Written by: Jacob J

Last updated: 9/10/2024

Est. time to read: 6 mins.

Is it Illegal to Leave My Hitch on my Truck?

The Story Behind the Statute

There is a lot to learn when you start towing. Believe us, we've written hundreds of articles, made hundreds of videos, and used (and often times broken) hundreds of products in our relentless pursuit of towing knowledge. However, in our research, we come across one particular legal concern:

"I heard somewhere that it's illegal to have your hitch on your truck when you aren't towing, is that true?" *Note: Savvy towers might refer to their ball mount rather than their hitch, but the concern remains valid. Do you have to remove towing equipment when not actually towing?

Before you scroll down and learn more about where this knowledge came from, let us make one thing clear. As of the time of this article's publication, there is no law in place on a state or federal level that prohibits you from leaving a hitch receiver or ball mount on the back of your vehicle, even when it is not in use. Well then, that settles it right? Not quite, because some setups still may land you in some hot water if you aren't careful. Let's take a look at the specifics.

Disclaimer: I have been called a lot of things, but one thing I have absolutely never been called is a lawyer. This article does not constitute legal advice, and we are not responsible for any legal trouble you may get into when towing. I figured you assumed that already, but just like towing, it's best to have the bases covered.

The Mandates that Made Us

The tale of "why so many people think it's illegal to have your ball mount on the back of your truck when you're not towing" is one with humble beginnings. It starts in Illinois in the year 2009. A house representative by the name of Elaine Nekritz proposed an amendment to the Illinois Vehicle Code (HB3669 of the 96th General Assembly) that stated that if a motor vehicle hitch containing a ball mount and a hitch receiver extends more than 4 inches beyond the motor vehicle's rear bumper, then the ball mount must be removed when the hitch is not in use. This amendment was first read in February of 2009, and was referred to a number of committees, where it was never put into action, and ultimately terminated in January of 2011. But this was not the last time that naked ball mounts were under attack by legislation.

There was one instance of a law being put into effect that governed the use (or non-use specifically) of a ball mount attached to your truck. In 2018, Massachusetts put into effect section 19K of Chapter 90 in Massachusetts General Law that stated "any vehicle with a gross weight of less than 26,000 pounds which is equipped with a trailer hitch drawbar shall be required to remove said drawbar whenever the vehicle is not actively engaged in towing". The definition of "hitch drawbar" was expanded to "a removable coupling platform, which fastens with a clip and mounts to the rear bumper or frame". If that sounds like your hitch, that's because that's exactly what it is. In between the years 2018 and 2022, it was illegal in Massachusetts to drive a vehicle with a ball mount in the hitch receiver while not towing.

You'll notice that I said "between the years 2018 and 2022", and this is because in 2022, the law was repealed. Nowadays, most of the vehicle restrictions reside in section 7 of chapter 90 of Massachusetts General Law, however the amendment about trailer hitches has been removed, and it is no longer illegal to let your ball mount breathe the highway breeze.

Honestly that's it. This common misunderstanding stemmed from a proposed amendment that never made it past general assembly, and a law that only governed a single state for 4 years in total. If your individual crusade was protecting the rights of trailer-less hitch balls, then you're absolutely winning the fight.

License Plate Visibility

Most of the "laws" that people cite have very little to do with the hitch or ball mount itself, but in fact with the license plate. The name of the game here is visibility. Almost every state in the US has laws that prohibit motorists from obscuring their license plate in any way (and if California and Texas can agree on a law, it's a safe bet that it isn't going anywhere). That raised ball mount may be a risk to your shins and the radiator of any motorist who follows you too closely, but as long as it isn't obscuring your license plate, you should be fine.

Pro Tip: The visibility of your license plate is up to the discretion of the officer on the scene, so if you are unsure if your license plate is visible enough, it's best to err on the side of caution.

But if there are no laws in place saying I can't keep my hitch on my vehicle, why does everybody think that there is? Why is this something that comes up so often? The answer is, as many answers tend to be, in the history.

This cargo carrier doesn't require its own registration, but we suggest making sure that the license place is visible

About Jacob J

To say that my path to etrailer was complicated would be an understatement. I have always had a passion for helping others, and throughout my education and career as a social worker or community liaison, I have loved writing as a hobby. When I found etrailer and was given the opportunity to turn something I enjoyed doing into a career that helped people access information and products they need to live the best life they possibly could, I was instantly interested.

