A utility trailer plate is used on trailers that are intended for personal use with no financial gain. They usually have a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 1400 kg or under. In most cases, this includes horse trailers, recreational trailers for travel or human accommodation, and typical small single-axle utility trailers. Some specific designs of trailers with a GVW over 1400 kg may qualify for a utility trailer plate, such as a recreational trailer (tent, camper, travel or other similar design), house trailer (designed, constructed and equipped for human habitation), or trailers designed to carry recreational equipment (such as trail bikes, snowmobiles, a boat, or a horse).

Commercial trailer plates are used on trailers that are usually over 1400 kg. The trailers may be used for financial gain or business purposes, but this is not necessary; the plate is assigned based on vehicle design use and weight alone. Examples of trailers that use commercial trailer plates are cattle trailers, auto trailers, machine trailers and possibly flat deck trailers with two or more axles.

Commercial trailer plates are not licensed with a GVW. Trailers with utility trailer plates are usually licensed with their own GVW.

Commercial trailer plates may require a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program decal from a designated inspection facility, depending on the rate class.

Commercial trailer plates are the same size as the ones issued for cars and trucks. Utility trailer plates are small, the same size as motorcycle plates.

When a trailer is being towed with a utility plate, the towing unit does not have to include the weight of the trailer and its load in the towing unit’s own licensed GVW. When a trailer is being towed with a commercial plate, the towing unit must be licensed for the whole combination, including its current load.

When a motor vehicle is licensed over 5000 kg, it may need a National Safety Code (NSC) number, depending on its intended use and how it is licensed. A NSC number is issued to a carrier in order to keep track of its safety rating. The number may be obtained online through the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Branch’s web site at www.th.gov.bc.ca/cvse. When a NSC number is required, the NSC holder’s name must be displayed on both sides of the motor vehicle at least 5 cm high and in a manner that makes that name clearly visible to the public. When a motor vehicle is licensed over 5500 kg, the vehicle must report to open inspection stations/weigh scales and the insurance validation decal must be affixed to the front licence plate. When a motor vehicle is licensed over 8200 kg, it may require a valid Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program decal from a designated inspection facility. When a motor vehicle is licensed and/or weighs over 11794 kg, Division 37 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations may apply with regard to hours of service, which may include the use of a logbook.

For trailers weighing up to 4600 kg, you need a class 4 or 5 driver’s licence . If the trailer exceeds 4600 kg and is not equipped with air brakes, you must have either a restriction 20 on a class 4 or 5 driver’s licence, or a class 3, 2 or 1. If you are strictly towing a house trailer, you may obtain a restriction 51 on a class 4 or 5 driver’s licence.

The easiest way to know your vehicle is safe is to ensure you do not exceed the GVWR. You can also use the same visual signs used by Peace/ Police Officers to determine if your vehicle is unsafely loaded. The best way to find out how much weight your vehicle can carry is to subtract the net weight of the vehicle from the GVWR (located on the driver’s door post). The number remaining is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry. If you cannot locate the net weight of your vehicle in your owner’s manual or if you have added accessories that increase the net weight, you can have your unloaded vehicle weighed at a weigh scale.

The maximum weight is determined by the weakest component, whether that is the tires, axles, brakes, hitch, or other equipment. A manufactured trailer should have a plate or sticker specifying the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of that trailer. These weights must not be exceeded, nor can the rated tire capacities or any other capacities be exceeded. If a vehicle is stopped by RCMP, CVSE or other policing authority, it must be brought into compliance before proceeding

For a U-built trailer, the easiest way to determine the maximum gross vehicle weight is to check the capacity of the tires, which is usually marked on the sidewall. If the axles are stamped or tagged with a rating, this rating can also be used, but the tire size is usually the limiting factor.

For more GVWR questions, see the “GVWR FAQs” info sheet.

Yes, but certain criteria have to be met. If the trailer is licensed for or weighs more than 1400 kg, the trailer must be inspected at a designated inspection facility. The maximum GVW on a trailer with electric brakes and other mobile home components is 4600 kg, and each mobile home axle with electric brakes has a maximum capacity of 2268 kg. Trailers with three axles are still restricted to 4600 kg.

Certain modifications must be made to ensure that the mobile home axle components are safe for highway use. Limited use axle bearings must be replaced with highway/industrial type. If brakes are used, the backing plates must be a bolt-on type. All brakes must meet provincial braking standards. The tires, rims and wheels are to be of highway quality and Department Of Transport approved, such as light truck category (LT), not for “mobile home use only.” If the axles have been cut and shortened, the inspection should indicate that the modifications have not affected roadworthiness.