Everything You Need To Know About Towing

Towing goes hand in hand with those larger lifestyle choices, such as caravanning, horse riding, boating, or frequently ferrying around big items like furniture. It’s a handy way to use your car instead of splashing out on a purpose-built vehicle, but it’s important to remember that you can’t just hook up and go; there are rules and regulations around towing that make it a serious business. In order to tow safely and legally, you need to be up to speed with the dos and don'ts of towing with your car. Read on to find out more. 

What can you tow? 

In terms of what you’re allowed to tow, it depends on when you passed your driving test.

So, if you passed…

…before 1997 

A pass before 1997 will allow you to legally tow with a Maximum Authorised Mass of 8.5 tonnes. This 8.5 tonnes need to include the weight of your car, trailer, and the trailer’s contents combined.

…1997 or later

If you’re young enough to have passed after 1997, the Maximum Authorised Mass reduces to 3.5 tonnes. However, if the vehicle that’s doing the towing is already 3.5 tonnes, this can increase to 4.5. 

Prior to December 2021, a test was required in order for you to tow anything heavier than the limits set. However, this was replaced with a new set of rules that are less strict. These enable you to tow trailers up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised mass. 

In order to tow with your car, you will need… 

…a tow bar

First things first, you’ll need one of these fairly obvious bits of kit. For vehicles manufactured after 1998, the tow bar will need to be fitted with a European Type Approved towbar. 

…to know your dimensions and your car’s capabilities 

This is a big one; ignorance isn’t bliss here. In the UK, the maximum width of the trailer you can tow is 2.55 meters. If the vehicle is below 3.5 tonnes in weight, the maximum length of whatever it’s towing has to be 7 meters

You’ll need to consult your vehicle’s handbook for information on what your vehicle is capable of towing. 

…trailer brakes

If the weight of your trailer and its contents comes to over 750KG, a fully operational braking system needs to be present.

…mirrors

In order to drive safely, you need an adequate view of the road, so if whatever you’re towing is wider than the car towing it, extendable mirrors need to be fitted to your car. It’s actually an offence not to do so. 

…lighting 

At the rear of all trailers, there must be two side lights, two stop lights, amber indicators, and two triangular red reflectors. If the trailer measures more than 1.3 meters wide, there also needs to be fog lamps at the front and back. 

…number plates

Your trailer needs to have a visible number plate, almost always matching the one for the car that is towing it. It needs to match the specification of the car’s number plate (handwriting it just won’t cut it). It needs to be visible in the dark too, so there should be a light installed above it, just like your car. 

…a safe and secure load 

It maybe goes without saying that the load needs to be secure, with no sharp edges that could be harmful. 

Find your next used car in West London

Got the trailer sorted but need the car to tow it? As it just so happens, we’ve got more than a healthy handful of vehicles here at West Motors that are ready for their next adventure. Choose between a range of premium makes and models, many of which are up to the job of towing. Get browsing today.