All trailers must be registered when used on-road. Additionally, if the trailer weighs over 2,500 lbs. (empty weight), it must be titled as well. All trailer coaches (e.g., pop-up camper, travel trailer, fifth wheel camper, etc.) are titled and registered regardless of weight.

• How Long to Title/Register - Within 15 days of date of purchase
• Cost
  • 0 - 2,499 lbs. $75
  • 2,500 - 9,999 lbs. $200
  • 10,000 lbs. and over $300
• Duration of Registration - Trailer plates are permanent ( non-expiring ) and remain valid until ownership transfers.

License Requirements

• Drivers must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid Michigan driver's license
• Drivers using a pickup truck to tow a fifth wheel recreational vehicle with a second trailer attached to the back of the RV must pass a written test to obtain a class "R" endorsement [ recreational double endorsement ] on their Michigan license before towing both vehicles.

In Michigan, the law requires that you equip your trailer as follows

• You must have safety chains connected from the trailer to the tow vehicle. The chains should neither drag nor be so tight as to prohibit sharp turns.
• All trailers over 30 feet long must have intermediate side lights to make other drivers aware of the extended length.
• the NHTSA requires all trailers be equipped with rear and side reflectors to further indicate vehicle size and presence.
• All turn signals, hazard lights, running lights and brake lights must be operational.
• a light illuminates the trailer license plate
• your trailer tires have a minimum tread of 2/32-inch
• All commercial trailers must have mud flaps on the rear wheels

Additional Requirements

• Over 2500 Pounds
• • All trailers under 3,000 pounds must also have two red rear reflectors
  • Trailers weighing a minimum of 2,500 pounds must have turn signals and two red or amber rear stop lights that are visible from at least 100 feet during the day and night.
• Over 3000 Pounds
• • On the front, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each side
  • On the rear, 2 red clearance lamps, 1 at each side
  • On each side, 2 side marker lamps, 1 amber at or near the front and 1 red at or near the rear; between 15 and 60 inches high
  • Must be equipped with brakes and a break-away switch. A break-away switch automatically activates the trailer brakes if the trailer separates from the towing vehicle.
• Over 5500 Pounds
• • Trailers weighing over 5,500 pounds must have brakes strong enough to control the trailer's movement, stop it and hold it.

• Michigan permits riding in travel trailers, pickup campers or fifth-wheel trailers
• Overnight parking might be permitted in rest areas, but only as posted
• The maximum towing speed is the posted speed limit. Follow truck highway speed rules for most RVs