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Check NHTSA compliance before purchasing trailers
2022-10-10T05:00:00Z
The U.S. DOT has issued a Consumer Alert about certain new commercial trailers, saying they are noncompliant and pose a safety risk.
The warning focuses on imported trailers that, in this case, are often marketed as food trucks or vending stations and sold to small businesses throughout the country. The agency's guidance, however, applies to any trailer acquisition.
Purchasing a new trailer? Take these steps to protect yourself:
- Make sure the trailer is compliant with basic federal standards, especially when it comes to critical safety components like lights, tires, and wheels. If the trailer is regulated as a commercial motor vehicle, have it undergo an inspection based on the standards in 49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, or get certification from the seller that it meets those standards.
- Check to make sure the manufacturer is registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) using the agency’s Vehicle Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing Manufacturer Portal, available online.
- Use great caution with online purchases from overseas. Trailers that are found to be noncompliant with NHTSA regulations will not be allowed to enter the United States. VisitNHTSA.gov/importing-vehicle for more information.
- Make sure the trailer has an affixed label indicating it meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
- Report any trailers you believe may violate NHTSA requirements by emailing importcertification@dot.gov.
Key to remember: The DOT is recommending that motor carriers take some basic precautions when purchasing new trailers.