The state Department of Transportation regulates the towing of wide trailers and other wide vehicles.
Before the legislature changed the law today — overriding a gubernatorial veto to make exceptions for boat trailers — the same requirements had been applied to all types of trailers more than 8.5 feet wide.
These new rules for boat trailers take effect today:
Boat-trailer combinations ...
... less than 10 feet wide:
- Can be towed without a permit any day of the week, including holidays -- but only between sun up and sun down.
... 9.5 feet wide or less:
- Also can be towed at night.
... 8.5 to 10 feet wide:
- Must be equipped with at least “two operable amber lamps on the widest point of the boat and the boat trailer such that the dimensions of the boat and the boat trailer are clearly marked and visible.”
... 10 feet wide or wider:
- Require an annual permit from the state Department of Transportation, and can be towed during daylight hours only. A one-year over-width permit costs $100.
Additional rules, permits and fees also are applied to trailers that exceed certain lengths and weights.
For permits and details, contact the state DOT permit office at www.ncdot.org/~osowpermits/ or 1-888-221-8166
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter and editor since 1976, he took over the 
Comments
My car was towed several
Tue, 03/22/2011 - 11:24 — alexxamicaWell, this is good. Who
Sun, 10/05/2008 - 21:53 — Tom Butler (not verified)Well, this is good. Who likes to be surprised by a giant wide boat in the middle of the night with a poorly lit trailer? They're hard to see, and I sure wouldn't want to be sideswiped by one.