Wed, September 18, 2024

VOSA Trailer Towing Laws and Regulations in the UK [2024]

Towing a trailer in the UK is an essential skill for many drivers, whether for work, leisure, or personal use. Understanding the regulations set by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is crucial to ensure safety and compliance. In this blog, we'll dive into the key trailer towing laws in the UK, including the latest updates for 2024.

General Towing Laws in the UK

Overview of VOSA and Its Role

VOSA, now integrated into the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), plays a pivotal role in enforcing vehicle safety, including trailer towing regulations. By setting clear standards, VOSA ensures that all vehicles and trailers on UK roads adhere to safety protocols, preventing accidents and ensuring drivers operate within legal boundaries.

Towing Laws in the UK

The UK has a robust set of towing regulations designed to ensure the safety of both the driver and other road users. Key towing laws include:

Speed limits: When towing a trailer, the speed limit is 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways, and 50 mph on single carriageways.
Maximum trailer width and length: The maximum width for any trailer is 2.55 metres, and the maximum length is 7 metres for trailers towed by vehicles weighing up to 3,500kg.
Trailer brakes: Any trailer weighing over 750kg must be fitted with working brakes.

VOSA Trailer Towing Laws 2021

In 2021, a significant change to trailer towing laws took place, particularly affecting drivers who passed their driving test after 1997. These drivers previously had to take an additional test to tow trailers over 750kg. As of December 2021, this requirement was removed, allowing drivers to tow trailers up to 3,500kg without needing a B+E licence. This change has had lasting effects, with many drivers now able to tow larger trailers without additional qualifications.

New Towing Laws UK 2024

In 2024, new rules have come into effect, especially affecting drivers who passed their driving test after 1st January 1997. These rules now allow all UK driving licence holders to tow trailers up to 3,500kg without the need for an additional test. However, it's crucial to understand the weight limits and towing capacities specific to your vehicle and trailer, as exceeding these can lead to fines or penalties.

Licence Requirements for Towing

Can Anyone Pull a Trailer in the UK?

Not everyone is automatically entitled to tow a trailer. The eligibility to tow depends on when you passed your driving test. Drivers who passed their test before 1st January 1997 can tow a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg. For those who passed after this date, there are stricter limits unless additional qualifications are obtained.

Do You Need a Licence to Tow a Trailer?

Yes, in certain circumstances, you will need a specific licence to tow a trailer. If your vehicle and trailer combined exceed 3,500kg, you may need a Category B+E licence, depending on when you passed your test. Always check your driving licence information to ensure you are legally allowed to tow.

What Can I Tow Without a Trailer Licence?

Without a trailer licence, drivers are generally limited to towing trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (maximum authorised mass). This applies to anyone who passed their driving test after 1997 and has had the Category BE added to their licence.

Do You Need a Licence to Tow a Caravan?

Towing a caravan has specific rules. If your car and caravan combined exceed 3,500kg, you will need to hold a B+E licence. If under this weight, you can tow without an additional licence, provided your driving licence was issued after 1st January 1997.

Towing with Different Vehicles

Towing a Trailer with a Van

When towing a trailer with a van, it’s essential to follow the weight limits of both the van and the trailer. Vans, being larger vehicles, can typically tow more than a standard car, but you must check the van’s vehicle identification number (VIN) plate to confirm the exact limits.

Can I Tow a Trailer with My Car?

Yes, you can tow a trailer with your car, but there are weight restrictions. Most cars can tow trailers up to 750kg without brakes, and up to 3,500kg with brakes, but this depends on the car’s towing capacity, which is listed on the VIN plate.

Additional Towing Regulations

Do I Need a CPC to Tow a Trailer?

A Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is generally not required for towing a trailer unless you are towing for professional purposes as part of a job. If you are towing a trailer in a commercial setting and the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 3,500kg, you may need a CPC.

Conclusion

Understanding VOSA trailer towing laws is essential for any driver towing in the UK. From knowing your vehicle's weight limits to ensuring you have the correct licence, these regulations ensure safety on the roads. With the new 2024 updates, drivers have more flexibility but must remain vigilant about the legal limits and safety requirements. Always check your driving licence and vehicle specifications before towing to stay compliant with UK laws.