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Roads Policing Message

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Towing a Trailer/Caravan

Category B Driving Licence

A category B driving licence allows the holder to drive vehicles having a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) not exceeding 3500kg, designed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.

A category B driving licence is the licence you obtain when you pass your driving test. It’s the licence that the majority of people in this country hold and use to drive on a daily basis. It allows the holder to drive cars, suv’s, 4x4’s and vans which do not exceed 3500kg (three and a half tonnes).

A category B driving licence also allows the holder to tow a trailer behind their vehicle. However, this applies to a trailer with a maximum weight not greater than 750kg, or where the maximum weight of the trailer is more than 750kg, the combined maximum weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer is not greater than 3500kg. The holder of a category B learner permit may not tow any trailer – whatever the size.

If the combined maximum weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer exceed 3500kg, the driver will need a category BE driving licence. A category BE driving licence can be obtained after successfully completing a specific driving test. It allows the holder to drive a vehicle and trailer combination not exceeding 7000kg.

Whether you tow a trailer for work or for domestic reasons, it is important to know your legal obligations and ensure you do not drive a vehicle or tow a trailer that your driving licence may not cover. You also need to know the following:

  • the towing capacity of your vehicle
  • the load carrying capacity of your trailer
  • the unladen weight of the trailer

You must ensure that you do not exceed these. The weight of the trailer and its load combined should not exceed the manufacturer’s specified towing capacity for your towing vehicle. To find out the towing capacity of your vehicle, consult your owner’s handbook or the manufacturer’s statutory plate affixed to the vehicle.

To find out the load carrying capacity of your trailer, consult the manufacturer’s statutory plate affixed to it for its MAM. The unladen weight of the trailer will also be on the statutory plate.

The RSA has prepared a short video clip to provide you with a step by step guide to trailer towing entitlements. The video is available from: www.youtube.com/ RSAIreland.

Examples of Trailer Offences encountered by Gardaí

This trailer was encountered in Dublin. It was overloaded and the load was unsecure. The trailer also had no rear lights or indicators.

This trailer which contained 30 sheep was stopped by Gardaí in Co. Wicklow. It was missing a wheel when encountered.

This 4x4 and trailer was stopped by Gardaí in Dublin. It was towing a trailer which contained a digger. The digger was unsecure and the driver did not have the correct driving licence to drive the vehicle.

The driver of this 4x4 which was towing a trailer and boat was encountered by Gardaí in Co. Kerry. There was no lights or indicators on the trailer and the driver was not licenced or insured to drive the vehicle.

Gardaí in Co. Clare detected this car which was towing a trailer travelling at 133 kph on the M18 motorway. The maximum speed allowed when towing a trailer is 80kph. Also there was no registration plate attached to the trailer.

This 4x4 and livestock trailer was stopped by Gardaí in Co. Westmeath. The trailer contained two horses at the time. Upon inspection of the trailer it was found to have two excessively worn tyres.

Speed

The additional weight of the load on the trailer must also be considered when you are deciding what speed is safest for your journey. Always drive at a speed that is appropriate to your experience as well as the road and traffic conditions. Be aware that the maximum legal speed limit for a vehicle drawing a trailer on any road is 80 kilometres per hour unless a lower speed limit sign is posted. These speeds apply even if the towing vehicle is a 4x4.

Tips for Towing a Caravan

If towing a caravan this summer the following tips may be helpful;

  • Make sure your side mirrors allow you to see down both sides of your caravan. Attach extension mirrors where necessary.
  • Make sure brakes and lights work correctly and that wheels, tyres, wheel bearings and the suspension are in good condition.
  • Never allow passengers travel in the caravan when you are towing it. All passengers should always travel in the towing vehicle.
  • Make sure you hitch the caravan to your car correctly ensuring safety breakaway cable is secured in place and in good condition. Packing up after your holiday can be stressful and it’s important that you don’t get distracted when hitching up your caravan.
  • Drive at the right speed. The maximum legal speed limit for a vehicle towing a caravan is 80km/h.
  • At some point you are going to have to reverse, which can be quite difficult. It’s a good idea to practice reversing your caravan before the trip.
  • Your caravan will affect how your car performs and how well you can control it. In particular, towing a caravan increases the amount of fuel your car uses and decreases its ability to accelerate and brake. It is wise to practice towing a caravan on short trips before you attempt a long journey.