We’ve put together a summary of key towing points. Make sure to always do your own research before towing to ensure you have access to the latest up-to-date rules and legislation.

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CAN YOU TOW?

You must hold a full driving licence to tow anything.

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WHAT YOU CAN TOW

The rules on what you can tow are different depending on when you passed your driving test.
 

Most drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997 have licence categories allowing them to drive vehicle and trailer combinations weighing up to 8.25 tonnes MAM.
 

If you passed your driving test between 1 January 1997 and 18 January 2013 will only be allowed to:

- drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM

- tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as it is no more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (up to 3,500kg in total).
 

If you passed your driving test after 19 January 2013, you will only be allowed to:

- drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM

- tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg.
 

You have to pass the car and trailer driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.

*MAM – Maximum Authorised Mass (permitted maximum weight).

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WIDTH AND LENGTH

The maximum trailer width for any towing vehicle is 2.55 metres.
 

The maximum length for a trailer towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg is 7 metres. This length does not include the A-frame.

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TRAILER BRAKES

Your trailer must have a working brake system if it weighs over 750kg when it’s loaded.
 

You must use a breakaway cable or secondary coupling in case the trailer becomes detached from your car.