Towing a trailer or driving a Class D (chauffeur) vehicle adds weight, length and stopping distance. Louisiana sets size limits, load rules and equipment requirements, and your trailer's hitch, brakes, lights and tires must be right before you roll.
Class D chauffeur's license
For a single commercial vehicle, or combination, rated 10,001 to under 26,001 lbs, no hazmat. Allows passengers for hire (outside classes A-C). Minimum age 17.
Handbook p. 135 ↗Vehicle size limits
| Measure | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Width, most vehicles | 8 feet (load may stick out 6 inches past body) |
| Width, buses | 8 feet 6 inches |
| Height, all vehicles | 13 feet 6 inches |
| Length, single vehicle with load | 40 feet |
| Length, truck-tractor and trailer | 65 feet |
Load rules:
- The load must not drop, shift, leak or escape, and must be securely fastened
- No more than 4 feet past the front or 8 feet past the rear of the vehicle
- Poles, pilings and logs may extend 15 feet beyond the rear of the trailer
Know the rule
If a load extends 4 feet or more past the bed or body, attach a red flag 12 inches square to the very end in daylight. At night use a red light visible from at least 500 feet to the sides and rear.
Handbook p. 135 ↗Class D driving rules:
- Motor trucks on rural highways must not follow within 400 feet of each other, except to pass
- Dim high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 200 feet of a vehicle you follow
- Never coast downhill with the clutch disengaged or the gear in neutral
- At railroad crossings stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail; don't shift gears on the tracks
Required equipment:
- Passengers for hire: a 2-BC fire extinguisher; tow trucks: 4-BC; explosives: 10-BC
- Every truck: mud flaps to cut spray to the rear
- Freight vehicles and buses: 3 flares, lanterns or reflectors, plus two 12-inch red flags
- Rearview mirror showing the road 200 feet behind
Know the rule
After a breakdown, place warning signals 100 feet behind and 100 feet ahead of the vehicle, plus one 10 feet from it on the traffic side. Trucks carrying explosives or flammables may not use flares.
Handbook p. 136 ↗Know the rule
When towing, the draw bar or connection must be strong enough for the load and no longer than 15 feet, except for poles, pipes or machinery that can't be taken apart.
Handbook p. 136 ↗Know the rule
Don't drive if any required lamp or reflector is blocked by the load, the tailboard or dirt. On long downgrades, use engine compression instead of riding the brakes.
Handbook p. 137 ↗Know the rule
Every trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more must have brakes the driver can apply from the cab, and they must apply automatically if the trailer breaks away.
Handbook p. 140 ↗Hitching up:
- Check the owner's manual that your vehicle is equipped to tow
- Make sure the ball and coupler sizes match
- Attach safety chains with some slack for turns, crossed under the trailer tongue, not dragging
- Match the electrical connectors and check all trailer lights before towing
Know the rule
Trailers need taillights, brake lights, side marker lights, turn signals, and side and rear reflectors.
Handbook p. 140 ↗Know the rule
Use trailer tires of the same type, size and construction (never mix bias-belted and radial). Your tow vehicle's tires may need higher pressure for towing.
Handbook p. 141 ↗Loading a trailer:
- Balance weight from side to side
- Spread cargo evenly along the trailer's length
- Secure and brace every item so nothing moves or falls off
- Adjust the hitch height and use load-leveling bars if needed
Put it into practice
Your pickup is carrying lumber that sticks out 5 feet past the tailgate. In daylight, tie a red flag at least 12 inches square to the end. After dark you need a red light there, visible from 500 feet.