Laws on using light trailers
Answering your top questions.
From registration, licensing and insurance to plating, testing and towing rules, we provide straightforward answers to your top queries about the laws applying to light trailer usage.
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FAQs about the law on using light trailers
All new light trailers sold after 29 October 2012 must legally be plated.
You can contact an existing trailer manufacturer in your area and ask them if they are willing to plate it for you.
Yes, unless the DGVW is under 750 kg. The number plate on your vehicle must be always visible. If the trailer obstructs your number plate you will need to attach another number plate with the towing vehicle’s registration number on the light trailer as well.
Insurance queries should be directed to your insurance company.
Only trailers over 3,500 kg must be roadworthiness tested. However, under Road Traffic law trailers must be always maintained in a roadworthy condition when used in a public place. Contact the original manufacturer for advice on servicing intervals and part replacement.
Since 29 October 2012, all new trailers must be type approved and hold a certificate of conformity. This means that the trailer has met a European safety and quality standard.
The speed limit is 80 km/h. unless a lower speed limit sign is posted which must be obeyed at all times.
B Licence | BE Licence |
A trailer whose DGVW is not more than 750 kg, or | A trailer whose DGVW is not more than 3,500 kg, or |
If the trailer’s DGVW is more than 750 kg but the design gross combination weight (DGCW) of the vehicle + trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg. | If the trailer’s DGVW is more than 750 kg and not more than 3,500 kg but the design gross combination weight (DGCW) of the vehicle + trailer does not exceed 7,000 kg. |
You will need to check the towing capacity of your car. See our FAQ on Calculating the Towing Capacity of a Vehicle.
No. A two-wheel drive is fine provided the weight of the loaded trailer does not exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle i.e., how much it can tow.
No. However the DGVW of the three- axle trailer must not exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle and you must hold the appropriate driving licence.
Yes. Trailers attached to vehicles that are used in public places must be equipped with:
- Functioning white side lamps
- Red rear lamps
- Red stop lamps
- Amber directional indicators
- Identification mark lighting and
- Rear red reflectors.
Any cracked or broken lenses must be replaced. Always ensure that your trailer lights have been connected, clean, working properly and clearly visible.
Under UN-ECE Regulation 48, reversing lights are mandatory on O2, O3 and O4 category trailers with DGVW of more than 750 kg but are optional on O1 category trailers with DGVW of 750 kg or less. Reversing lights are compulsory on all new trailers manufactured since 29 October 2012.
Yes, if the tow bar is being used to tow a trailer. If the tow bar is not being used to tow a trailer, then a power socket is not required.
Yes. The legal requirement is a minimum of 1.6 mm. For safety reasons it is recommended that each tyre should have at least 3 mm tread depth. Most new tyres have 8 mm.