Know Your Trailer Laws
U.K Trailer Lighting Laws
Trailers must be fitted with the following lights and reflectors on the rear:
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Two red position (side) lights
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Two red brake (stop) lights
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An illuminated number plate light
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Two triangular red reflectors
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Amber direction indicators that flash between 60 and 120 times per minute
If the trailer is wider than 1.3 metres, it must also be fitted with at least one red rear fog lamp.
U.K Trailer Laws - Car
You can tow trailers up to a certain weight with your car driving licence. The weight you’re allowed to tow depends on when you got your licence.
You’ll need to know the weight of both the vehicle and trailer - also known as the ‘maximum authorised mass’ (MAM).
The MAM is listed in the owner’s manual and is normally shown on a plate or sticker fitted to the vehicle or trailer.
If you got your licence before 1 January 1997
You can usually drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM.
You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
If you got your licence from 1 January 1997
You can tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM. This is known as a ‘category BE’ vehicle.
Your driving licence information shows which categories of vehicle you’re allowed to drive.
If you do not have ‘category BE’ on your physical driving licence, DVLA will add this the next time you renew your licence.
Any Other Queries
Any queries on towing laws or how they affect you, please contact us and our specialists can advise.
We can assist with which is the best trailer for you, your requirements and how to stay legal.