Registration on towed car ???

Gixermark

Guest
Hi All

Just purchasing a Nissan Micra complete with 'A' frame professionally fitted. The car doesn't require a lighting board as it has been wired to use the car's own indicators etc. :D

When towing, do I need to put my M/H number plate on the rear of the car or can I just tow with the car registration showing ? :confused:


Thanks in advance

Mark :)
 
easy one this, as soon as you fit an a-frame to anything it becomes a trailer and therefore must have a RM of the towing vehicle.

plate with some velcro would be in order me thinks ;)
 
Purely as a matter of interest.
When a car is being towed, does it have to have the ignition key in to stop the steering lock from activating? or is the steering lock removed from cars adapted for towing? or am I being thick?

Frank
 
Oooo, that's a good question Frank, I'd never consider that for cars which are professionally converted...
 
Boxerman said:
Purely as a matter of interest.
When a car is being towed, does it have to have the ignition key in to stop the steering lock from activating? or is the steering lock removed from cars adapted for towing? or am I being thick?

Frank
Click to expand...

Yes and unless I'm very much mistaken the motor must weigh under 750kg:rolleyes:
 
Yes to which question? the "am I being thick" one?

Frank
 
if I understand what mark has bought right the conversion applies the brakes of the car on overrun to the weight of the towed car is limited only by that of the tow capacity of the tow vehicle :)

but otherwise yes, you're right, if the "trailer" does not have braking applied on over-run it is limited to 750kg.

but then if the "trailer" has brakes fitted they must work on over-run so technically ..... ah balls, seem to have wandered off topic and into a mine field! lol
 
the key needs to be in the ignition or you will scrub the front tyres:rolleyes:
 
As its over 750kg the A frame must be the 'braked' type, the towing vehicle reg must be on the back of the car and I 'think' reflectors too, key must be left in with steering lock off to allow the front wheels to turn (something called the Ackerman principle I think,remember the old Scammell self steer, those were the days eh, I remember blah blah ,drifts off into a sleepy senior moment..........
 
888dee said:
easy one this, as soon as you fit an a-frame to anything it becomes a trailer and therefore must have a RM of the towing vehicle.

plate with some velcro would be in order me thinks ;)
Click to expand...

Indeed the towed vehicle does require the RM of the towing vehicle.

This may seem a little pedantic but it is important people dont fall into a potential trap one day.

Fitting an A frame does NOT make the vehicle become a trailer in a the true definition. It still has engine seats and windows which makes it still a motor vehicle. Because wheels are in contact with the road it has to be taxed and MOT'd. ( and roadworthy).

The only time these rules would not apply is if the towed vehicle is being taken to a Pre arranged MOT.

Perhaps of consideration if you ever find yourself tempted to shift a car using an A frame trailer for a friend etc.

Channa
 
Thanks all. Info taking heed of and bits required now ordered.:rolleyes:

As 888dee ( thanks ) has pointed out, the micra is about 875kg but because I have a professionally fitted 'braked' 'A' frame, this isn't a problem for me! :p

Also, as I hold a HGV class 1 licence, any law relating to towing will not apply to me ........... yehaaaaaaa ! :eek:
 
I have just finished reading "When Katie Pulled Boris" which tells the story of a couple of intrepids who bought an RV and a Mercedes A Class to pull around behind it.

Couple of points to remember. Yes the key DOES have to be in the ignition to belay the operation of the steering lock. (Don't forget to take a second key for the car, otherwise the little scrotes can help themselves to anything in the unlocked car).

They found it impossible to reverse, due to the overrun action applying the brakes on the car, Even with this disabled, I reckon it would be like trying to reverse an Australian Land Train.

The number plate on the back of the car does have to display the Reg Mark of the RV.

They had some interesting "discussions" at toll booths on the French Motorways. Some took the view that as they had two vehicles, they should pay the tolls for two vehicles. That, however was not consistantly applied.

It all seemed to be a bit too much hassle, particularly as the licence requirements for their set up meant that he had to pass the C+E test, which of course you cannot do in a single bound, I beleive you have to pass the test on a rigid truck first.

Enjoy your travels.

Tco
 
IF? The car becomes a 'trailer' then you need to display two red Triangular reflectors on the rear of the 'trailer'... if it's not a trailer, but a car being recovered then you need to display an 'On Tow' sign.
 
Mam

One important thing you must remember, is with a towcar [toad] it's not the actual weight that matters, it is it's MAM
Maximum Authorised Mass
Which is it's Maximum allowed weight..
Now Vosa has the right to issue on the spot penalties {£60} and PG9's [immediate prohibitions] they prey on Motorhome owners in service areas etc :(
Only vehicles I know that have a a MAM of LESS than 750 kgs are Aixiam or other such microcars...
EG, 3.5 tonne MAM motorhome towing a Ford KA on A frame braked or unbraked would be breaking the law IF he did not have a Class C + E license..
If he had a C+E he would still be breaking the law if the Ka was unbraked.
{ Ka weighs 660 kg empty iirc but with a MAM of 1265 kgs
technical specification | Ford Ka 1.3i Style [70] 3dr (Pre-model) Hatchback review }
it requires over run brakes..

Try working this lot out :eek:!! please do NOT turn to drink half way through :eek:

Towing trailers or caravans with vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes : Directgov - Motoring



PS. I'm OK I have a HGV [LGV] class one :) and a 106 with overun brakes behind 4.6tonne MAM Merc Hymer :)
 
Last edited:
Thank you a useful post but does not the info links you provide relate to those who passed their test after August 1 St 1997 ?

Prior to this the MAM is 8.25 tonnes ? via Grandfather rights.

Providing the combined MAM doesnt exceed this figure tis all legal.

Lucky you btw It seems I should have done my class 1 years ago when life was a tad more simple

Channa
 
Yes post 97, but we are getting younger Motorhomers nowadays....
iirc the 8.25 ton MAM is being "modified" shortly to knock most folk down to 4.25 tonne [3.5t unit 750 kg trailer...] unless they have B+E or C+E on their license...
I'm thinking of using my 4 wheel trailer [1300 kgs gross] and starting a trailer school :)
Upinmountains.jpg




Plus another few Brain burner sites from the Fuehrers>>
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_4022564
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_10037875
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_4022521
 
Last edited:
When you say they are intending to change the weight criteria (and towing) will that be on 1st Jan 2010.

If you look at the thread I started (C1 Medical) you will see why I am asking

Regards.
 
maingate said:
When you say they are intending to change the weight criteria (and towing) will that be on 1st Jan 2010.

If you look at the thread I started (C1 Medical) you will see why I am asking

Regards.
Click to expand...

Apparently, it's a dark subject, VOSA ops I've spoken to says it will be 2011...
DVLA say they have no plans within next 3 years....
But then again they work for the "Government" and they sneak all types of crap in under the radar...
 
Please see my new post/thread ‘A’ frame towing – the definitive answer! I hope this will answer all the questions raised - if not I'm sure you'll ask! I especially liked the comment "They can't reverse their A class Merc due to the over-run brakes coming on" Oops I'll watch out for them!!!!!!
 
the department for transport have issued a note its on one of there websites regarding aframes and dollies. they seem to regard a car on aframe to be a trailer. as the car as brakes on all wheels they must work at all times same as a trailer regardless of weight. as to the key in ignition that depends on the car .it may not have a steering lock or as in some smarts its not required. there is now homolagation on an aframe in france by jattel similer to one of the english frames. the break away cable can be fixed to the handbrake mecanism on the hitch just like a normal trailer.cheers alan.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0)

Back
Top