For me (and my region), I don't care about trailer laws and brakes. To me, it isn't about he law. It's about common sense and "safe towing" wisdom.
In my region, any trailer (loaded or empty) over 3,000 lbs needs its own brakes. My Tow Vehicle is rated to pull 3,500 lbs. So, I can legally tow trailer under 2,999 lbs and government thinks I'm towing "safe". My same towing vehicle has a rear cargo capacity of 1,500 lbs. IMO, any weight about this number is "over taxing" its factory brakes. To brake my combo safely without over taxing the Vehicle's factory brakes, any attached trailer over 1,500 lbs has brakes on the trailer as well. To me, it costs very little to install brakes (electric or surge) to an attached trailer. I pay the price. If wondering, 3 of my 5 trailers have their own electric brakes.
If wondering, I was towing my loaded 6x10 utility trailer (weighing around 2,800 lbs) in a small village a few years ago and out from the front of a part vehicle ran out a blonde girl (the same age of my daughter). I panic stopped and my combo stopped 4" from her ribs. Even the witnesses couldn't believe my combo stopped so quickly. Without brakes on my attached loaded trailer and being properly adjusted, I would have snuffed out her life - without a ticket (since it was her fault). Since that day forward, I realized the "the law" in my region isn't that important. Adding brakes to attached trailer that weighs more than Tow Vehicle's rear cargo weight capacity is more important.
Long mumblings short.... Install brakes on your trailer and sleep (comfortably sleep) at night. Like my father always said... Only the wise people make a tow vehicle and attached trailer stop faster.... Those are the folks you want on the road with you....