Trailer Law

[BN]

The trailer law is now very strict and we should be up to date with it. VOSA will be checking trailers now for a variety of reasons, from rust to legality and we could be taken to a weigh bridge for tests. VOSA have portable units for caravan and boats. For advice, try looking at: https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car

The following will give you an idea of the law, but please check it out properly, as these are just notes and have no legal standing. From January 2013 the laws on towing changed, placing new restrictions on drivers dependant on when their licence was issued. If you want to tow more than the stated weights, you will have to take what's called a B+E test to get a towing licence extension 'E' if you take your car driving test now.

If you passed your driving test after the 19th January 2013, the maximum weight you will be able to tow with a category B licence is 750kg, provided the total weight of the car and what you want to tow does not exceed 3,500kg. If you passed your test after the 1st January 1997 and before the 19th January 2013 you are able to drive a vehicle that weighs up to 3,500kg towing a trailer of up to 750kg, bringing the total weight allowed to 4,250kg. You may also tow a trailer over 750kg as long as the weight of the trailer is no more than the un-laden weight of the towing vehicle, up to a combined weight of 3,500kg.

Any licences issued before 1st January1997 enables you to drive a vehicle and tow with the combined maximum weight of 8,250kg. You can also drive a minibus towing a trailer of up to 750kg.

That is not allowing for what the manufacturer has specified their design for, which may be less, check with them. Also you may need extra cooling, because my 3 ltr Audi Quatro can tow 1900kg, but without additional cooling, it can only tow 750kg. On the other hand my Jimny will tow 1300kg (braked), but only 350kg unbraked, yet its kerbside weight is 1300kg?

It all comes down to MAM (maximum allowed mass) and the law.

Important things to remember:
?The speed limit when towing is 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 50mph on single carriage roads.
?Do not enter the outside lane on a motorway when towing.
?The maximum width of a trailer should not exceed 2.3m and 7m in length.
?If the trailer is wider than the car you wish to drive then towing mirrors should be fitted.
?If you fit a tow bar to your vehicle then it must meet EU regulations and be designed for use with that car.

Don't forget if you go over a gross train weight of 3500kgs, then a tachograph is required.

Hope this helps, but please check as these are only guide lines to make you think and not get into trouble.

[Jc69817]

1 slight point

?Do not enter the outside lane on a motorway when towing.

You can use the outside lane of a two lane motorway when towing but the reduced speed limit still applies.

[BN]

1 slight point

?Do not enter the outside lane on a motorway when towing.

You can use the outside lane of a two lane motorway when towing but the reduced speed limit still applies.

If you look in my post above, you will see that I have mentioned the offside lane. It will cost you a lot of points and probably your licence and that is not withstanding the speed which may also be taken into account and the tyre capabilities, especially if you use 8 inch wheels, be very careful, the law is stepping up the pace on trailers?

There is no known defence for entering the offside lane, unless instructed by signs and/or authority in control at the time.

There is another point now to remember, if your boat falls off the trailer in a crash, you could well be prosecuted for an 'insecure load'. This used to be a doubtful charge, but not now. Ensure you use good quality straps and go under the trailer and over the boat at least with 2 straps. DO NOT RELY ON THE BOW EYE, it is not deemed as a security point for trailer towing, neither is a 'ski hook' or 'grab handles' on the stern. Cleats, forget them, they are ornaments as far as the law is concerned.

[Sylvo]

Just a note, the tachograph & O licence rule only applies if you are towing for hire or reward aka commercial.

If anyone needs to double check on the legal requirements including licensing visit www.ntta.co.uk 

[BN]

I think the best way, is if in doubt ask 

[phillnjack]

sorry to have to write this as a first post, but I think its something important that boat owners need to know.

BOAT TRAILER LAW in the uk is nothing at all like normal ( caravan and car trailer) law in the uk.

The length of a caravan trailer for example is 7 metres plus draw bar.
Most boat trailers come under the complete trailer being the draw bar and can be much longer.
width of trailers is restricted, but not length !!!

you realy must enquire with vosa and get the very latest updates to be towing a BOAT trailer, it is up to you as the driver to ensure you are legal.
DO NOT ASK ABOUT TRAILER TOWING, MAKE SURE ITS A BOAT TRAILER YOUR ENQUIRING ABOUT.

I could post some rules that you just would never believe are true. but its best for you to get 100% written proof of the law regarding your own outfit.

[BN]

The law of towing is extremely complex as you say and has a large chunk of EU law attached. On a forum we can only advise drivers to ensure that they are fully aware of their responsibilities as we are not purporting to be legal advisors, but thank you for your comments. Thankfully our members are very good and also there are a couple of lawyers and police officers on board who can guide us in the right direction as well. Are you legally trained, because if you are, that is a very useful asset to the forum?

[phillnjack]

No I am not a legally trained solicitor, far from it.

But I do know a fair bit about the movement of boats for personal use on the highways.
its different, but not rocket science to understand.