Summer might be coming to an end, but there’s still plenty of time to head out in your caravan or motorhome to enjoy what’s left of the good weather.
Since the pandemic, staycation popularity has been growing in the UK. Motorists should be aware of towing regulations before embarking on a touring adventure to avoid penalties and fines that could ruin their vacation before it begins.
Car leasing experts at LeaseCar.uk have researched the latest towing laws to help travellers stay prepared. Although car and trailer tests aren’t required anymore, it’s always a good idea to practice towing somewhere quiet before getting out on the road.
With that in mind, here are some rules and considerations to be aware of before setting off.
When did you pass your test?
Rules around towing changed in 2021 to allow more drivers to legally tow trailers without needing to pass a trailer driving test first.
Those who passed their test before the 1st of January 1997 are not affected by any changes and can drive a vehicle and trailer combination of up to 8,250kg MAM.
If you passed your driving test from the 1st of January 1997 to 18th of January 2013, you were previously allowed to drive either:
- A car or van weighing up to 3,500kg MAM and tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 750kg MAM (a total of 4,250kg)
- A trailer weighing more than 750kg only if it didn’t weigh more than the unladen weight of the vehicle (3,500kg in total)
You would have had to pass a car and trailer driving test to tow anything heavier.
The rules were also the same for those with licenses issued after the 19th of January 2013.
Now, anyone who passed their driving test after the 1st of January 1997 can tow trailers weighing up to 3,500kg MAM. Be sure to check your vehicle’s handbook to find out the gross train weight (GTW).
Rules to remember
Apart from the legal requirements mentioned above, there are other rules motorists should be aware of before hitting the road with their leisure vehicle in tow.
- The maximum speed when towing a trailer or caravan is 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 50 mph on single carriageways.
- Legally, the maximum width of a trailer or caravan should not exceed 2.55 metres.
- The maximum length of a caravan towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg is 7 metres
- To prevent blind spots, it is a legal requirement to install towing mirrors if the trailer is wider than the vehicle.
- The vehicle and trailer or caravan must display the same number plate.
Failure to follow these laws can result in hefty fines of up to £2500 and three points on the driver’s licence – which is enough to put a dampener on anyone’s end-of-summer holiday.
Image credit: Benjamin Zanatta / Unsplash
