Parkers guide to towing

If you want to tow a trailer or caravan, it’s not quite as simple as sticking it on the back of the car and taking off.

There are a number of laws and regulations in place for anyone looking to use their car for towing. From trailer restrictions depending on your car to the weight you can tow with your car, you’ll need to know all these to ensure you are towing legally.

We've put together a handy guide to help you with towing:

Specific trailer restrictions

If the towing vehicle weighs 3,500kg or less (Gross Vehicle Weight or GVW)

• Length (excluding the coupling and drawbar) 7.0m
• Width Maximum 2.3m

If the towing vehicle weighs more than 3,500kg GVW

• Length (excluding the coupling and drawbar) 12m (min 4 wheels)
• Width Maximum 2.55m
• Length of towing vehicle and trailer combined 18m
• Maximum overhang of load from rear of trailer 3.05m

What's the maximum weight I can carry in my tailer?

Trailer has no brakes (Unbraked Trailer)

• Maximum 750kg gross trailer weight or half the towing vehicle's kerb weight - whichever is less.

Trailer has brakes  (Braked Trailer)

• Maximum 3,500kg gross trailer weight.

General trailer restrictions

Trailer height

3.0m high or 1.7 times the wheel track (horizontal distance between centre lines of the tyre treads). This isn't a legal requirement, but is an accepted guideline.

If, however, the height does exceed 3.0m then a notice giving the height details must be displayed in the cab of the towing vehicle.

Other legal requirements:

Since 1982 all trailers, including unbraked ones, must be clearly marked with their maximum gross weight in kilogrammes.

Since January 1, 1997, all unbraked trailer plates must show the year of manufacture.

Department of Transport Code of Practice states that is desirable for trailers less than 3,500kg gross vehicle to carry a manufacturer's plate clearly showing manufacturer's name and address, chassis or serial number, model number, number of axles, maximum weight per axle, nose weight or coupling, maximum gross weight and date of manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions:

You must hold a full driving licence to to drive vehicle and trailer combinations weighing up to 8.25 tonnes. However, if you passed your test after January 1, 1997 then these restrictions apply:

• Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and no more than eight passenger seats (ie: officially dubbed Category B vehicles and are typical cars) with a 750kg trailer (4.25 tonnes total Maximum Authorised Mass or MAM).
• Category B vehicles with larger trailers i.e. more than 750kg, provided that the combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) does not exceed 3.5 tonnes and the gross MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle.
• Vehicles over 3,500kg MAM are classified as large goods vehicles.

To be able to tow combinations outside this ruling requires the passing of an additional test.

Do I need a special driving licence to tow?

Anyone that passed their driving test before January 1, 1997 is legally allowed to tow trailers until that licence expires. This means that they can drive a vehicle and trailer combination of up to a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 8.25 tonnes. They are also entitled to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kgs MAM.

What are the speed limits when towing?

It is 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways, 50mphs on other roads unless there are lower speed restrictions in operation. If the vehicle/trailer combination is over 7,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) then there is a further restriction of 50mph on dual carriageways. If in doubt consult the Government's Highway Code.

What is the difference between unbraked and braked trailers?

An unbraked trailer has no brakes fitted so the car towing it does all the braking. A braked trailer has brakes fitted that are often known as 'overrun brakes'. The trailer will apply its brakes through a mechanical linkage that is connected to the tow bar. When the car brakes, it puts a force through the tow bar which then activates the linkage to apply the trailer's brakes.

What if my load hangs over the end of the trailer?

If it is between 1m and 2m, ensure the end is clearly visible by attaching a piece of cloth or similar to warn following drivers. If it is between 2m and 3.05m, a marker board must be fitted and illuminated at night If the overhang is more than 3.05m, an attendant must be carried and the police must be notified 2 days before commencing the journey.

 Do I need a 'Long Vehicle' marker plate?

It is only required for trailers over 3,500kg or where the towing vehicle is over 7,000kg gross weight (lorries basically). When they are required, you need different plates depending on the length of the vehicle. You must make sure that loads must not project more than 305mm either side of the trailer, up to a maximum width of 2.9m. If they do then you must notify the police two days before a journey commences.