Livestock Trailer Requirements in North Dakota: What Every Hauler Needs to Know

North Dakota’s agricultural economy depends on the safe, legal movement of livestock across its roads and highways. Whether you’re a rancher moving cattle between pastures, a farmer hauling hogs to market, or a commercial livestock transporter crossing the state, your trailer must meet a specific set of requirements before you load a single animal.

Failing to understand these rules can result in fines, impounded equipment, or worse — animals arriving in poor condition. This guide walks you through every major requirement for livestock trailers in North Dakota, from registration and structural standards to driver licensing and penalties for non-compliance.

Livestock Trailer Registration and Identification Requirements in North Dakota

Before you haul livestock on any public road in North Dakota, your trailer must be properly registered and identified. The rules hinge primarily on the trailer’s gross weight and how it is used.

State law exempts any trailer, semitrailer, or farm trailer weighing less than 1,500 pounds from registration if it is not used for commercial purposes. All other trailers must be registered with the Department of Transportation every year. Because most livestock trailers exceed this threshold when loaded — or are used commercially — registration is a practical requirement for the vast majority of operators.

To register a trailer, you will need to complete the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Vehicle (Form SFN 2872) and take it, along with the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), to your local motor vehicle office. If the trailer weighs less than 1,500 lbs., all you will need is the $5 fee for an ID plate, unless you use the trailer to transport a vehicle for competitions. If it is used for that purpose or is 1,500 lbs. or more, you will need to pay a title fee and excise tax.

A semitrailer or a farm trailer operated or intended to be operated upon a highway, road, or street in this state must be registered with the department either annually or permanently, at the discretion of the registrant. Choosing permanent registration can save time for operators who keep the same trailer in service for many years.

Pro Tip: If you plan to haul livestock across state lines, check neighboring states’ registration requirements before your trip. The states surrounding North Dakota do require trailers to be titled and registered. North Dakota’s Motor Vehicle Division can issue a free temporary plate for out-of-state travel upon request.

You should also be aware that livestock transport in North Dakota intersects with brand inspection rules. If you are moving cattle, horses, or other branded animals, you may need a brand inspection certificate before transport. Review the brand inspection requirements in North Dakota to ensure your paperwork is complete before loading.

Trailers in North Dakota are required to have proper lighting, which includes red taillights on the rear, functioning brake lights that illuminate when the vehicle’s brakes are applied, turn signals to signal lane changes or turns, and red reflectors on the rear and amber reflectors on the front of the trailer to enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions.

Structural and Safety Standards for Livestock Trailers in North Dakota

A livestock trailer must be mechanically sound and structurally adequate to keep animals secure and other road users safe. North Dakota law establishes baseline requirements for hitching, braking, and secondary safety connections that apply to all trailers, including those used for livestock.

Every trailer in North Dakota needs a secure hitch and coupling device that can support the trailer’s full weight, ensuring safe towing. The hitch must be able to handle the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which includes the weight of the trailer and its cargo.

North Dakota mandates the use of safety chains when towing. Safety chains serve as a secondary connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer. They should be crossed under the tongue of the trailer and attached securely to prevent the trailer from separating in case the primary hitch fails.

Braking systems are equally critical, especially when hauling heavy loads of livestock. Any trailer traveling faster than 25 mph must have sufficient safety chains or brakes to control and stop the vehicle. The driver should be able to apply these brakes from inside the cab, and they should be designed so that in case of an accidental breakaway, the brakes will automatically activate.

Visibility is another structural concern. Drivers are required to have a rear-view mirror that reflects the highway for at least 200 feet behind their vehicle, whether they are operating it alone or while towing another vehicle. Extended side mirrors are typically needed when a wide livestock trailer blocks the standard rearview.

Important Note: Structural integrity is not just a legal issue — it directly affects animal welfare. Best practices call for sides high enough to prevent animals from jumping over them, nonslip flooring that provides secure footing, and adequate vehicle covering to protect animals from adverse weather.

Size, Weight, and Load Limits for Livestock Trailers in North Dakota

North Dakota sets clear dimensional and weight limits for trailers operating on its roads. Knowing these limits helps you plan loads and avoid costly overweight citations.

The key dimensional limits are:

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches on most highways; 8 feet on other roads
• Height: 14 feet
• Single trailers: up to 53 feet long; combinations (towing a trailer or other vehicle) can extend up to 75 feet

Weight limits depend on axle configuration:

Axle Type	Maximum Legal Weight
Single axle	20,000 lb.
Tandem axle	34,000 lb.
Tridem axle	48,000 lb.
Max gross vehicle weight (interstate)	80,000 pounds

North Dakota has increased weights up to 105,500 lbs available over a comprehensive state road network, and permits for increased weights may be available for the interstate. This is relevant for large commercial livestock operations running heavy multi-axle rigs.

