Towing a trailer or caravan opens up endless possibilities — from summer adventures and horse shows to moving equipment for work. But before you hitch up and head out, it’s vital to know whether you’re legally allowed to tow your chosen trailer or caravan in the UK.
At Towing Solutions, we help drivers, fleet operators and caravan owners stay safe and compliant on the road. Here’s our simple guide and checklist to make sure you’re towing within the law.
Check What Your Driving Licence Allows
The type of driving licence you hold determines what you can legally tow.
Licences issued before 1 January 1997
You can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass). That means you can tow larger caravans or heavy trailers without taking an additional test.
Licences issued on or after 1 January 1997
Drivers who passed their test after this date can tow:
- A trailer up to 3,500kg MAM, provided the towing vehicle is suitable.
- You no longer need to take the B+E test — it was scrapped in December 2021 — but you must still stay within your car’s towing limits.
You can check your licence categories on the back of your photocard or online at www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence.
Know Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Every vehicle has a manufacturer-stated maximum towing capacity. This is the total weight it can safely tow, including the trailer and its load.
You’ll find this in the vehicle handbook or on the VIN plate (usually found inside the driver’s door or under the bonnet).
The golden rule: Never exceed the manufacturer’s towing limit.
If you’re unsure, our Trailer Safety & Awareness Course covers how to check this and match your vehicle to the right trailer.
Understand Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM)
MAM (also called Gross Vehicle Weight) is the maximum combined weight of the trailer when fully loaded.
- Light trailers are classed as under 750kg MAM.
- Anything above that must meet extra requirements for braking, lighting and registration.
Always check the MAM of your trailer or caravan and ensure your vehicle’s towing limit covers it.
Check Brakes and Breakaway Cables
Under UK law, trailers over 750kg MAM must have their own independent braking system.
If your trailer is braked, it must also be fitted with a breakaway cable or safety chain — designed to activate the trailer’s brakes if it becomes detached.
The DVSA checks these during roadside inspections, so it’s vital they’re in good condition and correctly fitted.
Make Sure Your Lights and Number Plate Are Legal
Trailer lighting is a common cause of towing fines and MOT failures. Your trailer or caravan must have:
- Red rear lights, indicators and brake lights
- Reflectors
- Number plate matching your tow vehicle
- Working 13-pin or 7-pin electrical connection
Upgrading to Lucidity LED trailer lights improves visibility, reduces maintenance, and ensures full compliance with UK and EU lighting regulations.
Learn more about our LED lighting range here: https://www.trailersolutions.co.uk
Don’t Forget the Towbar Regulations
All towbars fitted to cars registered after 1 August 1998 must meet EC type-approval standards and be installed correctly.
You can learn how to fit and wire a towbar safely through our NTTA and IMI-approved Towbar Technician Course, available at our training centre in Macclesfield.
Load and Secure Safely
Improperly loaded trailers are a major cause of accidents. The load should be:
- Evenly distributed, with around 7–10% of the weight on the towball
- Secured using ratchet straps or restraints that meet BS EN 12195 standards
- Checked at regular intervals on long journeys
Our Loading and Securing Course is designed for drivers and businesses to meet DVSA safety expectations and prevent roadside penalties.
Quick Towing Legality Checklist
Before you tow, check:
☑ Your licence covers the vehicle and trailer combination
☑ Your car’s towing limit and the trailer’s MAM
☑ The trailer has working brakes (if over 750kg)
☑ Lights, reflectors and number plate are legal
☑ Your load is secured and evenly balanced
☑ Your towbar is approved and correctly fitted
☑ Your mirrors give a full rearward view
If you can tick all of the above, you’re legally ready to tow.
Want to Learn More?
At Towing Solutions, we deliver certificated towing and safety courses approved by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI), National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA), Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) and Towing Industry Award (TIA).
From first-time caravan owners to fleet operators, we help drivers gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to tow safely and legally.
👉 Explore our courses: /courses/type/towing/market/leisure/