Interstate Horse Transport Banned in Multilevel Trailers, Carrying $500 Fine Per Violation

The newly introduced Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2025 is short, focused, and has one major goal: to outlaw the use of stacked, multilevel trailers for moving horses across state lines. If you’re a commercial hauler, a horse owner, or anyone involved in the business of moving horses between states, D.C., or U.S. territories, this bill is a game changer.

The End of Stacked Transport

What does this bill actually do? It creates a complete ban on using any motorized vehicle—like a truck and trailer—that has “two or more levels stacked on top of one another” to transport horses across state lines (Sec. 2). The reasoning here is straightforward: multilevel trailers, often used for other livestock, are widely considered unsafe and inhumane for horses, leading to injuries and stress because of insufficient headroom and cramped conditions. This ban is aimed squarely at eliminating that specific transport method for interstate trips.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

If you knowingly ignore this new rule, the bill sets a civil penalty ranging from a minimum of $100 up to $500 for every single violation (Sec. 2). And here’s the kicker: the violation is counted per horse being moved illegally. So, if a commercial hauler is stopped with a stacked trailer carrying five horses, the total fine could hit $2,500 ($500 x 5). This penalty is on top of any existing fines under other transportation laws. The bill is clear that existing exceptions in the current federal code (49 U.S.C. 80502) won't save you from this new multilevel ban.

Real-World Impact: Safety vs. Cost

For the horses, this is a clear win. Eliminating stacked transport significantly improves their safety and welfare during long hauls. For the transport industry, however, the impact is economic. Multilevel trailers are often used because they are more efficient and cheaper on a per-horse basis. This ban means haulers must switch to single-level trailers, which are more expensive to operate and carry fewer animals. This will likely translate into higher costs for anyone who needs to move a horse across state lines—whether you’re a professional stable moving show horses or a family relocating a pony. While the safety benefit is undeniable, expect to see an increase in the price tag for long-distance horse transport if this bill becomes law.