Post by bedbug on Jul 2, 2014 21:33:28 GMT
My notes on towing law. probably well out of date so pls ammend.
Towball height
According to EC Directive 94/20/EC the towball height before hitching should be between 350 and 420mm with the vehicle in the ‘laden’ condition. Alternatively, the towball may be at the height or within the height range specified by the vehicle manufacturer in the homologation documents / vehicle handbook.
The height of the trailer coupling should be 385 to 455mm with the trailer in the ‘laden’ condition. ‘Laden condition’ in this instance is when the trailer is loaded to its maximum specified mass, with this evenly distributed over the loading area.
Trailers must have on the back two red sidelights, two red stop lamps, an illuminated number plate and two triangular red reflectors plus amber indicators designed to flash between 60 and 120 times per minute. If they are more than 1.3m wide, they must also have at least one red fog lamp. All trailers built after Sept 30th 1990 require front reflectors. They must have front reflectors and, if they are more than 1.6 metres wide, front position lights.
Requirements:
( A ) If, in the case of direction indicators, it is not possible to meet the maximum height requirements, this dimension can be increased to 2300mm.
( B ) If, in the case of the rear position (tail) lamps and stop lamps, it is not possible to meet the maximum height requirements, this dimension can be increased to 2100mm.
( C ) On trailers manufactured after 1 October 1985, the maximum height of the red triangular reflectors can be increased to 1200mm if necessary.
( D ) Trailers manufactured after 1 October 1985 require numberplates, illuminated by an 'E' or 'e' marked lamp. If a clear window in the rear position lamp is approved, this can be used instead of a separate numberplate lamp but must be fitted to the manufacturer's instructions with regard to distance from the numberplate.
( E ) At least one rear fog light is mandatory on trailers over 1.3 m wide. Two lamps are preferred but, if only one is fitted, it must be to the offside or on the centre line of the trailer.
( F ) No maximum distance from the outer edge of the trailer is stated for a fog lamp(s) but there must be a minimum distance of 100mm from the stop lamp.
( G ) The distance of the direction indicator from the side of the trailer may not exceed the actual distance of the rear lamp by more than 50mm.
( H ) Trailers manufactured after 1 October 1985 which are more than 1600mm wide, (except boat trailers) require front position lamps (clear lens).
Brake Requirements
( A ) Braked trailers manufactured pre Oct. 1982 may be fitted with a spring damped coupling as a replacement item.
( B ) Braked trailers manufactured after Oct. 1982 must be fitted with a coupling that incorporates a hydraulic damper.
( C ) Braked trailers manufactured after Oct. 1982 require brakes that comply with EC Directives. If brakes are required, all wheels must be braked. (if manufactured in or after 1968)
( D ) Any braked trailers manufactured after April 1989 must be fitted with a hydraulically damped coupling and auto reverse brakes to give braking efficiencies required by EEC Directive 71/320 (ECE13).
( E ) The size of the ball coupling on braked and unbraked trailers must be 50mm to ISO and BSI Standards. The use of old 2-inch unit is not recommended.
( F ) Unbraked trailers manufactured after 1 Jan 1997 must be fitted with a secondary coupling that will provide some residual steering in the event of an unplanned uncoupling. This device should also prevent the ball coupling hitting the ground in similar circumstances. It must be connected to the towing vehicle when the trailer is being towed.
( G ) Braked trailers must be fitted with a parking brake that operates on at least two road wheels on the same axle. At all times it must be capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action without the use of hydraulic, electric or pneumatic systems – i.e. Operated by rod or cable action. The efficiency of the handbrake must also comply with EEC Directive 71/320/EEC; i.e. It must be capable of holding a stationary trailer on a gradient of at least 16% (1 in 6.25)
( H ) An emergency breakaway cable must be fitted to the parking brake linkage and the other end clipped or fixed round some fixture on the towing vehicle so that, in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle, the cable will apply the parking brake automatically, before snapping itself. It is not recommended to loop the cable round the towball. (But do so if there is no alternative attachment point.) It is a separate offence not to use the breakaway cable provided.
