The rules for trailers
Is it still a requirement for trailers to be registered and have brake lights? A commercial trailer in front of me today had neither and I was wondering if our police check. Easy enough to do at the public docks when they are driving in and out of the parking areas – putting wave runners and boats in and out using the ramps.
Auntie’s answer: Nothing has changed regarding the legal requirements for trailers. An official with the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing confirmed that trailers have to be inspected every year and need to have operating brake lights. For more details you can look at a previous column on registration of trailers (see Missing licence plates and illegal trailers)
As for the police checking registrations, I think it is inevitable that some illegal trailers may go unnoticed; the officers cannot be everywhere at once. In places like public docks, though, perhaps as you suggest police might be able to keep an eye out.
Category: Ask Auntie, Misc Questions
It is ok to tow a trailer that has a wobbly wheel or unsafe load provided you have your four way flashers on. It must be ok because I have seen the police do this.
the police marine unit tow a boat around on an illigle trailer no light or plate. lead by example
thank you
Laws like this were never intended to be inforced – only to make politicians look and feel good for having passed them. Get used to it – it will never change – this is Cayman!
Maybe, but we are starting to make more informed and specific complaints, rather than blaming “Guv’ment” in general for every ill. Those accustomed to not performing their specific duties for decades, will be living on borrowed time in the next regime.
I followed an unregistered landscaping drive-on excavator trailer last week and kept hearing sand and pebble impacts on my windscreen, hood and front bumper. On closer inspection, the flat trailer top had been used recently to pile and transport rocky aggregate. I then saw there were leftover softball-sized rocks bouncing off the back of the trailer with every corner and bump…some of them tumbling and ricocheting off at 50mph into a line of oncoming traffic. I had to weave to avoid a couple of them in my lane, before letting an aggressive tailgater past to take the punishment on their chin. This unlicensed trailer drove unchallenged by two RCIPS cruisers.
You had enough time when you had to follow the trailer around yet still your windshield or your headlights didn’t get broken stop making up stories finally something relevant to do like read a book
Unsecured loads are common offense (and driving hazard) in the Cayman Islands – every half hour you’ll see a dump truck with a heaping pile of rock deliberately piled higher than the bed walls…no retaining straps, and rock streaming off at every corner. This one just happened to be a flatbed trailer. I have pictures and video. There is an old plate that is only partially visible and none of the lights worked. I can also name the gardening firm.
Its people like you living off your dead parents money that find everything to complain about.
Not sure who that comment was aimed at? What point are you trying to make?
I made the original post to Auntie. Yes both my parents are dead but I did not inherit anything. I had to leave school & go to work at age 17 to help feed my mom & younger sibling when my dad died. My mom found employment but I had to supplement her income every month until she died.
If you can afford a boat you can afford to get a licence for your trailer & get working brake lights. Without lights you are a hazard to other road users.