UK Towing Laws Explained
The UK government announced there would be new laws in place from 16th December 2021. It is important to comply with the legislation or you may find yourself with a fine or even a driving ban. So, let’s get clued up on what the previous laws were, how they have changed, what weight restrictions are there, and if this will affect you or not.
Towing Law for the UK
It is important that you are aware of what the UK towing laws were and what they changed to, so you know whether you can legally tow a car or not. So, how do you know whether you comply today or not?
Towing Changes for Licenses Issued Before the 1st January 1997
The first thing to take into account is when you passed your driving test. If your license was issued to you before the 1st of January, you are allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 8,250 kg. You can also drive a minibus with a trailer over 750 kg MAM. MAM is the limit on how much the vehicle and trailer can weigh when loaded.
Since the law changed, these individuals have not been affected by these changes. If you fit into this category, legally you are able to continue towing as stated above. The DVLA will have updated your driving licence record and issue you a new photocard driving license to show that you’re allowed to tow trailers and you should have category BE added to your driving licence. You do not need to contact DVLA; it will be done automatically.
Towing Changes for Licenses Issued Between 1stJanuary 1997 and 18th January 2013
If you passed your test and your license was issued between 1st January 1997 and the 18th of January 2013 you could previously drive a car or van up to 3,500 kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750 kg MAM - so up to 4,250 kg in total. You could also tow a trailer over 750 kg MAM, as long as it was no more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, up to 3,500 kg in total. To tow anything heavier than this, you needed to have passed a car and trailer driving test.
Since the new UK towing law was implemented, these drivers are now allowed to tow a car or van up to the weight of 3,500kg MAM. This can include towing a trailer up to 750kg MAM, totalling to a weight of 4,250kg.
If you wish to tow anything heavier than this, you will need to pass a specific car and trailer test in order to comply with these new UK towing laws.
Towing Changes for Licenses Issued After 19th January 2013
If your license was issued to you after the 19thof January 2013, you could previously drive a car or van up to 3,500 kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750 kg MAM - so up to 4,250 kg in total. You can also tow a trailer over 750 kg MAM, as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and the towing vehicle is no more than 3,500 kg. To tow anything heavier than this, you needed to have passed a car and trailer driving test.
After the 16th December 2021, those who were issued their driving license from the 19th January 2013 are able to drive a car or van weighted up to 3,500kg MAM and tow a trailer up to 750kg MAM. These drivers are also allowed to tow a trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as the combined MAM is no more than 3,500kg. You will need to pass a car and trailer test if you want to tow anything heavier than this.
What Happens If I Break the Towing Law?
Those who are not clued up on the law change and find themselves breaking it, will find themselves worse off. By breaking the new UK towing law, you can be fined up to £1,000, banned from driving, and receive up to six penalty points if you tow anything heavier than your licence allows.
Currently, if your licence was issued from January 1997, you can tow heavier items if you are supervised by someone who is at least 21 years old and has had category BE on their licence for three or more years, but you must display 'L' plates.
Top Towing Tips
To ensure a safe towing experience, several checks must be completed before starting your journey.
Begin by determining the maximum towing capacity of your specific vehicle. This information can typically be found in the owner's manual or handbook.
You will find the majority of dual carriageways and motorways have a maxium speed of 60mph, others may indicate 50mph or lower, so keep an eye out as they will be signposted.
If the item being towed exceeds the width of the towing vehicle, mirror extenders are necessary.
Experts advise that the trailer's mass should not exceed 85% of the vehicle's curb weight to maintain proper acceleration, braking, and turning capabilities.
Reversing with a trailer or caravan requires skill; it's wise to practice this manoeuvre before departure.
Trailers weighing over 750kg must have their own braking system, and all trailers must display the same number plate as the towing vehicle.
Ensure that any towbar installed on the car complies with EU regulations and is suitable for use with the towing vehicle
Best Cars for Towing
If you intend to tow a horsebox, caravan, trailer or something else, you might be considering whether your car or van is fit for purpose. Why not take a look at the range of our cars and vans available for lease with us at Car Leasing, that make towing a breeze? Some of the most popular towing vehicles include the BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery, Kia Sorento, Audi Q7, VW Tiguan, and Skoda Superb.