Towing Rules in the UK: Licences, Limits, and the Law

Summary

• Licence rules changed in 2021: Since December 2021, you no longer need a separate test to tow. But there are still weight limits based on when you passed.
• Speed limits are lower when towing: 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
• Overloading is illegal and dangerous: Check your car's maximum towing weight in the handbook or V5C. See our V5C guide for details.

Whether you're towing a caravan, trailer, horsebox, or boat, there are rules you must follow. Getting it wrong can mean a fine, points, or worse — an accident.

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Licence Requirements

Passed After 1 January 1997

• Before December 2021: You could drive a car and trailer with a combined MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) of 3,500kg. For anything heavier, you needed a B+E test.
• From December 2021: The B+E test requirement was removed. You can now tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM with a standard Category B licence.

Passed Before 1 January 1997

You can tow a trailer and vehicle with a combined MAM of up to 8,250kg. This gives much more flexibility.

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Understanding Weight Limits

Term	What It Means
MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass)	The maximum weight when fully loaded. Found on the vehicle plate and V5C.
Kerb weight	The car's weight without passengers or luggage.
Towing capacity	The maximum weight your car is designed to tow. Check the handbook.
Nose weight	The downward force the trailer puts on the tow bar. Usually 50–100kg max.

As a general rule, the loaded trailer should never weigh more than 85% of the car's kerb weight. This keeps the combination stable.

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Speed Limits When Towing

Road Type	Without Trailer	With Trailer
Built-up areas	30mph	30mph
Single carriageway	60mph	50mph
Dual carriageway	70mph	60mph
Motorway	70mph	60mph

You must also stay in the left lane on motorways with three or more lanes, unless overtaking.

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Towing Safety Tips

1. Check tyre pressures: On both the car and trailer. Towing puts extra stress on tyres.
2. Use towing mirrors: If the trailer is wider than the car, you must fit extension mirrors. It's the law.
3. Distribute weight evenly: Heavy items should go low and over the axle. Don't overload the rear.
4. Practice reversing: Reversing with a trailer takes practice. Find an empty car park and try it.
5. Leave extra stopping distance: A car and trailer takes much longer to stop.

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Penalties for Breaking Towing Rules

• Towing without a valid licence: Up to £1,000 fine and 3–6 penalty points.
• Overloading: Prohibition notice (can't drive until fixed), plus a fine of up to £300.
• No towing mirrors: Up to £1,000 fine.
• Speeding while towing: Standard speeding penalties apply — fines and points.

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