We Do Annual Trailer Safety Inspections!

In Canada, trailers need to be inspected annually for safety if they are used for commercial purposes. Getting your inspection is not only the law, but it is essential for ensuring that you can use your trailer safely. At McFarlane Trailer Sales, we provide annual inspections and stickers. Just bring your trailer by to take care of this important legal requirement.

When Is an Inspection Required?

To be used legally, trailers need to have an annual inspection and a sticker showing that they have passed. However, there is an exemption that allows trailers used for personal purposes to avoid getting the inspection if they meet a few criteria:

• The truck and trailer are being used for personal use (uncompensated).
• The truck and trailer are not carrying cargo (equipment, tools, materials etc.) that would typically be used for commercial purposes.
• The gross vehicle weight rating of the truck must be less than 6,500 kilograms.
• The box on the truck must be unmodified and installed by the manufacturer. Alternatively, an unmodified replacement box that duplicates the original is acceptable.

In other words, trailers that are being used for commercial purposes need to have an inspection sticker. Additionally, if the GVWR is over 6,500 kilograms, an inspection sticker is required regardless of the use type. If the trailer is used for mixed purposes (occasional commercial), it may also be exempt. However, the GVWR of the truck, trailer, and cargo together must be less than 4,500 kilograms.

What Is Involved in a Trailer Inspection?

When you bring your trailer in for inspection, we will carefully examine it to ensure that it complies with relevant National Safety Standards and legislation. These are the main systems that should be checked:

• Brakes
• Suspension
• Body
• Tires and wheels
• Coupler/hitch
• Electrical systems
• Auxiliary equipment
• Lights

Additionally, your truck needs to be inspected, including its power train, steering, and all the above. If you pass the inspection, we provide you with a sticker to indicate that your trailer has been successfully checked. You must prominently display this sticker on your trailer.

Why Are Inspections Important?

You may wonder why you need to bother with getting your trailer inspected. Many people are slow to take care of this important step.

First, it is important to remember that in Canada, trailers need to be inspected by law. So, if you want to use your trailer, especially for consistent commercial purposes, you need to get the sticker to comply with relevant highway laws. It doesn’t take long to get your inspection, so you may as well get it done and be in compliance with the law.

Second, the inspection is for your safety. If your trailer’s brake system or wheels are not working smoothly, for example, you could suddenly lose control of your trailer on the road. With the heavy loads in some trailers, this could cause a severe accident. The inspection process helps to identify these issues early so that you can address them before they become serious problems.

It is also important for the safety of others. Losing control of your trailer on the road could damage property and significantly harm people. You don’t want to have it on your conscience that failing to take care of your trailer caused an injury or worse to someone else. Plus, you could be liable for significant damages. Get your inspection; it is worth the small investment of time.

Bring Your Trailer to McFarlane Trailer Sales for Annual Inspection

If you need to get your trailer inspected and want to enjoy professional and prompt service, come to McFarlane Trailer Sales. We are happy to help you ensure that your trailer continues to be roadworthy.