( I ) A secondary coupling as per ( F ) must be fitted to a braked trailer manufactured before 1982 that has a manual handbrake arrangement . (A secondary coupling can also be fitted to a braked trailer with hydraulic damping, manufactured after 1982. In such cases, great care should be taken to ensure that the secondary coupling is appropriate in terms of the weight of the trailer (esp. If it is over 1000kg.). Also the operation of the breakaway cable is likely to be prejudiced.)
There appears to be gap in the law after the 3500kg trailer part. If an unladen trailer ways Less than 1024kg but can carry more than 3500kg's then no HGV tax & MOT plate is rq'd. But, if less than 1024 and built after 82, regulations demand that all trailers, including unbraked ones, must be clearly marked with their maximum gross weight in kg. This may be checked at any time by the police at a weighbridge. Since 1st January 1997, all unbraked trailer plates must show the year of manufacture
Plate details...
Manufacturers name and address chassis or serial number and model number
Number of axles
Maximum weight per axle maximum
Nose weight of coupling
Maximum gross weight (G.V.W.)
Date of manufacture
But if it's under 1024 and built prior to 82 no plate at all.
Track width
A vehicle's track, or track width, is the distance between the center line of each of the two wheels on the same axle.
I can only assume that this shouldn't exceed the maximum trailer width of 2.55m or 8.37 feet?
Towing vehicle over 3500kg GVW
Length (excluding the coupling and drawbar): 12m (min 4 wheels)
The drawbar, is the piece of metal the hitch is mounted on. This cannot be disputed if it is single piece of metal from the hitch to the first point of contact of the trailer. Not being used for any other purpose, no tool box or spare wheel or winch post mounts, no lashing eyes.
Width Maximum: 2.55m 2.9m Inc overhangs
Length of towing vehicle and trailer combined: 18m, not including load overhang
Maximum overhang of load from rear of trailer: 3.05m
All wheels must be braked. Braked trailers must be fitted with a breakaway cable. This must be attached to the towing vehicle in such a manner so that, should the trailer become detached, the breakaway cable will operate the trailer's brakes.
Braked trailers must be fitted with a parking brake that operates on at least two road wheels on the same axle.
Trailers in excess of 3500kg fully laden must have fully powered brakes operated by the braking system of the towing vehicle.
"Long Vehicle" Marker Plate:
Not required for light trailers.
These are a legal requirement only for trailers over 3500kg or where the towing vehicle is over 7500kg gross weight. When they are required, different plates are required depending on the length of the vehicle. Details can be found in the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, Schedule 18.
Lighting for Trailers
Trailers must have two red sidelights, two red stop lights, a number plate light, two triangular red reflectors and amber indicators (which flash between 60 and 120 times per minute) at the rear. Trailers over 1.3m wide must also have one fog lamp, mounted either in the centre of the vehilce or to the right of centre. Front reflectors are required for trailers less than 1.6m wide and front position lights for trailers wider than 1.6m.
If the trailer or the load projects more than 400mm outside of the towing vehicles widest marker light then additional forward facing White marker lights will be Needed on either the trailer, load or lighting board.
Taxation
Heavier Goods Vehicles towing trailers below 4000kg GW do not come within a trailer taxation class and therefore do not have to pay additional Excise Duty. What about trailer weighing under 1024kg? Built before 1982 and with no plate?
Mirror requirements
The tables below summarise the number, type and standard of mirror required to be fitted to various types of vehicle. In addition, the following requirements should also be met:
i. each mirror must be fixed to the vehicle in such a way that it remains steady under normal driving conditions;
ii. each exterior mirror on a vehicle fitted with windows and a windscreen shall be visible to the driver, when in his driving position, through a side window or through the portion of the windscreen which is swept by the windscreen wiper;
iii. where the bottom edge of an exterior mirror is less than 2m above the road surface when the vehicle is laden, that mirror shall not project more than 20cm beyond the overall width of the vehicle or, if the vehicle is drawing a trailer which is wider than drawing vehicle, more than 20cm beyond the overall width of the trailer;
iv. each interior mirror shall be capable of being adjusted by the driver when in his driving position;
v. except in the case of a mirror which, if knocked out of its alignment can be returned to its former position without needing to be adjusted, each exterior mirror on the drivers side of the vehicle shall be capable of being adjusted by the driver when in his driving position. This requirement does not prevent such a mirror from being locked into position from the outside of the vehicle.
