Trailer brakes
Ontario's Highway Traffic Act says every trailer or semi-trailer with a gross weight of 1,360 kg or more must have brakes adequate to stop and hold the vehicle.
Read brake detailsONTARIO · OFFICIAL SOURCES
Ontario trailer towing requirements.
A practical summary of key Ontario trailer requirements, linked back to the Ministry of Transportation and Highway Traffic Act. This is informational—not legal advice—and current law remains authoritative.
ROAD REQUIREMENTS
What Ontario's MTO highlights
Always confirm the current official requirements before towing, particularly for unusual trailers or commercial use.
Lights and reflectors
The MTO handbook lists a white licence-plate light, red tail light and two rear red reflectors. Trailers wider than 2.05 m require additional clearance lighting or reflectors.
Official MTO sourceCondition, spray and visibility
The handbook says the trailer must be in good operating condition, address spray with guards/fenders/flaps or design, and use additional mirrors if the load blocks rearward vision.
Official MTO sourceManufacturer limits can be more restrictive than a legal threshold. TowGauge treats legal equipment rules and vehicle/trailer ratings as separate layers that both need to be satisfied.
SOURCE TRANSPARENCY
Verify with Ontario directly
MTO Driver's Handbook
Plain-language towing guidance for trailer condition, brakes, lights, reflectors and visibility.
Highway Traffic Act
Section 64(5) is the statutory brake requirement for trailers and semi-trailers at 1,360 kg gross weight or more.
Manufacturer ratings
Then verify vehicle, trailer, receiver, ball and other equipment ratings for the actual combination.
TOWGAUGE
Check the vehicle ratings too.
Legal road requirements are only one layer. Build a configuration-specific TowGauge report for the tow vehicle and trailer.
Official sources: Ontario MTO towing handbook · Ontario Highway Traffic Act.