Licensing a homemade sawmill trailer. (specifically MI)

[AnthonyW]

Based on this thread and several "other sources" of information. I was hoping to not have to register and get a plate for the mill. So I decided to contact the NH DMV. She para-phrased the regs and then pointed me to them online.

In New Hampshire, if it has wheels on the road, it MUST be registered, MUST have a license plate, and MUST have brake lights, turn signals, and marker lights.

There are no caveats or if-ands-or-buts (like being able to see the tow vehicle lights or plate). For items that do not have a VIN (like log splitters), they must undergo the homemade trailer policy and get one assigned. Obviously the way around that would be to load the splitter onto a trailer that has a plate already.

Furthermore, if it is 3,001+ pounds and newer than 15 years it MUST have a title. Do the saw mill manufacturers provide titles at the time of purchase for the larger mills ie., Woodmizer LT30 and larger?

If it is more than 15 years old, you need a title, previous registration, or VIN Verification in order to register the 'towable item'.

[guidermd66]

any luck licensing that sawmill trailer in MI?   just register it in maine as a homemade trailer.   google maine homemade trailer form, fill it out and send it in.   I have all my trailers(7) registered in maine.   no need for a title if the dry weight is less than 3000lbs.   weigh the trailer, and get a plate in about 7 days.   you can go thru a licensing agency or just go straight thru the motor vehicle bureau.   $22 per year, or about $90 for semi permanent 5 year tag.   its all very easy and you won't get pulled over.   good luck

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, guidermd66.

You mention MI (Michigan) and then discussed registering in ME (Maine)??

Adding your location to your profile helps us with questions/statements.  ???

[Remle]

Magicman
People bend the rules and register their trailers in maine because of the lower registration fees and no inspections are required . As a result NYS DOT started a commercial vehicle inspection program especially to catch those semi trailers.  They may not need annual inspection, but the safety equipment ( brakes /lights /and weight loads ) better be right or you get a BIG fine. My brother used to have his trailers registered their, but when questions like whether his insurance company would stand be hind him if he had an accident with out of state trailer plates he decided it might not be worth the risk. Each of us has to decide just how much risk we are willing to take.

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, guidermd66.

You mention MI (Michigan) and then discussed registering in ME (Maine)??

Adding your location to your profile helps us with questions/statements.  ???

Lots of people (and businesses) from other states will register their trailers in the state of Maine.

I have had a 6x12 trailer registered in Maine for about the last 15 years, never a problem.

Cost $75.00 for 5 years, but I still have to comply with the rules here in NY, safety chains, lights, etc.

[Jeff]

Portable sawmill trailers do not have to be licensed in Michigan. I didn't look back to the beginning of this topic, but thought we covered that.

[thecfarm]

I have heard that about box trailers in Maine too.

[Tom the Sawyer]

Just a point of clarification - manufacturers can not provide a "title" for a new vehicle/trailer/etc.  Titles are state-specific.  New vehicles/trailers/mills should come with a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, although for items not commonly registered you might have to ask for it. 

If there is a Certificate of Origin, the state will take that and issue a title and/or registration specific to a certain owner, address and state.  If there is no certificate of origin (used, untitled, homebuilt, etc.) some states will still issue a title but only after some hoop-jumping on the part of the person seeking the title.