Status of Trailers and Semi-trailers

(1) Subject to the provisions of 540 CMR 13.05(2)(a), a trailer or semi-trailer that is being pulled by a power unit bearing a valid Plan apportioned registration plate issued by the Commonwealth, or other Plan member jurisdiction if the Commonwealth is listed on the cab card, or a Plan trip permit for travel in the Commonwealth shall be operable on the ways of the Commonwealth regardless of its state of registration while being so pulled, provided that the trailer bears a valid registration plate. (2) Applicability of Other Laws. (a) Nothing contained in 540 CMR 13.05 shall be deemed to authorize the operation on the ways of the Commonwealth of a trailer or semi-trailer that is inoperable for any reason other than the issue of state of registration of the vehicle. (b) The fact that a trailer or semi-trailer is operable upon the ways of the Commonwealth in the circumstances set forth in 540 CMR 13.05 shall not determine whether such trailer or semi-trailer should be properly registered in the Commonwealth, rather than another jurisdiction; and the Registrar retains the authority to determine the issue of proper registration, after an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with M.G.L. c. 90. (c) The fact that a trailer or semi-trailer is operable upon the ways of the Commonwealth in the circumstances set forth in 540 CMR 13.05 shall have no relevance to or impact on any proceeding for the enforcement of the tax laws, or the payment of non-registration fees or taxes. (PAGES 89 AND 90 ARE RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.) 3/9/18 540 CMR - 88