Quick one.....flat towing

[jjump]

Quick one here....flat towing (The Jeep I am considering comes with a tow bar), if I am flat towing through Ohio into PA, does the Jeep that I am towing need to be registered and plates?

I remember somewhere reading if all 4 wheel are rolling then yes.

I have the magnet lights......

 

[Lumpy Grits]

If the Jeep's wheels are on the road-YES.
On a trailer-NO.
LG

 

[HackFabrication]

In the State of Michigan if it's being flat towed, (or on a tow dolly) it needs registration, current plates, and current insurance (because it's a motor vehicle). On a trailer, no need. However the trailer must have a valid registration/plates (insurance optional). I'd suggest you check the state laws where you plan on transiting. Legally, in Michigan, any vehicle being towed (trailer or motor vehicle - the law in Michigan considers both 'vehicles'), over 3000 pounds requires operational brakes on the towed vehicle (from either the towing vehicle or 'surge') and 'brake away' capability. Certain exceptions for commercial towers. Laws are a cauldron of confusion....

That being said.... I flat towed my CJ5 , behind an F150, from Michigan through Ohio, and into Kentucky (to go to a shop), and back, without plates or insurance on the CJ. Of course, I had operational lights (brake, turn, running) on the CJ connected to the tow vehicle. Never got a look from any of the Ohio or Kentucky Highway Patrol. I did have the title in my possession during the trips. Subsequent, and shorter tows, were done in the state without plates on the CJ. Never stopped by law enforcement. But I could have been.

Interesting side note with regards to tow dollies in Michigan:

"Tow dollies are two-wheeled towing devices used to transport vehicles by supporting one axle on the dolly, with the other axle on the road. A 1985 agreement between the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of State considers them as “coupling devices” rather than trailers in Michigan. The Michigan Department of State will not issue a registration plate for a tow dolly. Do not stop vehicles or issue citations for failing to display a registration
plate on a tow dolly."