Boat trailer license

[rustedhook]

Seems to me if a state wanted your trailor tagged they would also want your boat registered to fish their water.

[creeker]

Here's my two cents... While its not required in Ky, and the cost isn't very prohibitive, why would you not want to just go ahead and get a plate if you're going out of state? I would think it'd be worth it for the lack of hassle. We can spend $100's on gas and new poles and reels and the latest, but not $20 on a license plate?

[MagikSmallie]

Why spend the extra money when the law clearly does not require a tag?..I've been into many other states pulling a boat, Oh, TN, SC, Fl...and never had a problem, I did get pulled in ohio and then the officer came to my window and said "ohh I just realized you were from KY...have a nice day!" If its not required by law why spend money on it, thats my view...especially having no previous problems!

[creeker]

Why spend the extra money when the law clearly does not require a tag?..I've been into many other states pulling a boat, Oh, TN, SC, Fl...and never had a problem, I did get pulled in ohio and then the officer came to my window and said "ohh I just realized you were from KY...have a nice day!" If its not required by law why spend money on it, thats my view...especially having no previous problems!

Its an insurance policy. It doesn't cost much--maybe $20. But what would a ticket in another state cost? And yeah, you can go to court and defend it and you should win, but what will that cost in terms of time and travel? A person probably couldn't get to TN, spend the day in court and get back for less than $200--10 years worth of paying for that tag.

[MagikSmallie]

You won't get a ticket in another state becuase the State that your vehicle and boat is licensed in is KY and we don't require a tag on the trailer, it doesnt matter what other states laws are...you can't get a ticket for that!! unless your boat is licensed in a state that requires it. so your argument is void because you will NOT get a ticket for not having a tag on your trailer in a state that requires it if your from another state that doesnt...its that simple.

[JUSTINHALL]

Why not buy the plate? $20 bucks = 1 30 pack of beer and ice for the cooler..............

[creeker]

You won't get a ticket in another state becuase the State that your vehicle and boat is licensed in is KY and we don't require a tag on the trailer, it doesnt matter what other states laws are...you can't get a ticket for that!! unless your boat is licensed in a state that requires it. so your argument is void because you will NOT get a ticket for not having a tag on your trailer in a state that requires it if your from another state that doesnt...its that simple.

Not true. Your boat and trailer can be licensed and registered in different states. So really, where your boat is licensed has no bearing on your trailer status. And it has happened where people from a different state have gotten a ticket for not having a plate on their trailer in a state that requires it. Sure, you'll win in court, but you can't say that someone will NOT get a ticket. I'm surprised someone hasn't weighed in that's been ticketed yet. Heck, its known some police depts set speed traps to raise money for the cities, so why would it be unrealistic to think they wouldn't try to give someone a ticket for not having a trailer license.

[bigrod]

Let me tell you why nobody has weighed in on them getting a ticket for this. It's because it's not going to happen!!!

[MagikSmallie]

I'm done fightin on this one..all I can say is if you really want to get a tag for your trailer go ahead but I know as for me as long as I live in KY or any other state that doesn't require it...I will never get one becuase its money I don't have to spend and I know I'm never going to get ticketed for not having one...Im out!

[RoadToad]

I'm done fightin on this one..all I can say is if you really want to get a tag for your trailer go ahead but I know as for me as long as I live in KY or any other state that doesn't require it...I will never get one becuase its money I don't have to spend and I know I'm never going to get ticketed for not having one...Im out!

So the 3 county clerks and the lady from Motor Vehicle Licensing were lying when they told me stories about people getting ticketed for this? I don't think so.

I didn't post this number before because I didn't want the woman to be inundated with calls about this, but if you don't believe it, call Motor Vehicle Licensing at 502-564-5301, and ask them yourself.

[Hershey102]

I often tow my plateless trailer in Ohio, so I emailed the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and posed the question. Having completed peace officer training in Ohio, and having served as an Ohio police officer, I already knew the answer. But I thought it might be helpful to our discussion for them to weigh in. Their answer?

"Yes, it is legal for you to bring your trailer into Ohio. Since you are not a resident of this state, should you get stopped by law enforcement, you will need to provide proof of residency such as your driver's license."

I've never been stopped. As for the speed trap analogy, it is not a fair comparison, because trap or not, either you exceeded the limit or you didn't. A more appropriate analogy would be that KY doesn't require a front license plate, but other states do (Ohio, for one). Are those of you who waste $20 on a KY trailer plate also going to purchase a plate for the front of your truck?

So, there really are two answers. One, is what gives you peace of mind (spending money you don't need to as insurance) and the second is what is legally required. You are not required to display a license plate on your KY boat trailer when towing in another state.

[peter]

The state of Ky does not require it but if you pull to a state that does you need one. I think it is ALabama that does not require drivers to have insurance but if you come to KY and don't have it you get a ticket.

I have a license plate for my trailer for this very reason.

That is the way I understand it. When I transferred my current boat (KY) they gave me a plate for the trailer. I think it costs a little extra. However I never put it on the trailer and now I don't know where is. I've pulled boats to the north and south borders and beyond and one time I got stopped and questioned about the trailer plate. This was before I was aware it was required if you travel to other states. I replied to the officer "Ky doesn't require a trailer plate" and I guess because that was what I believed at the time I was convincing and that was the end of it.

Best to get a plate if you're going to other states but I think it will cost a little more when you get your annual stickers (not positive on that).