Oversized loads require special permits, which you can obtain from the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). You can also contact the North Dakota Highway Patrol’s Motor Carrier Operations division at 701-328-2621 for permit information.

Key Insight: All movements exceeding 14 feet 6 inches in width, 18 feet in height, and 120 feet in overall length are required to have official escort or approved pilot cars. Plan your route and timing accordingly if your loaded livestock trailer approaches these thresholds.

Ventilation, Flooring, and Animal Space Requirements in North Dakota

While North Dakota does not maintain a standalone state statute prescribing exact square footage per animal or specific ventilation slot dimensions, livestock trailer operators must comply with federal animal welfare standards and accepted industry practices that apply during transport.

At the federal level, under the USDA’s Twenty-Eight Hour Law, livestock cannot remain confined longer than 28 hours without rest. Animals must be offloaded for at least five hours, with access to food, water, and humane care. This law applies to interstate transport of livestock by commercial motor vehicle and is enforced during DOT inspections.

For trailer design and condition, industry best practices — which also inform enforcement decisions during roadside inspections — call for the following:

• Sides high enough to prevent animals from jumping over them
• Nonslip flooring that provides secure footing, avoiding abrasive floor and wall surfaces
• Ventilation and proper bedding to protect animals from weather extremes
• Adequate vehicle covering to protect animals from adverse weather

Organic and traditional livestock must be shipped with species-appropriate bedding and ventilation, with proof of protocol on file when subject to USDA organic certification rules. Even outside organic operations, keeping bedding records is a sound practice that can support your case during any inspection.

In general, chances for injuries decrease when animals on a truck are confined in several smaller groups. Using interior dividers or gates to separate species, size classes, or temperamentally incompatible animals reduces bruising, stress, and transit losses. For guidance on working with livestock guardian animals that may accompany your herd, see facts about livestock guardian dogs.

Proper in-transit care will minimize animal injuries, bruises and carcass damage, which can impair the animals’ well-being and value. Temperature management through adequate ventilation is especially important given North Dakota’s extreme seasonal swings, from subzero winters to hot, humid summers.

CDL and Driver License Requirements for Hauling Livestock in North Dakota

Whether you need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to haul livestock in North Dakota depends on the combined weight of your rig and the nature of your operation. Understanding the thresholds helps you determine your licensing obligations before you hit the road.

Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds, requires a CDL. For most large livestock hauling operations — a heavy-duty pickup and a loaded cattle trailer, for example — this threshold is frequently met or exceeded.

The CDL classes that apply to livestock haulers are:

• Class A CDL: Required if the total GCWR of the truck and trailer is 26,001 pounds or greater, and the GVWR of the trailer or load is greater than 10,000 pounds. This covers tractor-trailer combinations and large livestock carriers.
• Class B CDL: Required if the total GCWR of the truck and trailer is 26,001 pounds or greater, but the GVWR of the trailer or load is less than 10,000 pounds.

North Dakota provides important exemptions for farmers. A farm vehicle may tow a trailer, semi-trailer, or farm trailer except double and triple trailers. Any farm vehicle operated by a farmer may transport hazardous material within 150 miles of the farm without a hazardous material endorsement on the operator’s license.

North Dakota has reciprocity agreements for Farm CDLs with South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming within 150 miles of the farm. If you regularly cross into a neighboring state for livestock sales or pasture access, confirm that your license type is recognized under the applicable reciprocity agreement.

Pro Tip: Drivers moving livestock within 150 air miles from the source are exempt from federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations, per 49 CFR 395.1(k)(1). This exemption can significantly simplify operations for ranchers hauling to local markets or sale barns.

A standard Class D driver’s license is sufficient when the combined weight of your towing vehicle and livestock trailer falls below the CDL thresholds. However, understanding when a CDL is required for towing can be confusing due to varying interpretations of federal regulations and differing state laws. It’s crucial to consider the weights of your vehicle and trailer, as well as whether your transport is for commercial purposes. When in doubt, contact the NDDOT Commercial Driver License division for a definitive answer on your specific rig configuration.

Also note a recent regulatory update: effective April 21, 2025, per federal regulation, North Dakota Driver License Division will no longer accept medical examiner certificates by paper, and nationally certified medical examiners are required to upload the certificate electronically. CDL holders must ensure their medical certification is handled through the new electronic process.

