Towing a Caravan or Trailer in the UK: Rules, Licences & Safety

Summary

• Licence rules changed in 1997: If you passed after January 1997, there are weight restrictions.
• Speed limits are lower: 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
• Motorway restrictions: You cannot use the outside lane of a three-lane motorway.
• Safety checks: Lights, tyres, coupling, and breakaway cable must all be in order.

Whether you're towing a caravan for a holiday or a trailer for work, you need to know the rules. Getting it wrong can mean fines, points, or worse - a dangerous accident.

This guide covers licensing, speed limits, weight limits, and safety requirements for towing in the UK.

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What Licence Do You Need?

Your towing entitlement depends on when you passed your car driving test.

Passed Test Before 1 January 1997

You have Category B+E automatically. You can tow:

• Trailers over 750kg
• Vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8,250kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM)

Essentially, you can tow most caravans and trailers without extra testing.

Passed Test Between 1 January 1997 and 18 January 2013

Your Category B licence allows you to tow:

• Trailers up to 750kg MAM
• Trailers over 750kg if the combined MAM of car + trailer doesn't exceed 3,500kg AND the trailer doesn't weigh more than the car's unladen weight

For heavier combinations, you needed to pass a separate B+E test (this category no longer exists for new drivers).

Passed Test After 19 January 2013

New rules from 2021 simplified this. With a Category B licence, you can now tow:

• Trailers up to 750kg MAM
• Trailers over 750kg if the combined MAM doesn't exceed 3,500kg

No separate test is required, but you should still take training if you're inexperienced at towing.

Tip: Check your driving licence at GOV.UK to see your exact entitlements.

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Understanding Weight Limits

Key Terms

Term	Meaning
MAM	Maximum Authorised Mass - the maximum a vehicle/trailer can weigh when fully loaded
Unladen weight	Weight when empty
Actual weight	What it actually weighs right now
Towing capacity	Maximum weight your car is designed to tow (check handbook)
Nose weight	Downward force on the towball - typically 50-100kg

85% Rule

For safe towing, the loaded trailer should ideally weigh no more than 85% of the towing vehicle's kerb weight. Going over this makes the combination harder to control.

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Speed Limits When Towing

Lower speed limits apply when towing a caravan or trailer:

Road Type	Car Limit	When Towing
Single carriageway	60mph	50mph
Dual carriageway	70mph	60mph
Motorway	70mph	60mph

These limits are the law, not suggestions. Exceeding them while towing can result in speeding fines and points.

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Motorway Rules When Towing

• Maximum speed: 60mph
• You cannot use the outside lane on a motorway with three or more lanes
• On a two-lane motorway, you can use either lane
• Take extra care overtaking due to increased stopping distance

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Pre-Journey Safety Checks

Before every journey, check:

Coupling

• Towball is secure and greased
• Hitch is properly locked onto the ball
• Breakaway cable is attached (see below)
• Jockey wheel is raised and secured

Electrics

• Plug is securely connected
• All lights working (indicators, brake lights, tail lights, fog light)
• Number plate light working

Tyres

• Correct pressure for the load (check trailer handbook)
• Adequate tread depth (1.6mm minimum)
• No cracks, bulges, or damage

Breakaway Cable

This is required on all trailers with brakes. It activates the trailer brakes if the coupling fails, preventing the trailer from running away.

Load

• Evenly distributed and secured
• Heavier items low and over the axle
• Nothing exceeding the trailer's MAM

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Driving Tips When Towing

• Allow extra time: You'll be slower, especially on hills
• Leave bigger gaps: Stopping distances are much longer
• Watch for snaking: If the trailer starts to sway, ease off the accelerator gently (don't brake)
• Wide turns: Trailers cut corners - swing out before turning
• Use mirrors: Extended towing mirrors may be required if the trailer is wider than your car
• Reversing: Takes practice - steer the opposite way you want the trailer to go

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Extended Towing Mirrors

You must be able to see the road behind and along both sides of the trailer. If your trailer is wider than your car, you'll need extended towing mirrors.

Driving without adequate mirrors is illegal and dangerous.

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Penalties for Breaking Towing Rules

Offence	Penalty
Towing without correct licence	Up to £1,000 fine, 3-6 points
Exceeding weight limits	Up to £300 fine
Using outside lane on 3-lane motorway	£100 fine, 3 points
Faulty trailer lights	Up to £1,000 fine
No breakaway cable	Up to £1,000 fine

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Common Questions

Do I need a separate MOT for my trailer?

Most light trailers (under 3,500kg) don't need an MOT. However, all trailers must be roadworthy - you can still be fined for defects.

Do I need separate insurance for my trailer?

Your car insurance usually covers you for third-party liability while towing. But the trailer itself (and its contents) may not be covered. Check your policy.

Can I tow with an automatic car?

Yes, but check your car's towing capacity. Some automatics have lower limits. Also consider transmission cooling for heavy towing.

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Final Thoughts

Towing safely requires the right licence, proper equipment, and adjusted driving. Take time to learn the weight limits, speed limits, and safety checks.

If you're new to towing, consider taking a towing course. The Caravan and Motorhome Club and others offer excellent training.

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