Do motorcycle trailers need to be licensed?
2 Answers
No. Article 56 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates that for small passenger cars, only residential trailers or trailers with a total mass of less than 700 kilograms are allowed to be towed. Trailers are not allowed to carry people. Here is the relevant information: Notes: At the front and rear of the car, there is a device called a towing ring (tow hook). When the car is unable to move due to collisions, skidding, or damage, it needs to be rescued with the help of other vehicles and tow ropes. However, since this device is not frequently used, it is often overlooked by car owners. Additionally, if the manual is not carefully read, one can only be anxious when it is actually needed. Types and locations of tow hooks: However, due to differences in body design and bumper styling, the position, fixing method, and usage of towing rings can vary. Towing rings can be divided into two main categories: exposed and hidden.
From a regulatory perspective, whether a motorcycle trailer needs to be licensed mainly depends on the traffic laws in your area. In some cities and provinces, all trailers must be independently licensed and registered, just like cars, to facilitate law enforcement and accident tracking. For example, in China, according to the Road Traffic Safety Law, wheeled trailers usually need to be licensed at the vehicle management office. The process is not complicated—just bring the owner's ID and the trailer's certification documents. However, rural areas may have more lenient policies, with small recreational trailers possibly exempt. I recommend checking the latest local regulations before riding to avoid fines for unlicensed trailers and complications with insurance claims. Trailer licensing rules vary widely, and some regions have recently strengthened inspections to control hazardous transportation. In short, don’t risk towing anything without proper documentation.
