§ 35-885. Trailers and towed vehicles; drawbar connections and safety hitch.

(a)

When one vehicle is towing another, the drawbar, towbar or other connections shall be of sufficient strength to pull, stop and hold all weight towed and so designed, constructed and installed as to ensure that any vehicle or motor vehicle towed on a level, smooth, paved surface will follow in the path of the towing vehicle when it is moving in a straight line. In addition to the drawbar connection between any two such vehicles, there shall be provided an adequate safety hitch.

(b)

When one vehicle is towing another and the connection consists of a chain, rope or cable, there shall be displayed upon such connection a white flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square.

(c)

Motor vehicles in transit may be transported in combination by means of towbar, saddlemount or full mount mechanisms, utilizing the motive power of one of the motor vehicles in such combination, except that not more than two vehicles in any such combination of motor vehicles in transit may be connected by means of a towbar mechanism. Whenever motor vehicles are transported as authorized in this subsection, such motor vehicles shall be connected securely in combination in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the secretary, and any combination of such motor vehicles shall comply with the limitations prescribed by section 35-882.

(d)

Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, not more than three vehicles, including the towing vehicle in any combination of vehicles may be connected by means of a towbar mechanism, and, if three such vehicles are connected by towbar mechanisms, the towbar mechanism between the towing vehicle and the first towed vehicle shall be equipped with an anti-sway mechanism. In addition the second towed vehicle of every combination of vehicles so connected shall be equipped with service brakes acting on the wheels of at least one axle and which are of a type approved by the secretary and of such character as to be applied automatically and promptly, except that this sentence shall not apply to combinations of vehicles which include a slow-moving vehicle which is an implement of husbandry when moving from field to field.

(Code 1964, § 36-294; Code 1988, § 35-788; Ord. No. 53410, § 1, 1-7-1975; Ord. No. 53976, § 16, 7-22-1975; Ord. No. 58345, § 12, 7-27-1978; Ord. No. 69539, § 2, 11-1-1979; Ord. No. 64834, § 4, 7-1-1985)

State law reference

Similar provisions, K.S.A. 8-1907.