Inspection and Maintenance Requirements in North Dakota

Keeping your livestock trailer in roadworthy condition is both a legal obligation and a practical necessity. Inspection requirements vary depending on whether your operation falls under federal commercial motor vehicle rules or qualifies for agricultural exemptions.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets nationwide standards for motor carriers, including farm trucks. While these regulations address driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service, farm trucks benefit from tailored exemptions for agricultural use. Despite these exemptions, basic safety and maintenance standards must always be met.

For commercial livestock haulers subject to FMCSA regulations, annual vehicle inspections are required under 49 CFR Part 396. These inspections cover brakes, lighting, tires, coupling devices, and structural components. Operators must keep inspection records and make them available during roadside checks.

Regardless of commercial status, every livestock trailer operating on North Dakota public roads must maintain:

• Functioning brake systems, including breakaway brakes on trailers over the applicable weight threshold
• Proper lighting — taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and reflectors — in working order at all times
• Secure hitch and coupling devices rated for the trailer’s GVWR
• Safety chains properly crossed and attached
• Adequate mirrors for rear visibility

Key points to remember include the use of safety chains, having adequate lighting and reflectors, maintaining a functional braking system, and adhering to the state’s maximum trailer dimensions.

For livestock-specific maintenance, the condition of the trailer floor deserves regular attention. Rotted or weakened flooring is a leading cause of animal injury during transport and a common citation point during agricultural inspections. Replace damaged boards promptly and treat wood floors with appropriate sealants to extend their service life.

Common Mistake: Many operators assume that farm exemptions eliminate all inspection obligations. They do not. State laws add another layer of complexity, with variations in registration, road access, and weight limits. Farmers must consult their state DOT to stay compliant, especially when operating near state borders.

If your livestock trailer is used for interstate commerce and meets the commercial motor vehicle definition, roadside inspections by the North Dakota Highway Patrol’s Motor Carrier Operations unit may include a Level I or Level II inspection covering both the vehicle and the driver’s documentation. Permits for oversize or overweight moves can be obtained through the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Penalties for Non-Compliant Livestock Trailers in North Dakota

Operating a livestock trailer that does not meet North Dakota’s requirements exposes you to a range of consequences, from financial penalties to operational disruptions that can affect the welfare of your animals.

Penalties for trailer violations in North Dakota are governed by the North Dakota Century Code and enforced by the Highway Patrol and local law enforcement. Common violations and their consequences include:

Violation Type	Potential Consequence
Unregistered trailer on public roads	Citation and required immediate registration; trailer may be ordered off the road
Overweight load without permit	Fines scaled to the degree of overweight; potential impoundment
Oversize load without permit	Citation; movement may be halted until a permit is obtained
Defective lighting or braking	Out-of-service order until repaired; citation issued
Missing or improper safety chains	Citation and required correction before continuing travel
Operating CMV without required CDL	Driver placed out of service; substantial fines

Fines for trailer violations average $100–$500, but several jurisdictions also add impound fees, towing costs, and court fees. For commercial operators subject to FMCSA oversight, violations can also result in points against your safety rating, which can affect your operating authority and insurance premiums.

Crossing state lines without valid registration invites federal scrutiny under DOT trailer regulations. Insurance carriers may deny claims if the trailer wasn’t legally registered at the time of an accident. This is a significant financial risk for any livestock hauler — an unregistered trailer involved in an accident could leave you personally liable for damages.

For commercial livestock transporters operating under FMCSA authority, out-of-service orders are among the most disruptive penalties. An out-of-service order means your trailer cannot move until the cited deficiency is corrected, which can leave animals stranded in transit and cause significant economic loss.

Important Note: Animal welfare violations during transport carry their own separate penalties under federal law. Per 49 U.S.C. 80502, animals confined for more than 28 consecutive hours must be offloaded for a minimum five-hour rest period, food, and water, enforced by USDA and reflected in DOT checks. Violations of this law can result in civil penalties assessed by the USDA.

Staying compliant is far less costly than dealing with citations, impoundment, or animal welfare investigations. Conduct a pre-trip inspection before every haul, keep your registration and permits current, and verify your driver’s licensing status matches your rig’s weight configuration. If you operate near North Dakota’s borders, also review brand inspection requirements in South Dakota to avoid compliance gaps when crossing state lines.

For additional context on North Dakota’s animal-related regulations and wildlife, you may also find these resources useful: roadkill laws in North Dakota and venomous animals in North Dakota — both relevant for operators traveling rural routes across the state.