01452 722174
07831 489967
01452 722174
07831 489967
Towing Guide
Towing Guide
Disclaimer: Whilst every attempt has been made to interpret the law and explain it in language that can be readily understood, Topfit Tow Bars takes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or wrong interpretations.
If in doubt please consult a solicitor versed in motor industry law.
Driving Licence Required to Tow
Holders of provisional Licence – Prohibited from towing any trailer
Drivers who passed car test before 1st January 1997 – should have entitlement B+E C1+E as listed on point 9 of the driving licence and entitles you to drive vehicles of G.V.W up to 7500Kg and tow any trailer provided G.V.W of towing vehicles less than 8250Kg.
Drivers who passed car test after 1st January 1997 – can drive a vehicle of G.V.W of 3500Kg with less than 8 seats. Can tow any trailer with G.V.W of up to 750Kg provided:
- The G.V.W of the towing vehicle is 2 x the G.V.W of the trailer.
- The combined G.V.W. of the towing vehicle and trailer is < 3500KG
Note: if a driver wishes to tow trailers or drive vehicles above these restrictions additional tests are required.
Test E - Entitles drivers who pass to drive vehicles of G.V.W up to 3500Kg.
Test C1 + E – Entitles drivers who pass to drive vehicles up to 7500Kg G.V.W. and tow trailers with overrunning brakes up to G.V.W. of 3500Kg. Other trailers may be towed provided the combined G.V.W. does not exceed 12000Kg.
Note: Drivers between 18-21 are restricted to a combined G.V.W of 7500Kg.
Type Approval
If your vehicle is a new model of car that has come onto the market after 1st January 1996, the Towbar must be tested to directive 94/20/EC. This applies to all MI category Vehicles (passenger-carrying vehicles, up to eight seats). If you are unsure as to whether your vehicle meets these requirements, then consult your dealer/manufacturer or a reputable Towbar manufacturer.
Also, the Towbar must be stamped with a 'D' value (found from a combination of Vehicle Weight and Gross Trailer Weight shown in KN) and an 'S' value (max. static vertical load shown in KG). If these markings are not shown then it is possible the Towbar may not be tested.
Speed Limits
On motorways 60mph – all other roads 50mph provided lower speed limits are not in force. Combinations exceeding 7500Kg the above limits are reduced to 50mph on motorways and 40mph on all other roads again assuming no lower limit is in force.
Insurance
Generally most vehicle insurance policies cover third party liabilities when towing a trailer or caravan when it is attached to the towing vehicle. We would recommend additional cover is arranged for theft and contents.
Most companies who have trailers hold the driver responsible for the trailer value.
Mirrors
If extension mirrors have to be fired to the towing vehicle to enable the driver to view the road behind the trailer they must not protrude more than 200mm outside the width of the towing vehicle.
Road Tax
No additional road tax fund is required for motor cars or light commercial vehicles towing trailers.
Motorways
No use of the outside lane of a motorway is permitted unless it is unavoidable due to an accident or road works.
Vehicles Towing Unbraked Trailers Restrictions
In the case of unbraked trailers the towing vehicle must have a G.V.W of at least twice the loaded weight of the trailer. MOT
This is not required for trailers of less than 3500Kg G.V.W. fitted with overrunning brakes. Good practice dictates that regular servicing and maintenance should be carried out.
Note: If a trailer is towed in an un-roadworthy state and is involved in an accident it may invalidate insurance cover.
