Cobourg Police Service (CPS) has enhanced traffic patrols with the Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (STEP), which focuses on a different topic each month. For May, STEP will focus on towing and trailer related offences.
CPS is committed to keeping our community safe for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians through engagement, education, and enforcement. Following rules of the road and practicing safe driving habits when operating a motor vehicle is crucial to overall road safety. With camping and boating season upon us, CPS will conduct enforcement and education focused on ensuring vehicles towing trailers have the required safety equipment and function as required under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
Before towing a trailer, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and requirements under the Ministry of Transportation and HTA- consider your vehicle’s size, power, and condition. Trailers must be registered with ServiceOntario before being towed on any public road. A vehicle must be fit to tow both the trailer and the load you intend to carry.
According to the Ministry of Transportation, almost half of the reported collisions while towing are singlevehicle collisions, and another 20% involve rear-end collisions.
There are multiple HTA charges related to towing and trailers, including:
• Improper number plate light
• No red light on rear of trailer, no brake lights, no directional signals
• No mudguards/fenders
• Improper means of attachment
• Insecure load
• Draw trailer – no permit, no plate or plate improperly displayed
HTA fines for trailer related offences start at $160 and go up to $2000.
Before setting off on the roadways, take the time to check your trailer to ensure the following:
• Proper registration.
• All required lights are present and functioning (running, brake, signal, and license plate lights).
• Trailers wider than 2.05 meters must have the required clearance lights present and functioning.
• The trailer is equipped with mudguards or fenders to prevent spray or splash to the traffic behind.
• Two separate ways of attaching the trailer to the vehicle – if one fails, the trailer will stay connected.
• Safety chains are correctly secured to prevent the tongue from dropping to the road if the hitch becomes disconnected.
• Proper hitch size and rating.
• Do not overload the trailer. Ensure the load is appropriately distributed and adequately secured.
More information related to towing can be found in the Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
