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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Trailer Inspection

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Chronological Thread  
  • From: "IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>
  • To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Trailer Inspection
  • Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2007 15:55:33 -0500

Non-commercial trailers are not inspected in NJ or MD.  MD does do a safety inspection when title is transferred. PA has mandatory annual state inspection for any trailer over 3000 pounds gross weight.  All axles must have working brakes, a breakaway brake, chains, couplers, tires, lights and reflective markings are all checked. Most inspectors who do horse trailers also sound the decks (hit with a big hammer) or visually inspect the wood or metal. Commercial over the road vehicles get 6 month inspections based on weight. PA also requires DOT numbers on commercial vehicles even if they never leave the state. Commercial vehicles are also subject to probable cause spot checks by any PA peace officer who is also a certified commercial vehicle inspector (state police program).  For a while Philadelphia was stopping every semi on I-95 in the county for a spot check.  Also in PA a horse trailer can be stopped for paperwork checks and to determine if the registered weights match the load, the road, and the tow vehicle. The use of apportioned tags on a non-commercial trailer is asking for a spot check.    Unfortunately, the way the DOT number regulations are written putting a farm name on the trailer makes it commercial. Emergency vehicles get annual inspections. Road vehicles that never leave a farm do not need to be registered or inspected but all off road vehicles need plates and insurance.

 

Irv Lichtenstein  




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