SEMA has created a new website resource to help the motorsports community understand state and federal law governing trailers and tow vehicles. The website provides guidance on how racing enthusiasts can avoid citations for a trailer that is too long, a trailer that is not properly registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), or for other related issues.  
 
When issued, citations generally fall within two categories:

1) the size of the trailer violated state law, or

2) the vehicle/trailer combination was considered “commercial” by enforcement authorities but had not been registered with the DOT or state-equivalent agency. The webpage divides the resource material into three sections: a comparison of state laws, folders containing laws/regulations for each individual state, and an explanation of federal laws triggered by commercial activity or vehicle weight.
 
The material is posted in the “RESOURCES” menu under “Motorsports Trailers.” The direct link is http://www.semasan.com/page.asp?content=motorsports_trailers&g=SEMAGA. You are encouraged to share this new resource.
 
For more information or if you have any questions, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Stuart Gosswein is SEMA’s Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs. He has been affiliated with SEMA for 32 years, having worked for both the association and its general counsel’s office, Trainum, Snowdon & Deane. He specializes in federal regulatory issues, advocating positions that protect and advance the interests of SEMA members and car enthusiasts.