Towing Laws & Towbars: A UK Guide

The open road beckons, and for many, that means hitching up a trailer, caravan, or other load to the back of their vehicle. However, towing is not simply a matter of attaching a hitch and driving off. The UK has a comprehensive set of regulations designed to ensure safety on our roads, and understanding these is crucial for any driver who tows. This guide delves into the specifics of towbars, the legalities surrounding their use, and what you need to know to tow safely and legally.

What is a Towbar and Why Does it Matter?

A towbar is a piece of equipment fitted to a vehicle to allow it to tow a trailer, caravan, or other towed load. While it might seem like a straightforward addition, its installation and type are subject to strict regulations. The primary concern is ensuring that the towbar is safely fitted and suitable for the vehicle and the intended load. This is where the concept of 'type approval' becomes paramount.

Type Approval: The Cornerstone of Towbar Legality

For vehicles manufactured after 1 August 1998, fitting a 'type-approved' towbar is a legal requirement. But what exactly does this mean?

Type approval signifies that a towbar has met stringent EU regulations and has been specifically designed and tested for compatibility with your particular car model. This ensures it can handle the stresses and strains of towing safely. A type-approved towbar will typically have a label displaying:

• An approval number
• Details of the vehicles it is approved for

If your vehicle was first registered before 1 August 1998, the towbar does not need to be type-approved. However, it still must be fitted correctly and be in good condition.

Towbar Installation and the MOT Test

Your towbar is not just checked when it's fitted; it's also subject to scrutiny during your vehicle's MOT test. The MOT inspector will examine the towbar for several key factors:

• Construction: The overall condition and integrity of the towbar structure.
• Wear: The towball itself should not be excessively worn.
• Locking Mechanism (Detachable Towbars): If you have a detachable towbar, its locking mechanism must function correctly and securely.

In addition to these, three important requirements are checked:

Type Test Compliance

As mentioned, the towbar must have undergone a type test. This is indicated on the towbar's type plate. Should this plate be missing, you are legally restricted to towing a trailer with a maximum laden weight of less than 750 kg. Furthermore, the combined weight of your trailer and its load must not exceed the total weight of your towing car.

Indicator Functionality

When towing a trailer, your car's side indicators must be visible and functioning correctly to signal your intentions to other road users.

Beyond the Towbar: Essential Towing Equipment and Regulations

While the towbar is a critical component, it's only one part of a safe towing setup. Several other elements are equally important and legally mandated:

Towing Mirrors

You are legally obliged to have an adequate view of the road behind you. If your trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of your car, you must fit suitable towing mirrors. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and 3 penalty points.

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer weighs over 750 kg when loaded, it must have a working brake system. Some smaller trailers also have brakes, though these are optional. Regardless of size, any fitted brakes must be in good working order.

Breakaway Cables

A crucial safety feature, a breakaway cable or secondary coupling must be used to connect your trailer to your towing vehicle. This is a failsafe in case the trailer becomes detached. Always carry out safety checks to ensure it's properly attached.

Number Plates

Your trailer must display the same number plate as your towing car. If you happen to tow more than one trailer, the number plate should be affixed to the rear of the rearmost trailer.

Towing Electrics

The lights on your trailer or caravan must be in good working order. This includes brake lights, side lights, indicators, the number plate light, and at least one fog light. Trailers exceeding 750 kg or 6 meters in length also require reverse lights. Modern vehicles often have systems that alert the driver to faults with their trailer's indicators.

Towbar Modifications and Insurance

Fitting a towbar is considered a vehicle modification. It is highly recommended that you inform your insurance company about the installation. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance, leaving you uninsured in the event of an accident.

Driving Licence and Towing Limits

Your entitlement to tow often depends on when you obtained your driving licence:

Licences Obtained Before 1 January 1997

If you passed your test before this date, you can typically drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass). You are also permitted to drive a minibus with a trailer exceeding 750kg MAM.

Licences Obtained From 1 January 1997

If you passed your test on or after this date, you can generally tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg MAM. Always check your driving licence details to confirm your specific towing entitlements.

Maximum Tow Weight

It is illegal to tow anything that exceeds your vehicle's specified maximum tow weight. You can find this information in your vehicle owner's manual or on the vehicle's VIN plate.

Towing Speed Limits

Adhering to speed limits is vital when towing:

• On any UK road, including motorways, the maximum towing speed is 60 mph.
• On motorways, you are restricted to using the first two lanes.
• On single carriageways, the maximum towing speed is 50 mph.

Bypass Wiring: A Word of Caution

While not strictly illegal, the use of universal or bypass vehicle wiring for trailer lights can be a cause for concern. Although it may provide the necessary lights, it can potentially bypass crucial vehicle safety features. These can include vehicle sway control, lane assist, and parking distance control (PDC). When such features are bypassed, your insurance may be invalidated if an accident occurs. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to have a vehicle-specific wiring kit fitted, as this ensures all integrated safety features remain active.

Table: Key Towing Requirements at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit any towbar to my car?

No, if your car was manufactured after 1 August 1998, you must fit a type-approved towbar that is designed for your specific vehicle model.

What happens if my towbar is missing its type approval plate?

If the type plate is missing, you can only tow trailers with a maximum laden weight of under 750 kg, and the trailer's laden weight cannot exceed the towing car's total weight.

Do I need towing mirrors?

Yes, if your trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of your car, you legally need to fit towing mirrors to ensure adequate visibility.

What is the maximum speed I can tow a trailer in the UK?

The maximum speed limit for towing in the UK is 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways, and 50 mph on single carriageways.

Is it legal to use a drop plate to adjust towball height?

No, the use of a metal drop plate to alter the towball height is not legal. You must use a towbar with adjustable height settings or a type-approved multi-height coupler.

Should I inform my insurance company about my towbar?

Yes, absolutely. A towbar is considered a vehicle modification, and failing to inform your insurer could invalidate your policy.

Towing safely and legally requires attention to detail. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can ensure your journeys are not only enjoyable but also compliant with UK law. Stay safe and happy towing!