Towing Regulations
Understanding Towing Regulations
“Towing capacity” and “maximum authorised mass (MAM)” refer to the maximum permissible weight of a vehicle or trailer.
Even if you do not plan to tow at full capacity, MAM determines licensing and safety requirements.
What You Can Tow
If You Passed Your Test Before 1 January 1997
You may tow a combined vehicle and trailer up to 8,250 kg MAM.
If You Passed Your Test On or After 1 January 1997
As of 16 December 2021, drivers with a standard car licence may tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM without taking an additional test.
If you wish to drive a larger vehicle — such as a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes — you’ll need a Category C or C1 licence.
For Northern Ireland, visit nidirect.gov.uk for local rules.
Training Courses
Even experienced drivers benefit from professional towing instruction.
Accredited trainers offer courses for all skill levels, including:
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First-time towing
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Returning to towing after a break
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Handling larger or specialist trailers (e.g., caravans or horseboxes)
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Skills refreshers for regular towers
A list of approved trainers is available on gov.uk
When choosing a trainer, check:
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Their training specialisation
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Course costs, which vary by provider
For detailed towing requirements, see DVLA Factsheet INF30 – “Requirements for Towing Trailers in Great Britain.”
Download it from gov.uk or call 0300 790 6801.
Safe Towing Practices
Vehicle and Trailer Combination
Consult your vehicle handbook or manufacturer for:
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The maximum trailer mass your vehicle can tow
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The maximum noseweight allowed on the tow ball
Never exceed these limits.
For unbraked trailers, additional legal weight limits apply — check your vehicle’s documentation.
As a general rule, especially for new towers, keep your trailer’s loaded weight below 85% of the vehicle’s kerb (empty) weight for stability.
Remember: the total length of a car–trailer combination can be double that of a typical car.
Mirrors
You must fit towing mirrors if your trailer or load is wider than your vehicle or restricts rear visibility.
Failing to do so is illegal and dangerous.
Stabilisers
A tow bar stabiliser improves stability, especially in side winds or when overtaken by large vehicles.
However, it cannot compensate for poor loading or unsuitable vehicle–trailer combinations.
Always load correctly and within limits.
Trailer Coupling
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Unbraked trailers must have a secondary coupling (e.g., safety chain).
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Braked trailers must be fitted with a breakaway cable, designed to apply the brakes automatically if the trailer becomes detached.