I’m trying to get a better understanding on whether I need a trailer tag or not. From the scdmvonline website -
You must register your utility, pole, or farm trailer only if you’re traveling out of South Carolina. If your boat trailer has an empty weight of 2500 pounds or more, you must register it in order to use it on SC roads or out-of-state.
I just ran down to Ft. Myers and picked up a new boat I’m about to register and I’m not sure if I need to tag the trailer. Does “empty weight” mean just the trailer or the dry weight of the boat and trailer? The trailer only weighs 1100 lbs and the boat hull and motor weighs around 3800 lbs. Anybody who’s been through this and can tell me exactly what that means? Any help would be appreciated, I’m trying to avoid getting the run around at the dmv.
Paul
I’ve trailered to the Keys at least 10-12 times and to the west coast 4-5. Never had a tag, never had a problem. Now tie down straps on the stern are another issue in Monroe county.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
D Freedom I too have trailered to Keys multiple times without tag with out problems but to be honest I usually travel through the night to avoid traffic. I have heard people on here before say get a tag if you are traveling through FL because it’s a state requirement. That makes no sense to me? I would assume when LEO saw SC State boat registration that you get a pass since it’s not a requirement in SC. Am I correct in my assumption? I know that straps and brakes are a different story.,…fortunately I am just towing my flats boat so I don’t have to worry about brakes due to weight.
I have been pulled 3 times and ticketed twice in Florida for no tags on trailer since 1992 (almost every year trip). 18’ CC, not a big boat. I now usually get a 45 day $15 temp tag when trailering to the keys, but no tag elsewhere.
So just to clarify you go to S.C. DMV and purchase a temporary tag before leave for FL? What info does DMV need? Since tags are not required in S.C. I don’t even have a title for my trailer, matter of fact I don’t have a serial number even…would like to know more because I guess I have been just plain lucky in the past I am sure driving though the night may have helped plus one we get to our place boat immediately gets launched and trailer sits till we pack up and head home
BEEN TOWING 18 FTRS FOR 35 YRS FROM FLA TO VA. AND NEVER EVEN ? ABOUT TRAILER TAG WITH A SC REGISTERED TOW VEHICLE. I’LL PROB GET CITED NOW SINCE I SAID THAT:imp:
A cop that knows the law should never ticket an out of state trailer for no tag. Ticketing someone for not having a trailer tag when it is not required in your state is wrong. We also don’t have state inspections so no sticker. Has anyone gotten a ticket for no inspection sticker in a state that requires them?
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
I did put a permanent trailer tag on a utility trailer before because a buddy of mine kept telling me that I would get a ticket in Florida. I probably just wasted my money. It was $85 for a permanent tag. No annual property tax or registration fees ever. I assume you could put a permanent tag on a boat trailer???
I got pulled in Georgia for speeding and the trooper started off wanting to give me a ticket for not having a trailer tag. He ended up not giving me one because I told him SC didn’t require me to have one for my size boat. At the time I thought it was because of trailer length but after getting a new boat I looked it up and that’s where my question came into play. That’s great advice on the temp tag and I’ll be doing that for my yearly family get together in Fl.
