Towing a Car: Licence Rules Explained

The question of whether you can tow a car with a standard driving licence is a common one, particularly for those who find themselves in a situation requiring a vehicle to be moved without its own power. Whether it's a breakdown, a project car, or a favour for a friend, understanding the legalities surrounding towing is paramount to avoid fines, penalty points, and potentially dangerous driving situations. This article will delve into the specifics of towing regulations in the United Kingdom, breaking down what your licence permits and what you need to be aware of.

Understanding UK Towing Licence Categories

In the UK, the rules regarding towing are primarily determined by the type of vehicle you are driving and the weight of the vehicle or trailer you intend to tow. For most people holding a standard Category B licence, which is what you obtain after passing your car driving test, there are certain limitations when it comes to towing.

What a Category B Licence Allows

A standard Category B licence generally allows you to drive a motor vehicle with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg. When it comes to towing, the key factor is the combined MAM of the towing vehicle and the trailer (or the car being towed, if it's on a trailer).

With a Category B licence obtained before 1 January 1997, you have more flexibility. These licences automatically include entitlement to Category B+E, which means you can tow heavier combinations. However, for licences obtained on or after 1 January 1997, the rules are more specific:

• You can tow a trailer weighing up to 750kg MAM.
• If the trailer's MAM is over 750kg, the combined MAM of the towing vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3,500kg.
• The towing vehicle's MAM must not exceed 3,500kg.

Towing a Car: The Weight Factor

When you tow a car, you are essentially towing a vehicle that will have its own weight. This weight, when added to the weight of the towing vehicle, can quickly push you over the 3,500kg combined MAM limit.

Let's consider some examples:

It's crucial to know the exact MAM of both your towing vehicle and the car you intend to tow, as well as the MAM of any trailer you might use. This information is typically found in your vehicle's handbook or on a plate located on the vehicle itself (often in the door frame or under the bonnet).

Methods of Towing a Car

There are several ways you might tow a car, and each has implications for licence requirements and safety:

1. Using a Trailer

This is the most common and generally safest method for towing a car. You would load the car onto a car transporter trailer. The MAM of the trailer itself, plus the weight of the car on it, must be considered. As shown in the table, if the combined MAM exceeds 3,500kg, and you passed your test after 1 January 1997, you will likely need an additional licence category.

2. Using a Towing Dolly (A-Frame)

A towing dolly lifts the front wheels of the car being towed off the ground, with the rear wheels remaining on the road. The towing dolly itself has a MAM. The combined MAM of the towing vehicle, the towing dolly, and the car being towed (if it's being driven, though this is highly discouraged and often illegal for the towed vehicle) must be considered. If the car's wheels are on the ground, it's generally considered a 'drawn vehicle', and the rules for trailers apply. The MAM of the car being towed will contribute to the combined MAM.

3. With a Rigid Tow Bar (A-Frame)

This method attaches directly to the chassis of the car being towed, lifting all four wheels off the ground. This is a more complex setup, and the car being towed is essentially treated as a trailer. The weight of the car itself is the primary consideration here, and it will be added to the towing vehicle's weight. The combined MAM limit of 3,500kg still applies to Category B licence holders (post-1997).

4. Rope or Strap Towing

This is the most basic and often the most dangerous method. It involves using a rope or strap to connect the vehicles. This method is generally only permissible for very short distances, typically to move a vehicle off a dangerous spot on the road. It is not recommended for towing a car any significant distance. Furthermore, the car being towed must have its engine running to operate the brakes and steering, which is often not possible if the car has broken down. The legal implications here are complex, and it's often considered a form of 'towing' that falls under trailer regulations.

When Do You Need an Additional Licence Category?

If the combined MAM of your towing vehicle and the trailer (or car being towed) exceeds 3,500kg, and you obtained your Category B licence after 1 January 1997, you will need to obtain a Category B+E licence. This typically involves passing a separate driving test that assesses your ability to safely manoeuvre and control a vehicle and trailer combination.

Important Note: Even if the combined MAM is under 3,500kg, if the trailer's MAM is over 750kg, and the towing vehicle's MAM is over 3,500kg (which is unlikely for a standard car), you still need to consider the limits. However, for typical car towing scenarios, the 3,500kg combined MAM is the most relevant threshold.

Safety Considerations for Towing

Beyond licence requirements, safety is paramount when towing. Here are some key points:

• Braking: Ensure your towing vehicle has adequate braking power for the combined weight. If towing with a trailer, it may need its own braking system.
• Lights: The trailer or car being towed must have working lights (brake lights, indicators, tail lights) that are visible and synchronized with your towing vehicle.
• Weight Distribution: Proper weight distribution on the trailer is crucial for stability. The nose weight (the downward force on the tow ball) is particularly important.
• Tyres: Ensure all tyres on both vehicles are properly inflated and in good condition.
• Speed Limits: Be aware that there are specific, often lower, speed limits for vehicles towing trailers.
• Manoeuvrability: Towing significantly affects a vehicle's handling, acceleration, and braking. Allow much more space and drive more cautiously.
• Legality of the Towed Vehicle: If towing a car with its wheels on the ground, ensure the steering is locked or free-moving as appropriate for the method, and that the braking system is not engaged unless designed to be towed that way. Many modern cars have complex electronic systems that can be damaged if towed incorrectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I tow a car with my standard UK driving licence?

A: It depends on the weight of the car being towed and any trailer used. If the combined MAM of your towing vehicle and the towed vehicle/trailer is 3,500kg or less, and you passed your test after 1 January 1997, then yes, you can. If it exceeds this, or if you have an older licence with B+E entitlement, the rules differ.

Q2: What is the maximum weight I can tow with a Category B licence?

A: With a Category B licence obtained after 1 January 1997, you can tow a trailer up to 750kg MAM, provided the combined MAM of the towing vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3,500kg. The towing vehicle itself must also not exceed 3,500kg MAM.

Q3: What happens if I tow a car illegally?

A: You could face fines, receive penalty points on your licence, have your vehicle seized, and invalidate your car insurance. In the event of an accident, you could also face more serious legal consequences.

Q4: Do I need a special licence to tow a caravan?

A: Similar rules apply. If the combined MAM exceeds 3,500kg (and your licence is post-1997), you will need a B+E entitlement. Caravan weights vary significantly.

Q5: How can I find out the MAM of my car and the car I want to tow?

A: The MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) or GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is usually found on a vehicle identification plate, often located in the door frame, under the bonnet, or in the vehicle's manual.

Conclusion

Towing a car is a task that requires careful consideration of legal requirements and safety practices. While a standard Category B driving licence covers many towing scenarios, exceeding the 3,500kg combined MAM limit, particularly when using a trailer, will necessitate an additional B+E licence category. Always verify the weights of your vehicles and any equipment used, and prioritize safety by adhering to speed limits, ensuring proper braking and lighting, and driving with increased caution. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, so ensure you are compliant before you hook up and hit the road.