Towball height
According to EC Directive 94/20/EC the towball height before hitching should be between 350 and 420mm with the vehicle in the ‘laden’ condition. Alternatively, the towball may be at the height or within the height range specified by the vehicle manufacturer in the homologation documents / vehicle handbook.
The height of the trailer coupling should be 385 to 455mm with the trailer in the ‘laden’ condition. ‘Laden condition’ in this instance is when the trailer is loaded to its maximum specified mass, with this evenly distributed over the loading area.
Trailers must have on the back two red sidelights, two red stop lamps, an illuminated number plate and two triangular red reflectors plus amber indicators designed to flash between 60 and 120 times per minute. If they are more than 1.3m wide, they must also have at least one red fog lamp. All trailers built after Sept 30th 1990 require front reflectors. They must have front reflectors and, if they are more than 1.6 metres wide, front position lights.
Requirements:
( A ) If, in the case of direction indicators, it is not possible to meet the maximum height requirements, this dimension can be increased to 2300mm.
( B ) If, in the case of the rear position (tail) lamps and stop lamps, it is not possible to meet the maximum height requirements, this dimension can be increased to 2100mm.
( C ) On trailers manufactured after 1 October 1985, the maximum height of the red triangular reflectors can be increased to 1200mm if necessary.
( D ) Trailers manufactured after 1 October 1985 require numberplates, illuminated by an 'E' or 'e' marked lamp. If a clear window in the rear position lamp is approved, this can be used instead of a separate numberplate lamp but must be fitted to the manufacturer's instructions with regard to distance from the numberplate.
( E ) At least one rear fog light is mandatory on trailers over 1.3 m wide. Two lamps are preferred but, if only one is fitted, it must be to the offside or on the centre line of the trailer.
( F ) No maximum distance from the outer edge of the trailer is stated for a fog lamp(s) but there must be a minimum distance of 100mm from the stop lamp.
( G ) The distance of the direction indicator from the side of the trailer may not exceed the actual distance of the rear lamp by more than 50mm.
( H ) Trailers manufactured after 1 October 1985 which are more than 1600mm wide, (except boat trailers) require front position lamps (clear lens).
Brake Requirements
( A ) Braked trailers manufactured pre Oct. 1982 may be fitted with a spring damped coupling as a replacement item.
( B ) Braked trailers manufactured after Oct. 1982 must be fitted with a coupling that incorporates a hydraulic damper.
( C ) Braked trailers manufactured after Oct. 1982 require brakes that comply with EC Directives. If brakes are required, all wheels must be braked. (if manufactured in or after 1968)
( D ) Any braked trailers manufactured after April 1989 must be fitted with a hydraulically damped coupling and auto reverse brakes to give braking efficiencies required by EEC Directive 71/320 (ECE13).
( E ) The size of the ball coupling on braked and unbraked trailers must be 50mm to ISO and BSI Standards. The use of old 2-inch unit is not recommended.
( F ) Unbraked trailers manufactured after 1 Jan 1997 must be fitted with a secondary coupling that will provide some residual steering in the event of an unplanned uncoupling. This device should also prevent the ball coupling hitting the ground in similar circumstances. It must be connected to the towing vehicle when the trailer is being towed.
( G ) Braked trailers must be fitted with a parking brake that operates on at least two road wheels on the same axle. At all times it must be capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action without the use of hydraulic, electric or pneumatic systems – i.e. Operated by rod or cable action. The efficiency of the handbrake must also comply with EEC Directive 71/320/EEC; i.e. It must be capable of holding a stationary trailer on a gradient of at least 16% (1 in 6.25)
( H ) An emergency breakaway cable must be fitted to the parking brake linkage and the other end clipped or fixed round some fixture on the towing vehicle so that, in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle, the cable will apply the parking brake automatically, before snapping itself. It is not recommended to loop the cable round the towball. (But do so if there is no alternative attachment point.) It is a separate offence not to use the breakaway cable provided.
