Trailer Law

Maximum authorised mass (MAM)         Reference made to the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of vehicles and trailers should be taken to mean the permissible maximum weight, also known as the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 

Speed   The maximum speed limit for trailers/caravans is 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways, otherwise 50mph unless a lower road speed limit is in operation and the gross weight of the vehicle and trailer/caravan is less than 7.5 tonnes. Trailers/caravans are not permitted in the outside lane of Motorways.

Tachograph    If you are towing for commercial reasons and the combined potential weight of your tow vehicle and your trailer exceeds (GTW) 3500kg you may require a tachograph to be fitted to your vehicle.  More information

Trailer size   The maximum permissible size of trailer/caravan to be towed on the UK roads by a vehicle of less than 3500kg MAM is:

• Maximum length (excluding coupling and drawbar)…….7 metres
• Maximum width……………………………………………..2.3 metres
• Maximum weight……………………………………………3500kg

However, other restrictions to take into account include: your licence, your vehicle, and business use.

 Un-Braked Trailers up to 750kg (MAM)       Must be fitted with:

• Mudguards
• Lighting
• Suspension
• High speed tyres (tread and condition within legal limits)
• Legal number plate
• Secondary Coupling   An un-braked trailer is required by law to have a secondary coupling attaching the trailer to the vehicle.

Braked Trailers/caravans over 750kg up to 3500kg (MAM)   Must be fitted with:

• Mudguards
• Lighting
• Suspension
• High speed tyres (tread and condition within legal limits)
• Brakes fitted must be working
• Legal number plate
• Break-away Cable   Braked trailers/caravans must have a break-away cable fitted which will pull on there brakes should they become un-hitched from the towing vehicle. The break-away cable should then snap.

Trailer MOT   Currently trailers in the UK do not need an MOT.  This is likely to change in the future as it is a legal requirement in most European Countries. Check national regulations before you travel.

 American Hydrolic brakes on trailers are not deemed legal currently in the UK