Need to attach a trailer or caravan to your car? There are some laws you need to know before you tow.

The UK towing laws were changed in December 2021, and if you haven’t towed since, you might need to re-familiarise yourself with these updates. 

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the new towing laws in the UK, whether you need a towing caravan licence, and how to stay safe while towing.

Do I need a towing licence?

As of the 16th December 2021, you don’t need an additional towing licence.

However, you will need a full UK driving licence if you intend to tow a caravan, horsebox, trailer or boat behind your car.

The one scenario where you need a towing licence is if your trailer’s maximum authorised mass (MASS) is over 3,500kg. 

Can all driving licences tow in the UK?

In the past, not all driver’s licences were equal. But today, all licences can tow. 

Before the 2021 new towing laws, only those who had their test before 1st January 1997 could tow. These licenses allowed towing of a car and trailers with a combined weight of 8,250kg. 

If you passed your test after 1st January 1997, you would have had to pass another test for an extra towing licence. 

The towing law changes in 2021 now allow all licences to tow up to 3,500kg as mandatory towing tests have been stopped. 

Towing weight differences for UK driving licences

So, now all licences can tow caravans and trailers. However, there are still different restrictions depending on when you passed your test.

Here’s a quick overview of the different weight allowances:

• Passed before 1 January 1997 — You can tow trailers up to 750kg or a combination of car and trailer up to 8,250kg (subject to conditions).
• Passed after 1 January 1997 — You can tow up to 3,500kg with a car and trailer combined. For a trailer over 750kg, the combined total must not exceed 3,500kg.
• Passed after 19 January 2013 — You need to pass a further driving test to tow anything heavier than 3,500kg combined. However, anything less than this is okay. 

If you break the towing law limits, you can be banned from driving, fined up to £1,000, and you may receive six points on your driving licence. 

Finding out your maximum vehicle and tow weight

The new towing laws are based on combined weight limits, which you can determine by checking your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. 

This information is typically found in your car's handbook or on the manufacturer's website. Understanding this weight limit is essential to ensure compliance with legal requirements when towing.

Can't find the permissible weight? You can skip the handbook and calculate it by subtracting the vehicle's kerb weight from its maximum allowable mass (MAM). 

These figures, which include the car, trailer, passengers, and luggage, are also referred to as Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Gross Train Weight (GTW). 

Any trailer over 750kg must be braked, and caravans, which range from 1,000kg to 2,500kg, typically require brakes. For example, a Vauxhall Corsa can tow up to 1,200kg, except for the 75bhp 1.2-litre model, which is limited to 500kg. 

The higher towing limit suits small caravans, but adding passengers and luggage may increase the weight. Smaller hatchbacks and city cars are better for lighter trailers.

Caravan and trailer towing size restrictions

Alongside weight guidance, you should remember size restrictions. 

A trailer can be up to 7 meters long and 2.55 meters wide. But if it’s wider than your car, mirror extenders are required. 

While the maximum height isn’t clearly defined, keeping it under 1.7 times the trailer’s track width (usually around 3 meters) is recommended. 

Pro Tip: The minimum clearance under most UK bridges is 5 meters. So, keep this in mind if you want to move tall items.

Can electric cars tow trailers and caravans?

Yes, some electric vehicles are suitable for towing. However, since EVs rely on charging points, they might not be ideal for towing long distances.

If you want to tow using an EV, consider larger electric SUVs, which can tow larger weights. 

Is there an age limit on the new towing laws?

No—towing laws have always required drivers to be 18 years old. 

Special towing licences and courses aren’t needed anymore, but they’re still recommended for all ages to help you become familiar with driving with a trailer or caravan.

Do you need car insurance when towing?

No, there’s no law that says you need car insurance for your caravan or trailer.

However, it’s a good idea to check your coverage or opt for coverage that includes towing to protect you against potential damages or loss.

Some comprehensive policies cover towing, but others only offer third-party liability. This covers you for property damages or injuries, but not any problems with the actual trailer.

Final tips for safety with the new towing laws in the UK

Whether it’s your first time towing or not, brushing up on safety tips is always a good idea. 

Here are some best practice towing suggestions:

• Adhere to speed limits and cap yourself at 60mph on motorways and duel carriageways
• Practice reversing and other manoeuvres with a caravan before a long drive to improve your skills and avoid accidents
• Double-check that all loose items or cargo is secured down before you set off
• Avoid sudden movements — always make smooth turns where possible 
• Increase the stopping distance between you and other vehicles
• Avoid making your trailer weight more than 85% of your car’s curb weight

How Bumper can help

Last-minute repairs and emergency expenses can take the fun out of any road trips or caravan holidays. But it doesn't have to be an expensive affair.

With Bumper, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra fee. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.