Question 1

What license is required to tow a broken-down vehicle?

Accepted Answer

An appropriate license is required. A B licence covers a trailer whose gross vehicle weight is no bigger than 750 kg, or where 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. A BE licence covers a trailer whose design gross vehicle weight is no bigger than 3,500 kg, or where the trailer's gross vehicle weight is bigger than 750 kg and not more than 3,500 kg but the gross combination weight of the vehicle + trailer does not exceed 7,000 kg.

Question 2

Can I use my vehicle to tow a broken-down car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only to bring it to the nearest safe place or repair. It should only be towed where no professional towing service is available at that time.

Question 3

What is the definition of a drawbar?

Accepted Answer

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 chain.

Question 4

What is the definition of a broken-down vehicle?

Accepted Answer

A vehicle breakdown on the road that needs to be towed because it cannot be driven safely. It should only be towed where no professional towing service is available.

Question 5

Can I legally tow a vehicle using a tow rope?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Is it legal to use a rope, wire rope or chain when towing a broken-down vehicle?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What if there is no garage nearby?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Can a broken-down vehicle be towed if it is punctured?

Accepted Answer

No, it is prohibited.

Question 9

Can I tow a broken-down vehicle on the motorway?

Accepted Answer

No, it is prohibited. If a vehicle breaks down on the motorway, try to move it to the hard shoulder, switch on your hazard lights and contact a vehicle recovery service.

Question 10

Is there a speed limit for towing a broken-down vehicle?

Accepted Answer

A vehicle towing, whether a trailer or a broken-down vehicle, cannot exceed 80 km/h. If a lower speed limit sign is posted, this must be obeyed at all times.

Question 11

What is an A-frame and towing dolly?

Accepted Answer

A-frame, a lightweight frame attached from the towing points of a towed vehicle to the ball-type coupling on a towing vehicle. A towing dolly, 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.

Question 12

Can I use an A-frame, towing dolly, or drawbar to tow a broken-down vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the regulations treat towing a broken-down vehicle the same as towing a trailer, so the following rules apply. Carrying capacity: the weight of the broken-down vehicle cannot be higher than the carrying capacity of the towing vehicle if one is used (A-frame, towing dolly, drawbar, etc.). Towing capacity: the combined weight of the broken-down vehicle and the towing vehicle cannot be higher than the manufacturer's rated towing capacity for your vehicle. License: the driver of the towing vehicle must hold a category BE licence and the driver steering the broken-down vehicle must also hold the appropriate licence for that vehicle.

Question 13

Can I use an A-frame to tow a car behind a motorhome?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you must hold an appropriate driving licence and ensure that the vehicle's towing capacity is high enough to tow this weight.

Question 14

Can I use a braked A-frame to tow my car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided your towing vehicle has a sufficient towing capacity and you hold the relevant category BE driving licence. Contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain the towing capacity for your vehicle.

Question 15

Can I use an A-frame on a motorway and, if so, what is the maximum speed for towing?

Accepted Answer

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, this must be obeyed at all times. You must also hold the appropriate driving licence.

Question 16

Do I have to stay in the left lane when towing on a motorway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must always stay in the left lane. You should not enter the right lane or the lane nearest the central median unless there is an obstruction in the left lane, in which case you must warn traffic accordingly.

Question 17

When using an A-frame or towing dolly, does the vehicle being towed require motor tax and NCT?

Accepted Answer

No, it does not.

Question 18

How to jump start a car? How to use jump leads?

Accepted Answer

It's very easy. Connect the jump starter to the battery, red to red and black to black, or plus to plus and minus to minus, then start the car.

Question 19

Towing cost calculator?

Accepted Answer

We have a price list on our website, but it's best to call our office on 085 150 7308 for an exact quote based on your location and vehicle.

Question 20

Hybrid car won't start?

Accepted Answer

Call NO1 Recovery on 085 150 7308, our staff are highly experienced in diagnosing car problems.

Question 21

How to replace a car battery?

Accepted Answer

Call us and our staff will come to you and help you do it.

Towing rules: frequently asked questions

Towing a broken-down vehicle

Towing a vehicle with an A-frame or towing dolly

Breakdown & roadside help

Still not sure? Call our control room.