VOSA Trailer Towing Laws in UK

VOSA Trailer Towing Laws are crucial to ensure safety and compliance for towing a trailer in the UK, whether for work, leisure, or personal use. In this blog, we’ll delve into the key trailer towing laws in the UK, including the latest updates for 2024.

What Is VOSA, and trailer towing laws?

VOSA, now integrated into the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), plays a pivotal role in enforcing vehicle safety, including trailer towing regulations. By setting clear standards, VOSA ensures that all vehicles and trailers on UK roads adhere to safety protocols, preventing accidents and ensuring drivers operate within legal boundaries. As towing laws are essential for road safety, compliance with VOSA’s regulations is not only a legal obligation but also an important measure to avoid fines and penalties.

Trailer rules UK

The UK has a robust set of towing regulations designed to ensure the safety of both the driver and other road users. Key towing laws include:

• Speed Limits: When towing a trailer, the speed limit is 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways, and 50 mph on single carriageways. These reduced speed limits help maintain control and avoid accidents.
• Maximum Trailer Dimensions: The maximum width for any trailer is 2.55 metres, and the maximum length is 7 metres for trailers towed by vehicles weighing up to 3,500kg. Exceeding these limits can result in legal issues.
• Trailer Brakes: Any trailer weighing over 750kg must be fitted with working brakes. This ensures better control and stability when towing, especially at higher speeds.

Trailer regulations UK 2024

In 2024, significant updates to trailer towing laws have come into effect, particularly for drivers who passed their driving test after 1st January 1997. These updates now allow all UK driving licence holders to tow trailers up to 3,500kg without the need for an additional test. While this provides more flexibility, it’s crucial to understand the weight limits and towing capacities specific to your vehicle and trailer. Exceeding these limits can lead to fines or penalties.

Licence Requirements for Towing

Can Anyone Pull a Trailer in the UK?

Not everyone is automatically entitled to tow a trailer. Eligibility depends on when you passed your driving test:

• Before 1st January 1997: You are allowed to tow a trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg without the need for further certification.
• After 1st January 1997: If your combined vehicle and trailer weight exceeds 3,500kg, you must obtain a Category B+E licence to tow legally.

Drivers who passed their test after 1997 may need to take an additional test to tow heavier trailers, depending on their vehicle’s towing capacity.

What Can I Tow Without a Trailer Licence?

Without a specific trailer licence, drivers are generally limited to towing trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass). However, if your car and caravan exceed this weight, you will need a B+E licence to tow legally.

Do I Need a CPC to Tow a Trailer?

A Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is generally not required unless you’re towing for commercial purposes. If the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 3,500kg, and the towing is done as part of a job, you may need a CPC to comply with commercial driving regulations.

Towing with Different Vehicles

Towing a Trailer with a Van

Vans, being larger vehicles, can typically tow more than a standard car. However, it’s important to check the van’s vehicle identification number (VIN) plate to confirm the exact towing limits. Exceeding these limits can result in penalties and compromise safety.

Can I Tow a Trailer with My Car?

Yes, you can tow a trailer with your car, but there are weight restrictions. Most cars can tow trailers up to 750kg without brakes, and up to 3,500kg with brakes. Always check your car’s towing capacity listed on the VIN plate to ensure you stay within legal limits.

Towing trailers rules: Equipment

VOSA Trailer Towing Laws outlines specific equipment standards for towing, including:

• Tow bar Requirements: The tow bar must be certified and correctly installed. A poorly fitted towbar could lead to fines or accidents.
• Braking System: Trailers over 750kg must have their own braking system to ensure stability.
• Safety Chains: Safety chains are mandatory for trailers over 750kg to prevent detachment in the event of a hitch failure.
• Lighting and Reflectors: Your trailer must have fully operational lights, including brake lights, indicators, and rear lights, matching your vehicle’s electrical system.

Speed Limits for Towing Trailers

When towing a trailer, always adhere to the following speed limits for safety:

• Motorways and Dual Carriageways: 60 mph (97 km/h) maximum speed.
• Single Carriageways: 50 mph (80 km/h) maximum speed.

Reducing your speed ensures safer braking distances and better control of your vehicle and trailer combination.

Important Weight-Related Laws

• The combined weight of the towing vehicle and trailer must not exceed the vehicle’s rated towing capacity.
• The trailer’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) must not exceed the vehicle’s towing capacity.
• Regular weight checks on your trailer are recommended to stay within legal limits, especially if you frequently carry different loads.

Do Trailers Need to Be Registered with the DVLA?

Yes, trailers must be registered with the DVLA if they are used on UK roads. Registration ensures the trailer is legally recognized and compliant with UK road safety standards. You can read about requirements for towing trailers in this document published by UK government.

FAQs

Conclusion

Understanding VOSA trailer towing laws is essential for any driver in the UK. From knowing your vehicle’s weight limits to ensuring you have the correct licence, these regulations ensure safety on the roads. With the new 2024 updates, drivers have more flexibility but must remain vigilant about the legal limits and safety requirements. Always check your driving licence and vehicle specifications before towing to stay compliant with UK laws.