Towing a broken-down vehicle

See Table below.

Yes, but only to bring it to the nearest place of safety or repair. However, it should only be towed in the event that no professional towing service is available.

Any drawbar, chain or other towing device including any special fitting for the attachment of such drawbar, chain, or towing device.

A vehicle which has broken-down on the road and needs to be towed. However, it should only be towed in the event that no professional towing service is available.

Yes. The towed vehicle will be treated as a trailer. However, regulations for lifting devices fall under the remit of the HSA and you should contact them for more information.

There is no law against towing a broken-down vehicle using a rope or chain, provided it is strong enough to withstand the demands of towing a vehicle and it is only used to bring the broken-down vehicle to the nearest place of safety or repair.

If the broken-down vehicle is blocking traffic or likely to cause an accident, it should immediately be towed to the nearest place of safety or repair. If you are unable to tow the vehicle, contact a recovery operator who will transport the vehicle safely there.

Yes, but the speed must not exceed 32 km/h and must only be towed to the nearest convenient place of safety or repair.

We advise against this. If a vehicle breaks down on the motorway, try to move it to the hard shoulder and switch on your hazard lights and contact a vehicle recovery operator.

A vehicle towing, whether it be a trailer or broken-down vehicle must not exceed 80 km/h. If a lower speed limit sign is posted this must be obeyed at all times.

Yes, but by law towing a broken-down vehicle is the same as towing a trailer so the following rules apply:

• Carrying capacity: The weight of the broken-down vehicle cannot be more than the carrying capacity of the towing device if one is used e.g. A-Frame, towing dolly, drawbar etc.
• Towing capacity: The weight of both the broken-down vehicle and the towing device cannot be more than the manufacturer’s rated towing capacity for your vehicle.
• Licence: The driver of the towing vehicle must be the holder of category BE licence and the driver steering the broken-down vehicle must also hold the appropriate licence for that vehicle.

Yes. But you must hold an appropriate driving licence and ensure that the vehicle’s towing capacity is high enough to tow this weight.

Yes. Provided your towing vehicle has a sufficient towing capacity and you hold the relevant category BE driving licence. Contact vehicle manufacturer to obtain the towing capacity for your vehicle.

Yes. The maximum legal speed limit for towing an A-frame on a motorway is 80 km/h. If a lower speed limit sign is posted then this must be obeyed at all times. You must also hold the appropriate driving licence.

Yes. You must always stay in the left lane. You should not enter the right lane or lane nearest the central median unless there is an obstruction in the left lane and if so, you must warn traffic accordingly.

No.