What Are the Rules for Towing a Trailer in the UK? – Business Guide
If your company operates vans or fleet vehicles that tow trailers, it’s vital to understand the rules for towing a trailer in the UK. Whether you’re transporting equipment, plant, welfare units, or traffic management trailers, compliance isn’t optional – it’s a legal and safety requirement. At Towing Solutions, we work with businesses across the UK to ensure their staff tow safely, legally, and with confidence.
👉 Book a Trailer Towing Compliance Course for Your Team
Why Businesses Must Take Trailer Towing Seriously
The risks of getting trailer towing wrong are high for companies. DVSA roadside checks often lead to PG9 prohibitions when trailers are overweight, poorly maintained, or incorrectly matched to vehicles. This results in downtime, fines, reputational damage, and potential liability in the event of an accident.
Employers also have a duty of care under health & safety law to ensure employees are properly trained and vehicles are operated within legal limits. Proper trailer towing knowledge protects both your workforce and your business.
Driving Licence Rules for Trailer Towing
Since December 2021, drivers with a full UK car licence (category B) can tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) without an additional B+E test. However:
- Employers must ensure staff are competent to tow, even if they legally can.
- Some combinations over 3,500kg may trigger Driver CPC and tachograph rules for commercial use.
What Is the Maximum Towing Capacity?
The maximum braked towing limit is set by the vehicle manufacturer. Exceeding it is both unsafe and illegal. You can find this limit in:
- The vehicle handbook
- The VIN plate on the vehicle
- Manufacturer’s technical data sheets
For fleet managers, it’s essential to record this data and ensure trailers across your operations are matched to the right vehicles.
👉 Train your team to check vehicle and trailer limits
Weight Rules for Businesses
- Unbraked trailers must not exceed 750kg MAM or half the vehicle’s kerb weight, whichever is lower.
- Braked trailers must remain within the towing vehicle’s maximum limit.
- The combined Gross Train Weight (GTW) must not exceed the figure shown on the VIN plate.
What Happens If Staff Tow Above the Limit?
Exceeding legal towing limits can result in:
- DVSA prohibitions (PG9) and roadside fines
- Invalidated insurance in the event of an accident
- Vehicle damage – clutch, brakes, or transmission failure
- Increased corporate liability for managers and directors
👉 Protect your business – book towing compliance training
Trailer Safety and Legal Requirements
Businesses must ensure every trailer leaving their site meets road safety standards. Key requirements include:
- Roadworthy tyres with legal tread depth
- Working lights, reflectors, and number plates
- Towing mirrors where trailers obstruct rear vision
- Adhering to speed limits: 60mph on motorways/dual carriageways, 50mph on single carriageways
- Regular trailer servicing to prevent defects
How to Calculate What You Can Tow
Fleet managers and drivers should follow this process:
- Check the vehicle’s kerb weight.
- Check the vehicle’s maximum braked towing limit.
- Find the trailer’s MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass).
- Ensure the trailer’s MTPLM does not exceed the vehicle’s towing limit.
- Stay within the Gross Train Weight (GTW).
For risk reduction, many companies follow the 80/20 rule, keeping trailers under 85% of vehicle kerb weight for stability.
Watch: Trailer Towing Training Video
Specialist B2B Towing & Trailer Safety Courses
We don’t just cover basic towing. Towing Solutions provides a full range of business-focused training courses designed to keep your workforce safe and compliant:
- Trailer Safety & Awareness – daily checks, defect reporting, and legal compliance
- Loading & Securing – correct methods to secure loads safely and avoid DVSA penalties
- Tachographs & Compliance for Trailers – understanding when tachograph and Driver CPC rules apply
- EV & Hybrid Van Towing – specialist training for modern fleets adopting electric and hybrid vans
👉 Enquire About B2B Trailer Safety Courses
Final Thoughts
The rules for towing a trailer in the UK are clear: stay within weight limits, ensure roadworthiness, and keep drivers trained. For businesses, this isn’t just about compliance – it’s about protecting staff, reducing downtime, and safeguarding your reputation.
👉 To ensure your drivers and fleet remain compliant, book your Trailer Towing Course today. Click here to book online, email us at [email protected], or call 01625 433 251.