 1/2 ton pickup is going to have mirrors that are wider than 102".

Just like 102" wide trailers there are two sets of rules that deal with mirrows.

1) Federal law says that mirrows are not included in width laws. In other words if you are on a road that allows 102" wide trailers they can not tell you anything because your mirrows are wider than 102".

2) On state roads it is a differant story. Some states allow 102" wide trailers but the mirrows are included in this measurement. Other states do not even allow 102" wide trailers so having mirrows stuck out past 102" may be a problem.

Like another poster said in the thread below. It is very unlikely that anyone will say anything but it is still not legal. Look at all the RV's and boats that are 102" wide traveling all the back roads of America. I do know one guy that was scolded for pulling a camper and a boat at the same time on a state road. He was over length and over width. He was not given a ticket but the DOT cop did chew him a new one.

With all that said tell me this......
You are on a road that does not allow 102" wide traffic and involved in a side swipe accident. No matter who is really at blame who do you think a lawyer can convince a judge to side with. The car that is legal width or the guy that is 102" wide.

State of Maine routinely tickets drivers of vehicles with standard mirrors pulling wide trailers that obstruct the drivers view to the rear.In other words for not having wide enough mirrors.

Here is what the DOT site says for Minnesota

Maximum Legal Dimensions (M.S. § 169.80 and 169.81)

The maximum vehicle dimensions, loaded or unloaded, that may be operated without special permits
on Minnesota highways are:
• Height: 13' 6";
• Width: 8' 6", exclusive of rear view mirrors or temporary load securement devices that may
extend an additional three inches on each side of the vehicle or load

I am pretty sure the mirrors on my truck extend more than 3" past on each side. I'll have to find out...

Ny is 102" EXCLUSIVE of safety equipment (Mirrors Lights)