Alberta handbook · chapter 10 · 4 min read

Towing a Trailer

Towing a Trailer Registration and licence plate You must have valid registration from an Alberta registry for your trailer and it must be with you when you are towing the trailer. There must also be a valid licen  e plate attached to the rear of the trailer and clearly visible. The registration and licence plate are required before the trailer can be used on the road.

Equipment • Your trailer must have working tail- lights, brake lights, and turn signals that are activated from the towing vehicle. Brakes are required on a trailer if they are needed to control the safe movement of the trailer. However, the following trailers do not require brakes:

• trailers with a gross weight of 910 kilograms (2,000 pounds) or less, or
• trailers with a gross weight that is less than half the unloaded weight of the vehicle that is doing the towing.

Towing a trailer When driving with a trailer, it is important to keep in mind the added weight and length:

• Allow for extra time and distance before entering traffic.

• If you have a ball-and-socket hitch, you will also need to attach safety chains between the trailer and the towing vehicle. Chains should be crossed under the tongue of the trailer and fastened securely. This applies to all trailers except fifth-wheel trailers.
• Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles and be mindful of the extra space needed to manoeuvre with the added length of the trailer.