How many leave hitch on all time ? It it legal in Illinois?

[FredDog01]

I would like to know Here in Illinois is it legal to leave your hitch in all the time ? Rear-ended on xway, then they take off & exit before I can get any info. Now I leave hitch in at all times for some protection. Was told by co-worker it is not legal when not towing. States I would be liable for damages if rear-ended, true or false ?
How many people leave there hitch on all the time ?

 

[alldodge]

Have not heard that one, but strange things happen in different states all the time. I leave mine on all the time.

Wanted to have a prop in it just because but got tired of swapping. So I welded a piece on each side of the frame and put a prop on each side of the hitch

 

[Ned L]

That’s a new one on me too, but what do I know I’m in CT.

 

[Redfred1]

Mine is on too; along with the rattle! Don't know when they came up with the 3rd taillight; (with the cargo light) but you could buy the kit at a AP and hook it up to the harness.In Texas that light; is mandatory; part of yearly inspection.

 

[jetboater]

Not sure about Illinois but it’s illegal here in Ohio to have your ball mount installed unless you’re actually towing.

But it never heard of anyone actually getting a ticket for it and most folks I see with hitches usually have the ball mount in.

I

 

[211libwtfo]

I live Illinois/Iowa border in Illinois, it’s supposed to be illegal in Iowa I hadn’t heard anything about it in Illinois yet. But yea I think it does give a bit a protection on a rearend collision. Someone hit my wife in the expedition not a scratch. As far as this hitch rattle I’ve had a hitch in a truck/suv for 27 years I’ve never heard it rattle ever.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I live in Illinois and Iheard about that, too, but no one has EVER been able to show me the law that says it’s not legal. My pickup is my daily driver, and I’ve driven atound the last 6-7 years with my hitch in and I’ve never had any problem. Ithink it’s a myth.

Who told you it is illegal?

 

[82rude]

Funny side story.A friend had a hitch on the back of his truck and it was frozen on there.So he spends some time and unfreezes it lathers it with never seize and goes to work that night all proud.Guess what?Somebody stole it ,lol.

 

[roscoe]

[h=1]Apparently its ok in MN..

Ask a Trooper: Is it illegal to have a ball hitch if I’m not pulling anything?[/h] By Sgt. Neil Dickenson on Jul 5, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.42

Q: I was wondering if it is illegal to have the ball hitch in the receiver of my truck if I am not pulling any trailers at that time?

A: No, it is not illegal to have a ball hitch in the receiver of a truck when not pulling a trailer at that time. It is not illegal to have more than one ball hitch on the bumper. But with that being said, you need to be aware that multiple ball hitches on the bumper could obstruct the rear license plate.

Sgt. Neil Dickenson is a public information officer with the Minnesota State Patrol.


But not ok in Michigan

2012 House Bill 5610: Ban driving with trailer hitch except when towing
Introduced by Rep. George T. Darany (D) on May 9, 2012
To prohibit driving a vehicle with a trailer hitch unless actually towing a trailer. In other words, the hitch would have to be removed except when towing. Official Text and Analysis.



So, how would this law be applied if I had one of those cargo carriers attached to the receiver ?????

 

[roffey]

I'm in Ontario Canada and its not illegal. I keep mine on all the time as it tends to keep people from parking to close to my back bumper. As far as protection in a rear ender, I don't think it would help as the hitch would just go through the hood? For the most part trucks are much sturdier than a car but frames get bend I guess. Hope I never find out. My truck is the first brand new vehicle I've had in over 30 years....:car:

 

[mr 88]

I will tell you where it is illegal, Any Repair Shop. Mechanics will add to your bill after they take it in the shins or better yet the forehead ! This is fact !

 

[Bayou Dave]

I used to leave mine on, but after busting my shin on it a few times I now never leave it on.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

I'm in Ontario Canada and its not illegal. I keep mine on all the time as it tends to keep people from parking to close to my back bumper. As far as protection in a rear ender, I don't think it would help as the hitch would just go through the hood? For the most part trucks are much sturdier than a car but frames get bend I guess. Hope I never find out. My truck is the first brand new vehicle I've had in over 30 years....:car:

An old wives tale here. I was warned by a OPP officer in town at the gas station. I suggested he check the Highway Traffic Act. He was wrong. It might not be illegal but it can hurt like an SOB when you smack it with your shin. I take mine ut once a year, clean it, paint it and put it back in. I might forget the plug but I'll never forget the hitch.

 

[jkust]

I keep it on my wife's suv but not mine. She does a lot more in town driving and parking than I do. Keeps people from bumping into her bumper in the parking lots. I've had a few shin hits over the years but now muscle memory is in play and I never bump it any longer.

 

[garbageguy]

I don't know about the law question.

I used to leave in til I needed to get i\t out and it was rusted in. So, after that and bashing various body parts into it, started taking it out when not in use. But a law? C'mon...

 

[tomhath]

I remove it ever since the one I had before disappeared. If you decide to leave it in a locking pin would be a good idea.

 

[82rude]

Not to hijack but has anybody else used this system.Ive used it for 15 plus years and its so slick.http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/r...ng-hitch-ball-system-3-ball-0406552p.html#srp

 

[roffey]

I have this setup, https://www.princessauto.com/en/det...sionid=W+RxFFxI77BNAgKnmrWcLVlx.pal-prod-com3

 

[ahicks]

I will tell you where it is illegal, Any Repair Shop. Mechanics will add to your bill after they take it in the shins or better yet the forehead ! This is fact !

It's not about the mechanics here (I'm my own mechanic), but that's exactly why I pull mine. It's more about self preservation. I've banged myself up on those so many times walking around, loading, and unloading, I've just resigned myself to pull it when not in use. Bonus is I know it's free. It's not a big wad of rust.

 

[FredDog01]