Abstract: The trailer hitch alignment system of the present invention includes an alerting device and a tow bar assembly for attachment to a towing vehicle. The tow bar assembly includes a photoelectric sensor for detecting the vertical alignment of a trailer tongue. The tow bar assembly has a hitch ball with a spherical top and a cylindrical body for coupling with a trailer tongue having a semi-spherical socket. In one embodiment, the photoelectric sensor is mounted on the tow bar of the tow bar assembly, adjacent to the hitch ball. In another embodiment, the hitch ball houses the photoelectric sensor within its interior. During operation, the driver of the towing vehicle typically maneuvers the vehicle toward the trailer in a rearward direction. Once the photoelectric sensor detects the vertical alignment of the socket with the ball, the alerting device is activated informing the driver of the alignment.