Towing More Than One Vehicle
Towing more than one vehicle at a time in a manner not permitted under California law for non-commercial or standard vehicle configurations.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
What is a Towing More Than One Vehicle ticket?
This violation occurs when you tow more than one vehicle behind your car or truck without proper authorization. California law generally limits most vehicles to towing only one other vehicle at a time, with specific exceptions for commercial operations and certain recreational setups.
A CVC 21715(a) ticket costs approximately $238-$350 and adds 1 point to your DMV record. This point stays on your record for 3 years and can increase your insurance premiums by 15-25%, with commercial drivers facing additional consequences to their CDL.
One DMV point typically increases insurance premiums by 15-25% for three years. Commercial drivers may face additional scrutiny and potential employer consequences. Fighting the ticket successfully eliminates both the point and the insurance impact entirely.
What the Law Says
No motor vehicle shall tow more than one other vehicle in combination, except as otherwise provided.
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1Your vehicle was towing more than one other vehicle simultaneously
- 2No exception applied to the towing combination
How Drivers Get This Ticket
A driver tows a boat trailer behind an RV, creating a triple combination without a permit.
Cited for 21715(a) because the combination exceeded the one-vehicle tow limit for non-commercial vehicles.
A farmer tows two empty utility trailers on a public road between properties.
Ticket issued as agricultural exemptions typically require the trailers to be transporting farm products.
A licensed auto transporter tows a car carrier with multiple vehicles using proper permits.
No violation because commercial tow operations with appropriate permits are specifically exempted under the law.
Common Defenses for Towing More Than One Vehicle
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Only one vehicle was in tow
CVC 21715(a) prohibits towing more than one vehicle except under specific permitted combinations. If only one trailer or vehicle was being towed, the statute does not apply.
Towing combination was a permitted exception
Certain combinations (e.g., a vehicle towing a tow truck that is towing another vehicle) may be permitted under specific conditions. Verify the applicable exception.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Photos of your actual towing configuration at the time of the stop
- ✓Valid Caltrans special permit authorizing multi-vehicle towing
- ✓Vehicle registration showing commercial classification with towing authorization
- ✓Documentation proving your setup qualifies under statutory exceptions
- ✓Manufacturer specifications showing integrated trailer or combination unit design
- ✓Witness statements confirming the actual number of vehicles being towed
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Assuming all multi-trailer setups are automatically illegal without checking exceptions
- ✗Failing to carry permit documentation while operating under a special authorization
- ✗Confusing recreational vehicle exemptions with general passenger vehicle rules
- ✗Not photographing your towing setup immediately after receiving the citation
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Frequently Asked Questions About Towing More Than One Vehicle
What exceptions allow towing more than one vehicle in California?▼
CVC 21715 permits exceptions for certain commercial operations, saddlemount vehicle transport combinations, and specific driveaway-towaway operations. Caltrans also issues special permits for authorized multi-vehicle towing configurations.
Can I tow a boat trailer behind my RV legally?▼
Generally no, unless you have a special permit. Towing a boat trailer behind an RV creates a prohibited triple combination for most non-commercial drivers. Some states allow this, but California typically does not.
Does this violation affect my commercial driver's license?▼
Yes, this point appears on your driving record and can impact your CDL status. Commercial drivers should be especially concerned as employers often review driving records, and multiple violations can affect your ability to maintain commercial driving privileges.
What if I was on private property when cited?▼
California Vehicle Code generally applies to public roads and highways. If you were entirely on private property not open to public traffic, this may be a valid defense. However, you'll need evidence establishing the location was truly private.
How is this different from an overweight or over-length violation?▼
CVC 21715(a) specifically addresses the number of vehicles in your towing combination, not weight or length. You could potentially face separate citations for weight, length, or equipment violations in addition to this charge if your setup had multiple issues.
Traffic School Option
Traffic school may be available to mask the point if you haven't attended in the past 18 months and meet court eligibility requirements. However, contesting the ticket first may be worthwhile given the available defenses.
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This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.