Are Two Safety Chains Required By Law?

Updated 07/13/2018 | Published 07/12/2018

Question:

Are there any regulations or laws that dictate the size of safety chains in relation to the weight of the load? Is there anything that states two chains must be used instead of just one?

asked by: Eric B

Expert Reply:

There is no one Federal law that all states have to go by in regards to size and weight rating on safety chains. You will need to check with your local DMV office for the requirements in your state.

When two safety chains, # 2118-605-04, are attached to the tow vehicle, they should be crossed below the coupler in an X pattern. This is done so that if the coupler should come off of the trailer ball, the crossed safety chains can provide a cradle for the coupler to land in. This will keep the coupler from hitting the ground and possibly getting snagged in a pothole, which would be a very very bad thing.

expert reply by: Timothy G