UK Trailer Towing Laws: The Essentials
UK trailer towing laws changed significantly on 16 December 2021, when the government restored the right for most car licence holders to tow a trailer without needing a separate B+E licence test. However, the rules are more nuanced than many drivers realise, and getting them wrong can result in a fine, points on your licence, or your vehicle being impounded.
What Can You Tow on a Standard Car Licence?
If you passed your car test on or after 1 January 1997 and your licence was issued on or after 16 December 2021, you can tow trailers up to the following limits:
- The combined weight of the towing vehicle and trailer must not exceed the towing vehicle's maximum authorised mass (MAM).
- The trailer's MAM must not exceed the towing vehicle's kerbweight.
- The combined MAM of the outfit must not exceed 8.25 tonnes.
In practice, this means most car and van drivers can tow a standard caravan, horse trailer, or boat trailer without any additional licence test — provided the weights are within the vehicle's towing capacity.
When Do You Need a B+E Licence?
A B+E licence is required if the combined MAM of your vehicle and trailer exceeds 8.25 tonnes, or if the trailer's MAM exceeds 3.5 tonnes. This is most relevant for drivers towing heavy plant trailers, large horseboxes, or commercial trailers behind a van or light vehicle.
Towing with an HGV Licence
| Licence category | What you can tow |
|---|---|
| Category C (Class 2) | Rigid HGV + trailer up to 750 kg MAM |
| Category C+E (Class 1) | Rigid HGV + trailer over 750 kg MAM (articulated lorry) |
| Category C1 | C1 vehicle + trailer up to 750 kg MAM |
| Category C1+E | C1 vehicle + trailer over 750 kg MAM (up to combined 12 tonnes) |
| Category D1 | D1 minibus + trailer up to 750 kg MAM |
| Category D1+E | D1 minibus + trailer over 750 kg MAM |
Key Rules for All Towing
- Speed limits: When towing, the speed limit on single carriageways is 50 mph (not 60 mph), and on dual carriageways and motorways it is 60 mph (not 70 mph).
- Motorway lane restrictions: Vehicles towing trailers are not permitted to use the outside lane of a motorway with 3 or more lanes.
- Trailer brakes: Trailers over 750 kg MAM must have their own braking system.
- Lighting: All trailers must have working rear lights, brake lights, and indicators. Trailers over a certain width must also have side marker lights.
- Number plates: The trailer must display the same registration number as the towing vehicle on a properly illuminated plate.
- Insurance: Check that your motor insurance policy covers towing. Many policies include trailer cover, but some do not.
Overseas Towing
If you are towing in Europe or other overseas destinations, the rules may differ from UK law. Some countries require a B+E licence for all trailer towing regardless of weight. Always check the towing rules for your destination country before travelling.
Do You Need Towing Training?
While a separate test is no longer required for most car licence holders, towing safely requires skill and practice. GS Driver Training offers B+E towing training for drivers who want to tow heavier trailers or who need a B+E licence for commercial purposes. Contact us for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a caravan on my car licence?
Yes — provided the combined weight of your car and caravan does not exceed your car's MAM and the combined outfit does not exceed 8.25 tonnes. Check your car's V5C logbook for its towing capacity.
Do I need a licence to tow a horsebox?
It depends on the weight. A standard car licence covers most light horseboxes. Larger horseboxes with a MAM over 3.5 tonnes require a C1 licence (if the horsebox is a self-propelled vehicle) or a B+E licence (if it is a trailer). See our horsebox licence guide for full details.
What is the maximum speed when towing?
50 mph on single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways — regardless of the national speed limit for that road.
