Registration on towed car ???

[wigan pier]

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

i think you will find if the towing is done is with a solid steel tow bar and your insurance on the towing vehicle is coverd for towing you are ok as the insurance look upon it as one vehicle so mot will not be needed to move it by towing so long as the engine of the towed motor is not running but you will need a lighting board and number plate of the main motor plus reflectors of triangle shape.

 

[vwalan]

if you google ..department for transport fact sheet on aframe and towing dolly,s ...its all explained very easy to understand and if you print it and keep a copy with you it could be said you are trying your best to follow the rules .

 

[Channa]

i think you will find if the towing is done is with a solid steel tow bar and your insurance on the towing vehicle is coverd for towing you are ok as the insurance look upon it as one vehicle so mot will not be needed to move it by towing so long as the engine of the towed motor is not running but you will need a lighting board and number plate of the main motor plus reflectors of triangle shape.

If you re read my post, the fact an engine is not running on a towed vehicle has no relevance whatsoever legally.A towed vehicle is exactly that a towed vehicle and NOT a trailer and must comply with MOT and taxation rules.

Insurance cover is a totally seperate issue.

To avoid complications, all four wheels need to be suspended to fall within the definition of a trailer.

channa

 

[wigan pier]

If you re read my post, the fact an engine is not running on a towed vehicle has no relevance whatsoever legally.A towed vehicle is exactly that a towed vehicle and NOT a trailer and must comply with MOT and taxation rules.

Insurance cover is a totally seperate issue.

To avoid complications, all four wheels need to be suspended to fall within the definition of a trailer.

channa

i beg to differ on this point i took a car to the scrap yard last week towing it with my van on a solid bar with my son steering it we were stoped at a local vosa check stop driving licences ect they dipped my van tank and did a quick check of lights body work chassis of my van when it came to the scrap car nothing at all was said about mot tax ect they did a V R M check on the car then let me go so i take it that they know what there on about?

 

[Channa]

i beg to differ on this point i took a car to the scrap yard last week towing it with my van on a solid bar with my son steering it we were stoped at a local vosa check stop driving licences ect they dipped my van tank and did a quick check of lights body work chassis of my van when it came to the scrap car nothing at all was said about mot tax ect they did a V R M check on the car then let me go so i take it that they know what there on about?

In the nicest possible way , you have provided me with the answer to your question.

Vosa are more interested in red diesel, and possible contraventions of construction and use regulations, tachograph offences where applicable for which they will prosecute.

The Police however are more interested in respect of Insurance issues, MOT and failure to display road licences.

I assure you a towed vehicle with wheels on the road should be MOt'd taxed and Insured to comply with the law,In simple terms although the vehicle is being trailered it is still a motor vehicle and not exonerated from having to have Insurance valid Mot and tax ...that is really the point .If you are unable to conform with one of these elements it should be suspended on a trailer ( all wheels of the ground)

TBH I have contradicted myself a little in my early post, so for 100 percent clarification a towed vehicle is both a trailer and STILL a motor vehicle so all the rules apply re trailers and using a motorvehicle on a public road.

Of course dont take my word for it, I suggest you contact your local traffic police department and I am confident they will echo the same response.

FWIW I dont really see the relevance of a towed vehicle being MOT'd etc but I dont make up the laws

I am merely attempting to provide clarity on the legalities.

The fact you didnt receive a ticket was fortuitous, perhaps VOSA on the day were more concerned with more serious offences ?

Channa

 

[Proff]

Use these.
I use them on 5 trailers as I have 4 towing vehicles, they save a fortune on number plates and time changing same

Trailer Etc Number Plate Clips x 2, spung (R0068) on eBay (end time 28-Oct-09 17:05:40 GMT)

 

[wigan pier]

In the nicest possible way , you have provided me with the answer to your question.

Vosa are more interested in red diesel, and possible contraventions of construction and use regulations, tachograph offences where applicable for which they will prosecute.

The Police however are more interested in respect of Insurance issues, MOT and failure to display road licences.

I assure you a towed vehicle with wheels on the road should be MOt'd taxed and Insured to comply with the law,In simple terms although the vehicle is being trailered it is still a motor vehicle and not exonerated from having to have Insurance valid Mot and tax ...that is really the point .If you are unable to conform with one of these elements it should be suspended on a trailer ( all wheels of the ground)

TBH I have contradicted myself a little in my early post, so for 100 percent clarification a towed vehicle is both a trailer and STILL a motor vehicle so all the rules apply re trailers and using a motorvehicle on a public road.

Of course dont take my word for it, I suggest you contact your local traffic police department and I am confident they will echo the same response.

FWIW I dont really see the relevance of a towed vehicle being MOT'd etc but I dont make up the laws

I am merely attempting to provide clarity on the legalities.

The fact you didnt receive a ticket was fortuitous, perhaps VOSA on the day were more concerned with more serious offences ?

Channa

i did fail to say it was the police who directed me into the lay bye and also checked the licences anyway never mind you made you point ive made mine cheers

 

[Channa]

i did fail to say it was the police who directed me into the lay bye and also checked the licences anyway never mind you made you point ive made mine cheers

For clarification I would like to make one more. FWIW a legal fact and not a point.

The Road traffic Act requires any vehicle USED OR KEPT on a public highway must be MOT'd taxed and Insured.

A vehicle being towed is being used on a public highway therefore needs to be taxed Mot'd and insured. ( the towing vehicle does not necessarily have sufficient insurance cover for a towed vehicle I ave seen people fall foul of this rule )

The fact engines arent running etc is irrelevant it is still a motor vehicle and to complicate matters trailer rules apply too.

Legally that is how things stand.

The ONLY way a vehicle not adequately insured Mot'd etc can be trailered is with all four wheel suspended from the ground i.e a flatbed.

the fact VOSA the police etc may turn a blind eye on a stopcheck is exactly that a blind eye and that should be considered and applies in your case.

I would like to think I have spent enough time in magistrates courts, conversations with traffic police and magistrates themselves to have a grasp of what is actually the law.FWIW, I think there are far more important issues to be addressed than the consistent persucution of motorists and part of the reason nowadays I too have a serious reservations about our legal system. It seems more about raising revenue than actual justice.

regards

Channa

channa