Motorhome and Caravan Trader

Being allowed to tow a trailer depends on your license, when it expires and the weight of the trailer.

All drivers who passed a car test before 1 January 1997 keep their current permit to tow trailers until their license expires. After this date, car drivers have to take and pass another test in order to gain entitlement to category B+E.

An additional test is usually required for each vehicle category or subcategory.

It is also advisable to check your insurance policy before towing anything. For example, you must have third party cover for the trailer.
Trailer dimensions and weight are important to consider, car drivers must be careful not to overload the trailer. Check that:

• The length is less than 7 metres excluding the tow-bar;
• The width is less than 2.3 metres;
• The height is less than three metres (this is only a guideline and not limited by law);
• The axle weight is not more than 750kg if there are no brakes fitted;
• The trailer must be braked if the laden weight exceeds half the weight of the tow vehicle.

When on the road, you must obviously adhere to local speed limits, but the maximum speed is 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways, and 50 on all others.

While towing, you are not allowed to use the outside lane on motorways with three or more lanes if all lanes are in service. Information provided by www.accidentcompensation.com