O T ** Pulling a car **

[Dutchman]

I know this is O.T. ** but I know I can get an answer here..
My son wants to pull a car from Jamestown RI to Iowa... the car will have the front end on a car dolly [ I think that's what it's called ]
My QUESTION .. Does he have to have current plates on it ?? it's in storage now...
Want's to get it here and after gets it restored put Iowa plates on it...

I heard if he puts a SIGN or WRITES on the back window " CAR in TOW " ... hes OK ... What do you think or know about this ??

Like to THANK YOU in advance....
Mark

 

[John730D]

I pulled a car from Tampa Fl. to Central Il. on a car dolly without license on the car. The dolly had license and lights. In Il. I know if the dolly is lisenced the car does not have to be.

I didn"t have lights on the car or any signs. I have done this many times without any problems.

Might want to call your DMV to check for sure.

 

[J.C.in AZ.]

Check with your states Motor Vehicle Dept.He should be able to get a "In transit" permit for a one way trip. Also the CarCaddy may have to be properly Licensed also. If wheels are on the ground it has to have a Permit,temporay or permanent. Different States may have different requirements but the ones I noted should cover legal transit from state to state. Be sure to check your Insurance situation.Don"t assume your Insurance Carrier will cover the Car Caddy or the towed Vehicle for PD@L. Some will say to run after dark and forget the legals involved , that is taking a big chance and is asking for trouble with a Capitol "T". JC

 

[El Toro]

Hi Mark, I think that vehicle can be towed as you described, but I would call or have your son
call RI DMV at 401-462-4368 and ask them. I have towed vehicles here in MD with a tow bar and
without tags. I would make sure he has a good hitch on the tow vehicle and use safety chains.
Hal

 

[RobMD]

I've pulled Jeeps on a car dolly with no tag before but full lighting. This was from MD to PA

 

[fixerupper]

Here in Iowa one of my dad's golfing buddys was pulled over because his golf cart trailer's taillights were on the fenders and not clear on the back of the trailer. The trooper must have had a boring day and needed something to do. Jim

 

[Gary from Muleshoe]

Mark
Have him get a set of magnetic towing light for it. Make it safer and sure would keep the cops from stopping him for not have proper lighting. They run about $50.00 dollars at Wal Mart or maybe cheaper at a parts house.

 

[Spook]

I'd rent a U - Haul trailer. Probably not much more than renting a dolly. If the tow vehicle can't tow a trailer, it won't do well with a dolly. And if it a rear wheel drive, the trans might not like being dragged for 1000 miles or so.

 

[Bill(Wis)]

I towed a car with a tow bar from Wis to Texas. I called Texas MV ahead of time and they sent me an application for license. Had to have a local law enforcement officer come out and check VIN and sign off on that. Within about two weeks I had my new Texas plates. I hooked up the tail/brake lights on the car being towed to the tow car. That way tail lights, directionals and brake lights all worked the same as those on tow car. Worked great.

 

[rustyfarmall]

I don't know about other states, but since I am from Iowa, I do know that an un-titled vehicle is required to be transported with all wheels off the roadway.

 

[LilFarmer]

From RI to IA, eh! Going thru OHIO?

Not legal without current tags. If it is on a trailer and the trailer is licensed, it's OK.

We are facing a major budget deficit and Smokey is trying to make up the difference. LOL

Paul

 

[Anonymous-0]

Shoot!,

Just put on the lights (rear,tail lights,and signals) and Go!

~Will

 

[Mathias NY]

Not sure about the states you mentioned. I towed a car from Boston to Rochester, NY. The tow dolly was a a U-haul, they don't have a plate or registration. The car didn't have plates, but I did have magnetic lights on it. A U-haul trailer, with surge brakes, would have been another 1200 lbs, which would have pushed it out of my trucks towing capacity. It was at the end of the month, I saw many troopers, and not one of them was interested in me.

 

[armand tatro]

If it is front-wheel drive put front wheels on caddy. If rear wheel drive be sure rears wheels are on caddy, steering wheel is locked straight, and magnetic lights are on hood for tail, turn, and brake lights. Armand

 

[Anonymous-0]

If you rent the dolly at U-Haul ask them . They are in the business and should know.

 

[Den N Ms]

I agree John a phone call to the DVM is a lot cheaper than a ticket.If its a rear wheel drive ,put the front on the dolly and pull the drive shaft if your going any distance. It will tow much better with the most weight on the dolly.It would also ware the front tires pullin it backwards.

 

[notadeere]

kinda like others said, & no u dont need plates on car if u useing a dolly, just have your prof of ownership of the car, title ect. make sure car dolly lights all work,& u have renters agreement with U & wouldnt hurt to put a battery in the car also & turn on the park lights for extra safety,
also if rear wheel drive car just remove the drive shaft, & put frt on dolly, if frt wheel drive car do nothing but frt on dolly never try to haul a car backwards on a dolly, that far a car coming behind at night cant see tail lights & see headlights & might panic cause a boo boo with car on dolly backwards

 

[Leland]

I was wondering about that myself ,but I see local dealers put plates on cars they are towing here in ILL ,he may want to dail 217-782-2000 and ask the state operator to connect him with the sect of states office to make sure . Since it sounds like he is coming thru chicago and those troopers up there are always dealing with mexicans with stolen cars on dollys heading south .

 

[Anonymous-0]

He will be transferring a title in RI? Then get a transit paper plate for the back window. May cost a few bucks (probably not over $10) and will solve all those legality problems. Then apply for an Iowa title at the county court house, but for storage while its being restored so you don't have an Iowa plate until it needs one to be on the road.

Be sure the tires running on the road are good enough to stand up to the trip.

Gerald J.