The safe and legal speed for towing with a car tow dolly is typically 55 mph (88 km/h) on most U.S. highways. Exceeding this speed significantly increases the risk of a dangerous swaying motion, often called trailer sway, which can lead to a loss of control. Many states have specific laws capping towing speeds at 55 mph, and your vehicle's owner's manual may also recommend a lower maximum speed.
Why Speed is Critical with a Tow Dolly
A tow dolly lifts the front wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground, leaving the rear wheels free-rolling. This configuration is less stable than a full trailer. At high speeds, wind resistance, passing semi-trucks, or sudden steering corrections can cause the dolly and towed car to begin swaying side-to-side. This oscillation can quickly become uncontrollable. The key to safety is not just the posted speed limit, but driving at a speed that feels completely stable, which is often slower than 55 mph, especially in crosswinds or on uneven roads.
Key Factors Influencing Your Safe Towing Speed
- State Laws: Always check the regulations for each state you'll be traveling through. While 55 mph is common, some states may have different limits.
- Vehicle and Dolly Ratings: Your tow vehicle must have a sufficient towing capacity, and the dolly itself has a maximum weight rating. Never exceed these limits.
- Tire Pressure: Properly inflated tires on both the tow vehicle and the dolly are crucial for stability and blowout prevention. Check them before you start and during long trips.
- Weight Distribution: The towed vehicle must be correctly centered and securely strapped to the dolly. An unbalanced load is a primary cause of sway.
| State | Typical Maximum Towing Speed (mph) | Key Regulation Note |
|---|
| California | 55 | Applies to vehicles towing another vehicle. |
| Texas | 55 | Speed limit for vehicles towing trailers. |
| Florida | 55 | Same as above. |
| New York | 55 | Maximum speed for any vehicle drawing another. |
| Illinois | 55 | Applies to all combinations of vehicles. |
| Arizona | 65* | *Lower limits may apply based on vehicle type; 55 mph is a safe benchmark. |
| Colorado | 55 | Specifically for vehicles towing trailers or semitrailers. |
| Georgia | 55 | Law states a max of 55 mph for vehicles towing another. |
| Ohio | 55 | Applies to any vehicle towing a trailer or other vehicle. |
| Pennsylvania | 55 | Speed limit for vehicles equipped with tow bars or dollies. |
The best practice is to drive defensively. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles, avoid sudden maneuvers, and slow down well before curves. If the dolly begins to sway, do not slam on the brakes; instead, gently slow down by easing off the accelerator or using the manual brake control if your tow vehicle is equipped with one.
