Is it illegal to occupy a car being towed?

Breaking down is always a pain, especially when the vehicle needs towing to a repair shop.

Here we look at the rules around sitting in a car that is being towed.

Is it illegal to occupy a car being towed?

It is illegal to ride in a caravan while it is being towed and this is because it is vital that weight is equally distributed, as any imbalance could lead to a crash.

But this is the opposite for a broken down car, which must have a qualified driver behind the wheel while it is being towed.

It’s important to note, however, that a sign with the words “ON TOW” must be always displayed, letting drivers behind know the situation.

If the two vehicles are attached solely by a rope or chain, the maximum distance legally permitted between them is 4.5m.

And any rope or chain used must be clearly visible by other road users when the distance between the two cars is greater than 1.5m — for example a coloured cloth could be tied in the middle.

The person in the broken down car must be a qualified driver and if it’s dark the broken down vehicle must have its lights on.

If you need to take a broken down car on a motorway, a trailer must be used — under no circumstance is it legal to tow a vehicle with another vehicle using a rope or chain on a motorway.

Can I be fined for occupying a car that is being towed?

There are strict penalties for breaking towing laws, and it is always a good idea to be clued up on what they are to avoid hefty fines, points on your licence, or even a driving ban.

The maximum fine for towing offences is £2,500.

But you won’t be met with any harsh penalties for simply being in the car that is towed.

If you own the car, of course, and it fails to meet the right guidelines for towing you could land in hot water, so it is best to make sure all the rules are being followed.

What are the laws on towing other vehicles?

In order for them to be driven on public roads, all cars must have vehicle tax paid

If a car is being towed by a rope or chain and has all four wheels on the ground, it is treated the same as any other roadworthy vehicle.

It’s an offence to drive a vehicle in the UK without road tax as it may be unsafe on public roads and could pose a danger to other drivers.

In December 2021, changes to vehicle towing weights were implemented.

If your licence was issued BEFORE January 1, 1997: You are allowed to drive a combined vehicle and trailer weight of 8,250 kg MAM (maximum authorised mass).

If your license was issued BETWEEN January 1, 1997 and January 19, 2013: You can drive a car or van of up to 3,500 kg MAM towing a caravan of up to 750 kg MAM. You can also tow a trailer over this weight providing that the combined MAM of both vehicles does not exceed 3,500 kg.

If your license was issued AFTER January 19, 2013: You are permitted to tow trailers under 750 kg MAM, or trailers heavier than that if the two vehicles’ combined weight is no more than 3,500 kg MAM.