I am a lover of the outdoors, have been loading and unloading trailers since I before I was old enough to drive them, and have spent my recent years working in and around the automotive industry. And I am excited to share all of the things I have learned (more often than not the hard way).

I consider myself a perpetual student, and etrailer gives me the opportunity to learn something new every day and share my findings with others. Which is something I am extremely grateful for. I look forward to continuing to help people find the answers they need to make memories for a lifetime.

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Bruce C.

9/17/2025

I always take mine off. Why take the chance of someone waking into it. And just because it isn't a law doesn't mean you cant get sued if someone gets hurt. There's a reason the receiver is tucked under the bumper so it doesn't get hit. Really if you do get hit and end up needing a bumper you should have your receiver, mounts, welds, bolts all checked. Just my personal opinion.

Greg

1/23/2025

A lot of the newer trucks have that sleeve that slides into the receiver to accommodate your standard ball mount hitches. If you're leaving that sleeve in with your hitch, what steps do you take to prevent the sleeve from rusting out and being unable to remove it if needed? I've seen multiple guys have this happen to them over the years.

Bryce D.

1/23/2025

@Greg Greg, the best thing you can do is keep it clean and keep it lubricated. If you notice some scratches, or dings, you can use some anti-corrosive paint to cover spots that have damage to it, or you can use standard spray paint (not the best solution, but it's better than nothing).

Mark

1/21/2025

I keep my ball mount Bolted to the receiver with grade eight cap screw and double nut lock nuts. This prevents theft and there is no movement or rattle.

Kate F.

1/21/2025

@Mark That is a great idea! It would be nice if people would just stop stealing =)

Tahoedh

1/20/2025

I had a person slowly/gently rear end me while I had my hitch and ball on. Scratched my hitch and busted up her front plastic pretty good. I always leave them on!

Jameson C.

1/20/2025

@Tahoedh Not a bad outcome for you all things considered!

Mike T.

1/20/2025

This is why everything I have has a B&W Tow & Stow hitch. They're always with me close at hand and when folded they don't catch your shin and provide another impact point should someone park like a fool. Saves your bumper. Multiple ball sizes and adjustable heights mean you're ready for anything.

Jon G.

1/20/2025

@MikeT Tow & Stow is one of my favorites to recommend as well - thank you for your thoughts and sharing your experience!

Bob

1/20/2025

I had my small ball mount on my truck once and a person at work told me is was illegal. He had backed his car into it and damaged his bumper. Said his BIL was a State cop he said it was against the law. He wanted my insurance information. I told him I would provide it when he shows me the written law. I checked the PA DMV laws and saw nothing. But, when I have my WDH attached, I cover it with a white plastic bag until I remove it. Anyone walking into it is not paying attention. Or looking for a quick for a quick buck.

Rick J.

1/21/2025

@Bob I get it, it’s your choice, but show some courtesy and take it off. Easy to blame someone else not paying attention but… My elderly dad walked into my hitch when I gave him a ride in my car, he used the trunk to steady himself. The man had both knees replaced previously and the pain it inflicted still bothers me today. I tow quite often with two vehicles and always remove the hitch when done. Just looking out for my wife, kids , mother and father in laws and my coworkers. When your laziness inflicts pain on the unsuspecting and undeserving of the pain you go ahead and tell yourself you’re in the right. Be better dude.

Joe J.

5/11/2025

@RickJ Should I remove my Hood ornament and lug nut spikes too before I go into the grocery store? Whoops, I forgot about my curb feelers and antennas too I guess, or studded tires. Don't walk so close to other vehicles to get banged up or scraped up. When I walk into a power pole, it's my fault, not the power company. I am not removing my trailer hitch because someone might walk into it, sorry about that. I walked into a hitch once as a kid, ever since then I stay clear of all vehicles when walking by them. It was a good lesson. It's got nothing to do with courtesy or being a "better dude". Stay away from my truck and you'll probably be ok.

Bob

5/11/2025

@RickJ I said he backed into with his car, not walked into it. His bumper was damaged, but it also could have been my bumper. We parked double up at work since we start an leave at the same time. It's also not the first time he's done this to other vehicles. So you think it's OK for him to damage my truck? Read what I posted. This has nothing to do with being lazy. PS: I now have a T bar in the receiver.

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