Towing Rules: Frequently asked questions FAQ
Towing a broken-down vehicle
What license is required to tow a broken-down vehicle?
Appropriate license is required. B Licence in case a trailer whose gross vehicle weight is not bigger than 750 kg, or if the trailer’s gross vehicle weight is bigger than 750 kg but the gross combination weight of the vehicle + trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg or BE Licence in case a trailer whose design gross vehicle weight is not bigger than 3,500 kg, or if the trailer’s gross vehicle weight is bigger than 750 kg and is not more than 3,500 kg but the gross combination weight of the vehicle + trailer does not exceed 7,000 kg.
Can I use my vehicle to tow a broken-down car?
Yes, but only to bring it to the nearest safe place or repair. However, it should only be towed in the event that no professional towing service is available at that time.
What is the definition of a drawbar?
A bar on a vehicle to which something can be attached to pull it or be pulled. Any drawbar, chain or other towing device including any special fitting for the attachment of such drawbar, towing device or a chain.
What is the definition of a broken-down vehicle?
A vehicle broken-down on the road that needs to be towed as it can not to drive safe. However, it should only be towed in the event that no professional towing service is available.
Can I legally tow a vehicle using a tow rope?
Yes. The towed vehicle will be treated as a trailer. However, regulations for lifting vehicles fall under the remit of the
HSA and you should contact them for more information.
Is it legal to use a rope, wire rope or chain when towing a broken-down vehicle?
There is no regulation against towing a broken-down vehicle using a rope or chain, provided it is strong enough to withstand the demands of towing a vehicle and it is only used to bring the broken-down vehicle to the nearest place of safety or repair.
What if there is no garage nearby?
If the broken-down vehicle is blocking traffic or likely to cause an accident, it should immediately be towed to the nearest place of safety or repair. If you are unable to tow the vehicle, contact a recovery service who will transport the vehicle safely there.
Can a broken-down vehicle be towed if it is punctured?
No, it is prohibited.
Can I tow a broken-down vehicle on the motorway?
No, it is prohibited. If a vehicle breaks down on the motorway, try to move it to the hard shoulder and switch on your hazard lights and contact a vehicle recovery service.
Is there a speed limit for towing a broken-down vehicle?
A vehicle towing, whether it be a trailer or broken-down vehicle can not exceed 80 km/h. If a lower speed limit sign is posted this has to be obeyed at all times.
Towing a vehicle with an A-frame or towing dolly
What is an A-frame and towing dolly?
Towing Devices
A-frame - This is a lightweight frame attached from the towing points of a towed vehicle to the ball type coupling on a towing vehicle.
A Towing dolly - This is a lightweight trailer-like frame with wheels, ramps and winch which is attached to the coupling of a towing vehicle and used to elevate and transport a vehicle.
Can I use an A-frame, towing dolly, or drawbar to tow a broken-down vehicle?
Yes, but the regulations say that towing a broken-down vehicle is the same as towing a trailer so the following rules apply:
Carrying capacity: The weight of the broken-down vehicle can not be higher than the carrying capacity of the towing vehicle if one is used e.g. A-Frame, towing dolly, drawbar etc.
Towing capacity: The weight of both the broken-down vehicle and the towing vehicle can not be higher than the manufacturer’s rated towing capacity for your vehicle.
License: The driver of the towing vehicle must be the holder of category BE license and the driver steering the broken-down vehicle must also hold the appropriate license for that vehicle.
Can I use an A-frame to tow a car behind a motorhome?
Yes. But you have to hold an appropriate driving license and ensure that the vehicle’s towing capacity is high enough to tow this weight.
Can I use a braked A-frame to tow my car?
Yes. If provided your towing vehicle has a sufficient towing capacity and you hold the relevant category BE driving license. Contact your vehicle manufacturers to obtain the towing capacity for your vehicle.
Can I use A-frame on a motorway and if so, what is the maximum speed for towing?
Yes. The maximum legal speed limit for towing an A-frame on a motorway is 80 km/h. If a lower speed limit sign is posted then this has to be obeyed at all times. You have to also hold the appropriate driving license.
Do I have to stay in the left lane when towing on a motorway?
Yes. You have to always stay in the left lane. You should not enter the right lane or lane nearest the central median unless there is an obstruction in the left lane and if so, you have to warn traffic accordingly.
When using an A-frame or towing dolly, does the vehicle that is being towed require motor tax and NCT?
No it does not.