( I ) A secondary coupling as per ( F ) must be fitted to a braked trailer manufactured before 1982 that has a manual handbrake arrangement . (A secondary coupling can also be fitted to a braked trailer with hydraulic damping, manufactured after 1982. In such cases, great care should be taken to ensure that the secondary coupling is appropriate in terms of the weight of the trailer (esp. If it is over 1000kg.). Also the operation of the breakaway cable is likely to be prejudiced.)
There appears to be gap in the law after the 3500kg trailer part. If an unladen trailer ways Less than 1024kg but can carry more than 3500kg's then no HGV tax & MOT plate is rq'd. But, if less than 1024 and built after 82, regulations demand that all trailers, including unbraked ones, must be clearly marked with their maximum gross weight in kg. This may be checked at any time by the police at a weighbridge. Since 1st January 1997, all unbraked trailer plates must show the year of manufacture
Plate details...
Manufacturers name and address chassis or serial number and model number
Number of axles
Maximum weight per axle maximum
Nose weight of coupling
Maximum gross weight (G.V.W.)
Date of manufacture
But if it's under 1024 and built prior to 82 no plate at all.
Track width
A vehicle's track, or track width, is the distance between the center line of each of the two wheels on the same axle.
I can only assume that this shouldn't exceed the maximum trailer width of 2.55m or 8.37 feet?
Towing vehicle over 3500kg GVW
Length (excluding the coupling and drawbar): 12m (min 4 wheels)
The drawbar, is the piece of metal the hitch is mounted on. This cannot be disputed if it is single piece of metal from the hitch to the first point of contact of the trailer. Not being used for any other purpose, no tool box or spare wheel or winch post mounts, no lashing eyes.
Width Maximum: 2.55m 2.9m Inc overhangs
Length of towing vehicle and trailer combined: 18m, not including load overhang
Maximum overhang of load from rear of trailer: 3.05m
All wheels must be braked. Braked trailers must be fitted with a breakaway cable. This must be attached to the towing vehicle in such a manner so that, should the trailer become detached, the breakaway cable will operate the trailer's brakes.
Braked trailers must be fitted with a parking brake that operates on at least two road wheels on the same axle.
Trailers in excess of 3500kg fully laden must have fully powered brakes operated by the braking system of the towing vehicle.
"Long Vehicle" Marker Plate:
Not required for light trailers.
These are a legal requirement only for trailers over 3500kg or where the towing vehicle is over 7500kg gross weight. When they are required, different plates are required depending on the length of the vehicle. Details can be found in the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, Schedule 18.
Lighting for Trailers
Trailers must have two red sidelights, two red stop lights, a number plate light, two triangular red reflectors and amber indicators (which flash between 60 and 120 times per minute) at the rear. Trailers over 1.3m wide must also have one fog lamp, mounted either in the centre of the vehilce or to the right of centre. Front reflectors are required for trailers less than 1.6m wide and front position lights for trailers wider than 1.6m.
If the trailer or the load projects more than 400mm outside of the towing vehicles widest marker light then additional forward facing White marker lights will be Needed on either the trailer, load or lighting board.
Taxation
Heavier Goods Vehicles towing trailers below 4000kg GW do not come within a trailer taxation class and therefore do not have to pay additional Excise Duty. What about trailer weighing under 1024kg? Built before 1982 and with no plate?
Mirror requirements
The tables below summarise the number, type and standard of mirror required to be fitted to various types of vehicle. In addition, the following requirements should also be met:
i. each mirror must be fixed to the vehicle in such a way that it remains steady under normal driving conditions;
ii. each exterior mirror on a vehicle fitted with windows and a windscreen shall be visible to the driver, when in his driving position, through a side window or through the portion of the windscreen which is swept by the windscreen wiper;
iii. where the bottom edge of an exterior mirror is less than 2m above the road surface when the vehicle is laden, that mirror shall not project more than 20cm beyond the overall width of the vehicle or, if the vehicle is drawing a trailer which is wider than drawing vehicle, more than 20cm beyond the overall width of the trailer;
iv. each interior mirror shall be capable of being adjusted by the driver when in his driving position;
v. except in the case of a mirror which, if knocked out of its alignment can be returned to its former position without needing to be adjusted, each exterior mirror on the drivers side of the vehicle shall be capable of being adjusted by the driver when in his driving position. This requirement does not prevent such a mirror from being locked into position from the outside of the vehicle.